🌈Clarity in the Chaos

Reflections on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

“2024 has been a lot…” Digital collage create by me.

As 2024 draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what an intense year it has been. Honestly, I expected it. The word I received from my higher power for 2024 was clarity, and clarity often requires navigating challenges and revelations to finally see the bigger picture.

This year has felt like stepping into a foggy morning, with the sunlight slowly burning away the mist to reveal what’s ahead. After my fabulous 40th birthday celebration, the rest of the year felt like riding a bucking bronco—I stayed on, but it wasn’t pretty. Because let’s be honest, it was a hot mess. Each twist and turn brought its own lesson, and looking back now, I can see the threads of clarity that wove it all together.

The Blessings of 2024

Salad greens that I grew at home.

One of the most transformative blessings of 2024 has been finding success in gardening. For 10+ years, I tried and failed to grow a thriving garden. This year, I finally found my solution in the Kratky hydroponics method. It’s simple, accessible, and effective.

Indoor grow station. In our living room.

What started as a way to offset skyrocketing grocery prices quickly grew into a passion and a calling. I began teaching hydroponics classes and coaching others to grow their own indoor kitchen / victory gardens. Through a grant from The Marathon Foundation, I even had the opportunity to teach a children’s class—something that brought me immense joy and fulfillment.

Teaching a hydroponics class with my friend Nadine, Summer 2024.

Gardening has become more than just a practical skill for me; it’s a way to connect with others, nourish my family, and empower people to take control of their food sources. I’ve found my place and purpose—unintentionally but so beautifully.

In addition to gardening, The Winston Homestead reached an important milestone this year. After completing all the necessary documentation, we are now HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) certified and have obtained our CAGE code. This means we can officially do business with federal, state, and local organizations. It’s a huge step forward for the business and opens the door to many opportunities in the future.

Baby Girl, her magic wand and hydroponics.

On a personal note, Will and I celebrated 10 years of marriage this year. A decade of growth, love, and resilience. It was a beautiful reminder of the partnership we’ve built over the years.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Healing and Harvesting

As much as 2024 was about clarity, the words I’ve received for 2025 are heal and harvest.

Over the past 10 years, our family has cast many seeds—some with purpose, others in the midst of uncertainty. Now, it’s time to harvest the fruits of those labors and heal from the struggles that came along the way. Change is on the horizon for us, and one of the biggest transitions will be moving by May 31, 2025. This move will bring massive shifts for our family, both in work and in life, but we are ready to embrace what’s next. Where will we move? We have no idea. But God knows 🙌🏾❤️🙌🏾.

One of the most exciting developments of 2024 is that I was awarded the TWU StartHER grant. This grant, which I first applied for two years ago but didn’t receive, will help fund my ambulance project. This project will transform a retired ambulance into a mobile classroom where I can teach everyday people how to grow their own food using simple, affordable methods.

The ambulance aka mobile classroom I’m in the process of purchasing. I need to give her a name lol.

The mobile classroom will allow me to offer both online and in-person classes, bringing the joy and practicality of hydroponics and homesteading to more communities. It’s a dream that’s been years in the making, and I’m thrilled to see it coming to life.

Interior view of The Winston Homestead’s Mobile classroom / studio.

To fully bring this project to fruition, I’ve launched a GoFundMe fundraiser. Every little bit helps us equip the mobile classroom and expand its reach. The first $5,000 was paid for by the TWU grant, I will have to come up with the remaining $3K in order to own the ambulance without a note.If you feel called to support this initiative, you can find the link here.

Classroom Mockup

New Beginnings: The Winston Homestead Website

Another exciting milestone this year was the launch of our new website! It’s still very much a work in progress, but The Winston Homestead now has a dedicated online space where you can learn more about our mission, classes, and projects. It’s a reflection of the growth and clarity 2024 brought and sets the stage for what’s ahead.

You can check it out at www.thewinstonhomestead.com .

Clarity, Healing, and Growth

As I look back on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the clarity, blessings, and opportunities it brought. The lessons learned and seeds planted over the past decade have prepared me for this next chapter of healing and harvesting.

A photo of a quote on one of the Superintendent’s walls.

2025 promises to be a year of transformation for our family, The Winston Homestead LLC, and the communities we serve. Thank you for being part of this journey.

I encourage you to reflect on your own year—what were your challenges, your blessings, your moments of clarity? And as we step into a new year, what seeds are you planting for your own healing and harvest?

Let’s continue growing together.

🌱 With love and gratitude,

Stephanie