Get It Together, Keep Your Head High, and Finish the Year Strong
- Steph Cole
- Dec 27, 2024
- 4 min read
The final days of 2024 are here, and while the holiday rush might still be lingering, now’s the time to take a deep breath and refocus. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of everything you do for everyone else—your spouse, your kids, your household. But as the year winds down, let’s shift the focus to you.
No matter what circumstances you’re facing—deployment, reintegration, or managing it all on your own—there are steps you can take right now to get your responsibilities in order and finish the year strong. It’s about taking control of what’s within your reach, no matter how chaotic life may feel, and stepping into the new year with your head held high.
Why These Final Days Matter
The end of the year isn’t just about wrapping things up—it’s about setting the tone for what’s ahead. When you take the time to reflect, plan, and tackle what’s in front of you, you’re not just surviving; you’re creating the foundation for a better start to the new year.
So let’s dive into a simple, actionable checklist of things you can achieve for yourself, no matter what’s happening around you.
The SOF Spouse Year-End Checklist
Clear the Clutter—Physically and Mentally
Start by creating space for what matters.
Declutter Your Home: Take one area at a time (a closet, a drawer, or the kitchen counter) and remove what no longer serves you. It’s a small action, but it can make your space feel lighter and more manageable.
Declutter Your Mind: Write down everything that’s been weighing on you. Seeing it on paper can help you prioritize what needs attention and let go of what doesn’t.
Tie Up Loose Ends
Take care of lingering tasks that have been hanging over your head.
Financial Check-In: Review your budget, pay any outstanding bills, and start the year with a clear picture of where you stand.
Household To-Dos: Knock out small fixes or organizational tasks that have been on your list for weeks.
End-of-Year Reflection: Write down your wins and challenges from 2024. Acknowledging what you’ve accomplished (and learned) is a powerful way to close the year.
Prioritize Your Health
Your physical and mental health are essential, and it’s time to put them first.
Schedule Health Appointments: Whether it’s an overdue checkup, dental cleaning, or therapy session, take the time to book what you need.
Get Moving: Find a form of movement that feels good—whether it’s yoga, walking, or even a dance session with your kids. It’s not about perfection; it’s about feeling better in your body.
Focus on Rest: Commit to going to bed earlier or creating a wind-down routine. Rest is the foundation for everything else you do.
Reconnect with What Makes You Feel Like You
It’s easy to lose yourself in the responsibilities of SOF life, but you deserve to feel like the person you were before the chaos.
Revisit a Hobby: What’s something you used to love doing? Find 30 minutes to dive back into it before the year ends.
Carve Out “Me Time”: Take yourself out for coffee, read a book, or spend an hour doing something that’s just for you.
Reconnect with Friends: Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Even a short conversation can lift your spirits.
Set Boundaries for the New Year
The end of the year is the perfect time to reevaluate where your energy is going.
Identify What’s Draining You: Is there a task, obligation, or relationship that’s taking more than it’s giving? Decide how you’ll approach it differently in 2025.
Say No More Often: Give yourself permission to say no to things that don’t align with your priorities.
Protect Your Time: Create a daily or weekly routine that includes time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes.
Prepare for What’s Next
The new year is a fresh start, and a little planning now can go a long way.
Set One Realistic Goal: Choose one thing you want to accomplish in January—something that’s achievable and meaningful to you.
Create a Family Plan: If your spouse is home, have a conversation about how you’ll tackle the new year together. If they’re away, set clear intentions for how you’ll stay connected.
Organize Your Calendar: Write down important dates, appointments, and events for January so you feel ready to hit the ground running.
Celebrate the Small Wins
You’ve done more this year than you probably realize. Take a moment to celebrate:
Every time you showed up for your kids.
Every task you handled solo while your spouse was away.
Every moment you kept going, even when it felt like too much.
Write them down, say them out loud, or share them with someone you trust. Acknowledge the incredible strength and effort it took to make it through another year.
Finishing Strong Is About You
As a SOF spouse, we’re used to holding everything together for everyone else. But finishing the year strong isn’t about being perfect or checking every box on your list—it’s about prioritizing yourself and focusing on what you can control.
By taking the time to clear the clutter, tie up loose ends, and set boundaries, you’re not just wrapping up 2024—you’re stepping into 2025 with intention, clarity, and a sense of pride in everything you’ve achieved.
A Final Thought for 2024
You’ve carried so much this year. You’ve kept your family grounded, navigated challenges with grace, and shown up in ways that most people will never fully understand.
But as we close out these final days, let this be your reminder: you matter. Your needs, your goals, and your well-being deserve space and attention.
Keep your head high, tackle what’s in front of you, and remember—you’ve got this. 2024 was tough, but you’re tougher. Let’s finish the year strong and step into 2025 ready for everything it has to offer.
Here’s to you, Darling. You’re unstoppable.
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