As I look back at this year, I’m reminded of all the moments—big and small—that have shaped me. It’s been a year of personal growth, health challenges, and continued efforts to balance family life, work, and home renovations. There have been highs and lows, and lower than the low…
Health Scare: The year began with an unexpected health issue that sidelined me for three months. After a hospital visit and a course of antibiotics, I realized how little I had been prioritizing my health. I also came to terms with how little concern my doctor seemed to have for me—it’s tough to feel like no one really cares about your well-being. Also, autumn brought some stress and 3 week long cough with shortness of breath
Fast Food Temptation: With a busy schedule juggling family, work, and renovations, I often find myself opting for quick meals—pasta, pizza, bread, or tortillas—over cooking something healthier. Most days, I’m just too tired to spend time in the kitchen. Living in a small town doesn’t help either—there aren’t any good options for ordering food, and even then, you have to pick it up yourself because no one delivers. Still, I’m proud to say that I cook 70% of our meals at home! 🎉
Ongoing Weight Struggle: Managing weight has been overwhelming. Despite making some changes, the pounds keep creeping up, and I’m struggling to lose them. It takes so much time and energy—both of which are in short supply.
Sleep Issues: I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s vital for my well-being and for my family. I’ve been battling sleep issues and, though I refuse to rely on medication, I hope to find a way to manage it naturally. I don’t like feeling controlled by a pill.
Home Renovation Challenges: This year has been full of setbacks in our house renovation. We hoped to move into at least one room by now, but here we are—still in progress since March. We’ve poured all our savings into the project, yet there’s still so much left to do. To top it off, our heating system let us down, and we had to tackle that as well.
Jānis’s “Career Shift“: To speed up the renovation process, Jānis made the decision to quit his job and take on multiple roles—plumber, electrician, plasterer, and insulation expert. While it’s been good for our house, the financial strain has been stressful. He plans to be back at work in January 🙂
Vaccination: Vaccination has been a topic that divides many. I find myself somewhere in the middle, understanding the importance of making informed decisions and respecting different viewpoints. After careful consideration, we finally decided to vaccinate our kids.
Blogging: In August, I renewed my blog, and I’ve realized just how much I love writing every day. I haven’t been blogging for 4 years. All of you—my followers and commenters—have helped me through tough times and bad luck, inspiring me to take life a little lighter and truly live. 😊 Thank you all for being such a wonderfully supportive community!
Nature Joy: One of the brighter moments this year has been watching sunrises, sunsets, and birds at my feeder. Their colorful, tiny presence has been a simple joy that brightens my days. Nature around us is what makes me feel better.
Work: I love my job, especially the fact that it’s 100% remote. This year, the only gathering I attended was the Christmas party, and it was exactly what I needed!
Towards the end of this year, I felt like I lost it—my health, my peace, and my sleep. Despite the challenges, I still feel this year was interesting and full of growth. I’ve learned so much along the way.
Happy New Year,
Ilze
P.S. Writing this post wasn’t easy… and I snapped this picture just before jotting down this note. Honestly, counting my blessings doesn’t come naturally to me—it’s something I struggle with, and maybe it’s my biggest challenge. Do you have any tips on how to embrace gratitude more easily?
Discover more from a day in the life of a latvian mom
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
a day in the life of a latvian mom 
You’ve had quite a year. Here’s to many blessings and much happiness in 2025. I’m so glad I discovered your blog. I look forward to taking the journey with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! It truly means a lot to me. It’s been quite a year indeed, full of challenges and growth. I’m so happy you’ve discovered my blog, and I’m excited to share more of our journey with you in 2025. Wishing you a year filled with joy, blessings, and wonderful moments! ❤️
LikeLike
Congratulations on getting through the year and putting this post together
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Derick. Putting this post together truly felt like closing a chapter on a challenging yet meaningful year. Your encouragement means a lot—it’s not always easy to reflect on the lows, but it’s a reminder of the strength and growth that come with them. Here’s to navigating the highs and lows together in the year ahead. Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to you and your family, Ilze
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year to you and the family!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy New Year to you as well! Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with joy, health, and wonderful memories. Thank you for your kind wishes! 😊🎉
LikeLike
It sounds as though you’ve had an interesting and challenging year, I hope that the next one is a good one for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Andrea. It truly has been a year of ups and downs but also one of growth. I deeply appreciate your kind words and hope that 2025 brings you joy, health, and wonderful moments as well. Here’s to a fresh start for us all! 🌟
LikeLiked by 1 person
Get in the habit, think small and say it to yourself or outloud often. For me you’ll always hear me say Thank you God when I drop medication in the floor and he guides me right to it. Being grateful isn’t removed around religion, that was an example. For me being grateful for the small things makes the big things a mind blower. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing this perspective—it’s such a beautiful way to look at gratitude. Starting with the small things really does make a difference, and I love how you’ve made it a habit. It’s a wonderful reminder that being grateful doesn’t have to be complicated; it just takes awareness and a moment to appreciate. Hugs back to you! ❤️ Happy New Year! It’s almost here in Latvia 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome 2025 with open arms!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I need to open it with open arms!
LikeLiked by 1 person
sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wishing you guys all the best in 2025, Ilze! I am grateful for so many things in my life these days!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Wishing you a fantastic 2025 as well, filled with joy, love, and new blessings. It’s wonderful to hear you’re feeling so grateful—it’s such a beautiful mindset to carry into the new year! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ilze! After three divorces I managed to have a home that’s paid for and the same for a new car. And much more of course!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve come such a long way, and it’s inspiring to see the strength and resilience you’ve shown! It sounds like you’ve created something truly solid for yourself. Here’s to even more accomplishments ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, thank you so much, Ilze! I have a strong sense of self preservation! I would rather live by myself for the rest of my life than go back through the shit in the past! Nooo thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
New Year is almost here in Latvia 🙂
LikeLike
You have mastered one hell of a lot in 2024. I wish you, yours and your readers a healthy, creative and prosperous 2025 🥰👋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Bee! Your kind words mean a lot. Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2025 filled with health, creativity, and all the prosperity you deserve! 🥰👋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Struggles are always tough, and I don’t think there are any magic tips—aside from the classic “hang in there.” From what I’ve read, though, you’ve already made solid decisions and seem to be on the right path. In my experience, after the rain—and sometimes it takes a while 🙂 —the sun always comes out, often in the little things.
Wishing you a healthy, vibrant, and setback-free 2025!
Happy New Year!
Marc
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Marc. Your words are a great comfort, and I truly appreciate your perspective. It’s reassuring to know that even the smallest things can bring brightness after a storm. Wishing you a wonderful 2025 as well—full of health, joy, and no setbacks! Happy New Year! 🌟
LikeLiked by 1 person