2024 was a truly defining year for The Giving Gifts in a pretty special way. This year began with a merge that, although ended differently than I had imagined, led to asking challenging and needed questions about what The Giving Gifts is and what it aims to be. The brand change felt important to incorporate the multiple dynamics of The Giving Gifts.

Through all these changes, the vision to create spaces where individuals can identify their gifts and navigate how to use them in this world became clearer than ever. The launching of the beach cleanups in Ensenada became a hands-on way to embody and bring to life the values of connection, community, collaboration, and care. Beginning in March, we held monthly cleanups, each with its own theme and collaboration. Our Monthly cleanups have all been at Tres Emes, a beach that is just about 5 minutes north from the casita. It was important to have a place where we could consistently show up and I am so thankful for all the learnings that we had through showing up in this space.

THE GIVING GIFTS TEAM

Throughout the year there has been significant imput by a group of women that I truly could not have done any of this work without. karen, Juliett, and Mariana were the originally team. It was super clear after the first cleanup that Natalia was at that she would make a huge impact joining this team and at the end of the year we had Diane join us! The hope for this group is to provide perspective on how we can continue to be inclusive, especially to those who may not be thought about. All of the resources that are created are offered in both English and Spanish, all of our activities take in mind different ages, and demographics, we want to keep creating a space that is physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually safe. Juliett has made it possible for us to have coffee at every cleanup, Karen is the entire welcome committee, everyone play such a special and important role.

Extra shout out to Zoe & Hannah, two incredibly young women from Northern CA and New Zealand who were here for a significant part of the year and poured so much heart and soul into the start up of our cleanups. David, Karens husband is a consistent help always and we have a handful of regulars at this point that I could not imagine the cleanups without.

BEHIND THE SCENES

I think sometimes I forget to share some of the behind-the-scenes work I get to be part of because, well, if I’m being honest, there just isn’t a ton of fun photos to go along with this stuff. This year marks the fourth year of researching the impacts of trauma on youth in communities around the world that have limited or no access to mental health resources.

This past year, alongside the research, something truly beautiful has begun to happen. By understanding certain challenges from different perspectives, I’ve been able to apply many of those learnings to the themes we share through The Giving Gifts—and vice versa. It’s been incredible to witness the full-circle possibilities that emerge when we dig deeper into suffering and embrace the learning that comes from paying closer attention and being open to each other’s experiences.

CHALLENGES & LESSONS LEARNED

Not everything goes the way you imagine. While this year held so much to celebrate, it also came with its fair share of challenges. The transitions at the beginning of the year were incredibly difficult, with shifts in relationships that were deeply tied to the mission and vision of The Giving Gifts—and to my personal life. These changes were and in some ways are still hard AND prompted so much reflection.

With every cleanup, there’s a temptation to focus on what went wrong rather than what went right. Collaborating is tough, and trying to communicate effectively in both Spanish and English has been so beautiful and so hard! Sometimes the pressure to make each cleanup meaningful and impactful feels overwhelming, and I question if I’m doing enough or doing it the "right" way.

At the end of this year I can confidently say I am truly so thankful to be navigating all of this. There is not a day that I wake up that I am not grateful, I see so much possibility and learning ahead and to simply be part of this is such a gift I hope to never take for granted.

LOOKING AHEAD

2024 has laid a strong foundation for what’s next. In 2025, we aim to expand our collaborations, deepen our impact, and continue creating spaces for connection, care, and growth. We hope to do this through the continuation of cleanups and workshops. Deepening this work comes with the invitation to grow our teams here. I am really hoping to have a specific Cleanup Crew and then a team that can help me develop and extend the workshops. Of course I am ALWAYS looking for ways to connect more with youth because adults are just so…boring…hahah! On a personal note I am taking on something new that I am SO nervous and so excited about (more of that soooooon).

AS ALWAYS…THANK YOU!

If you’ve made it to this part of the update, it’s most definitely because you’ve supported The Giving Gifts, and me, in some capacity this year, and for that, I am truly so thankful.

This year held a lot of firsts, and I am confident that it was only possible because of everything the past few years held. Your support, encouragement, check-ins, prayers, and participation have brought us here and it is with great anticipation I am so thankful to have you along for what is to come.