Catherine's Year End Message: From the Peak of a 20,000-Foot Volcano to the Dawn of 2025

Exactly one year ago, I was preparing for the hardest physical endeavor I had ever undertaken: climbing Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador, at 20,000 feet. I reached the summit on February 28th of this year.

If you’ve followed my emails, you know how amazed I was that I actually made it to the top. Every step was a struggle, my mind screaming at me to stop—but I learned to tune out that voice and focus on each breath and each step, over and over, until I found myself standing at the summit.

This climb became the single most important experience of my year—and perhaps my life. The impact was immediate: the day I returned, I took action on issues I’d been stuck on for years. Before, I felt like a pinball bouncing around, but after the climb, I finally saw a clear path forward.

That path was always there, but fear had held me back. Cotopaxi taught me I can do really hard things, moment by moment. I became willing to do whatever it took to free myself from the cage I felt trapped in.

Embracing this truth burst the dam wide open in my business and my life.

I could say so much more, but here’s the short version: 2024 was a year of deconstruction for me—a year of realigning everything with my values and heart. It was a year of triumph, heartbreak, deep existential terror, and also connection, celebration, and love. I felt it all, and in the process, I learned to honor my own truth.

As we move into the new year, I sense a time of careful reconstruction. I understand better than ever that every choice makes ripples in our future, and I want those ripples to reflect my deepest truths and greatest contributions.

People have asked me what mountain I’ll climb next. I’m not sure it will be a physical one. Cotopaxi was my mountain this year, but as 2025 approaches, I’m intending on a new kind of adventure—one filled with fun, love, and laughter.

For now, thank you for being part of this journey and supporting everything we do at SoYoung. If you’re looking for thoughtful lifestyle accessories that inspire, I hope you’ll keep us in mind for your everyday routine or gifting needs in the year ahead.

My wholehearted gratitude to you, and blessings for this holiday season.

Much love,

Catherine