I don't know about you - but 2025 was one heckin of a year. Like with any year - it's slow but also fast moving at times. Sitting here thinking back to everything that happened in 2025 - is a lot - not gonna lie. Started writing this on a different sheet and had it broken down by month. But who really cares haha it’s too much. What I want to convey is pretty simple and would like to keep it to the point like I did with my book.
Here are the big takeaways from last year…
The non-profit I helped create with my bestie in 2024 really took off with one big event in February followed by many more smaller events throughout the year (and still going strong). I ended up taking a step back after our one year mark in October to let her run and flourish with it. Like a dad letting go of their kid on their bike 🤗. It was never my intention to stay longer than a year - to help it have the structure, stability and the footing it needed to ultimately help her dream succeed in her life's journey (she’s crushing it by the way). Whilst I still remain on the board - I now focus solely on my priorities and everyday life.
As I previously had some NLP sessions myself back in 2023 - I found it immensely helpful and very eye opening as a new stream of mental health and healing (where most arm chair therapy failed me - and others). I kept thinking about it and decided to take the plunge in February. I also dragged my mom with me (only slightly kicking and screaming). But to be fair - she is phenomenal at this type of work and care towards others - she was a natural after helping me for maannyy years as I battled my depression and constant panic attacks (and mild agoraphobia). Graduated with that in March and accidentally became a recurring coach helper with the school during some of the classes and workshops throughout March to beginning of September. It felt amazing to be asked to help out where I could while also still soaking up the knowledge. NLP didn’t just help me heal, it gave me a framework I now use to help others actually shift, not just talk about their issues. The techniques they offered showed how practical it was compared to most mindset fluff I had tried.
But I think the biggest takeaway from this experience was the amazing Mentor I was blessed with. Philip was ever so kind in his time and we connected early on. With having the expansive career and wisdom gained through that and running his own practice - it really helped me push myself into learning more about NLP and how to best incorporate it in my business. We talk about psychology, business and life in general. Sad that we live in different provinces, but sure we will meet someday soon ✈.
I think the greatest shock to myself was my website. But I gotta back track for a hot second and preface that my decision on deciding to make something out of my natural ability to help guide people through their life's pickles started MUCH early on. I'm talking - junior high early. People would always come to me as their own personal therapist to ask for my advice. Kinda funny as I was battling my own demons. But I think that was perfect for me. And to think, I almost did this professionally - glad I didn’t though.
Anyhoo, like I was saying - this big decision came in Spring of 2024. When people started to encourage me to take to the Socials (TikTok was my choice) and say what I thought. My main intention was just to help others as I shared a bit of the things I experience in life and my view points in life once I worked through my past and saw things through a different lens. Never prompting my way is the right away or I can solve all problems. More of a tool for someone who was also lost on their journey trying to find their light. To help show others they are not alone and that positive change is possible.
I never had ANY intention on building a website - just thought I would stick to LinkedIn. But then the eclipse in Aries happened at the end of March and I woke up all frantic thinking “I NEED TO BUILD A WEBSITE!”. So I did just that - with less than zero experience or where to even start. This is where ChatGPT enters the chat… I started asking all these questions of how to build but also a few humans along the way who have done this before. My first ever blog post dives deeper into this if you’re interested in reading more into that adventure. Check that out here. My deadline was to have this up and running by April 18th. Moreless the middle of the month. Why the middle? I dunno, cause I’m a full grown adult who doesn’t like to follow the rules. I mean… just look at this blog and the others… probably not how it’s to be structured 🤷🏻♀️ but it fits my “motto” of being the Anti-Hero.
Speaking of AI - I have many thoughts on it (mostly) pertaining to writing, and the weird panic people still have about using tools that literally just help you think more clearly. But that’s a whole other blog. Trust me, it’s coming. 😏
Once the site was created I realized, oh crap - I need content haha. Cue workbooks! I had a running list of ideas and topics I wanted to share with others. Most of my own, but some suggestions from others as well. Still taking suggestions if anyone has.
Side note on LinkedIn and the unexpected problem…
Basically - in a nutshell, oversaturation. Realizing, no matter how I structured my articles or business - it was/is not the place for a hot spiritual take - but was fairly decent with the everyday life / psychological view point. Which is why I was ever so… not careful per se, but careful to structure accordingly. Also - since when did LinkedIn have hashtags?! *please tell me in the comments 🤣*
In theory, LinkedIn is built for professionals. Mostly people who love and thrive in their office type jobs and climbing the corporate ladder. The HR professionals want to create a better work environment for others, the oil/gas crew and making the environment better. But also… politics. No thanks. I mean, sure, NLP is perfect for people who want to optimize and create laser focus goals. Can I help and do this - heck yes I can! Is that my niche though? - no. I love my shadow work and working from the inside out way too much haha.
Now for the most exciting creation, my book! THIS was also not something I had on my 2025 Bingo card haha. As an avid non book reader 🤭 I wanted to create something short, sweet and to the point. Keeping the same format-ish of my workbooks, I wanted to dive into my thoughts a bit more and open up as to why I like doing this. I do not consider any of this work - just fun. And lots of it. I used to read and write a lot (for myself) but lost interest in it for many years. Weird how things work out huh. So I started at the end of May and published by September. I think the hardest part was my title, cover design and size of the book. The biggest shock was me hitting number one on Amazon in the NLP category. Sure - short lived of a few weeks, but alas! It was real, it happened, I have screenshots haha.
With the creation of the book I realized I needed to market it a bit more and went down the path of Facebook. Created a page where I found I had an easier time talking about my views, much easier than LinkedIn. And within Facebook, I realized I needed to make a funnel. Well, that was easier said than done and I decided to hire an amazing guy with this perfect skill set. Also a blessing. Having these created, it gave me a way to turn casual readers into real clients.
Oh and somewhere, somehow, in the chaos of it all, I made it official. I registered my Sole Proprietorship at the end of November. Just me, my name, and a business number that says: Holy shit, I really am doing this. 🙌🏻
Lastly, the slight wrench in my plans for 2025 was not expecting to get more contract work. Well, at least not 2 jobs. The upside - constant income again. The downside - less time for things that made me happy and as a result, I had to close my appointment book for 1:1 sessions.
One contract started in the beginning of September and was only to go a month or two haha well, at least it will be wrapping up shortly. The other one will still be ongoing and perhaps another one will be starting in February. Don’t get me wrong, I'm not UN-happy about it, but there are things I would like to get back to doing.
So that was my 2025 in a nutshell. Overall the biggest take away was doing the scary things I didn’t think were possible and learning to let go of control and expectation.
Up-coming: well…. no one ever really knows exactly where our lives will lead. But I don’t plan on spending the rest of this year doing contract work (but who knows haha) I plan on continuing with my second book, and starting a few new projects. What I do know for certain is that I am building it on my own terms - and that intention is what makes all the difference in our lives.
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