Lessons from 2024: Building Strength, Purpose, and Joy

How to wrap up?

As 2024 comes to an end, I’m taking stock of a year that has been nothing short of transformative—a journey of growth, resilience, and profound learning. These are the truths that have shaped me, and I share them with the hope they’ll ignite your inspiration as we step boldly into 2025 with purpose and determination. ✨

1. The Power of the Pause 🧘🏽‍♀️

I started this year with a resetting retreat in Jamaica—a much-needed break to calm my nervous system and reconnect with my essence. This intentional pause allowed me to approach Eminere with a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, and it made all the difference.

Sometimes, we need to slow down to truly speed up. This year didn’t always move at the pace I expected, but those moments of stillness were well spent. When life finally picked up, I realised how much I had gained from the slower times. The lesson? Never underestimate the power of the pause.

2. Embracing Polarity ⚖️

One of my biggest challenges (and triumphs) this year was learning to accept that two things can be true at the same time. Life is complex, and navigating both the frustration and liberation of this truth became my reality in both personal and professional settings.

In environments that change almost by the hour, agility becomes your most valuable skill. This year taught me to focus on the destination but accept that the path might look completely different from what I planned. The sooner you accept this, the more you can enjoy the ride—and the happier you (and your stress levels) will be.

3. The Value of the Right Community 🌍

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, and at the start of this year, I found myself in a community that didn’t serve me. It was a costly mistake—financially, emotionally, and to my ego—but an important lesson nonetheless.

I spent the rest of 2024 being much more discerning about the environments in which I invest my time and money. Now, I’m part of some incredible communities that align with my values and support my growth. My commitment for 2025 is to dive even deeper into these spaces and be an active, engaged member.

Let this be your reminder: the right community can elevate you in ways you can’t imagine. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you—you deserve it.

4. Finding A Home Within Yourself 🏡

For years, I built my sense of home in other people—relationships, organisations, jobs. But what happens when those things shift? Over the past few years, I have been on the journey of building my true home: within myself.

One book that profoundly influenced me is Welcome Home: A Guide to Building a Home For Your Soul by Najwa Zebian. It taught me to reassess the labels I ascribe to myself and dig deep into who I really am, beyond external expectations.

Key to this was addressing my people-pleasing tendencies. I began asking myself hard questions: Why am I doing this? Is it to make others happy? To be perceived a certain way?

Society often teaches us that being selfish is bad, especially for women. I disagree. It’s vital to have clarity on your personal objectives, build a foundation around your purpose, and then figure out how to serve others from a place of balance.

✨ “Before you accept yourself, you must know yourself. To know yourself, you must be aware of yourself.”

If you struggle with boundaries, self-worth, or people-pleasing, I can’t recommend this book enough. Building a home within yourself is the most powerful gift you can give.

5. The Fun Factor 🎉

One of my priorities for this chapter of life is to do things that bring me joy. While I love my work and life, this year felt heavier than I’d like as I focused on building Eminere.

I’ve realised that fun isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Scheduling everything else in my life comes naturally to me, so why not schedule in time for fun too? Playfulness fuels creativity, productivity, and joy. I had the most fun starting my dance classes in April.

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I promise I have gotten better since then, but most importantly, I am still having fun.

For 2025, I’m committing to letting go of guilt and creating space for the things that light me up. It’s a dance between leaning in when it matters and pausing to embrace the lighter side of life.

Some Resources for You

As we prepare to turn the page to 2025, I highly recommend Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection. This gem focuses on letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embracing who you truly are.

Through the pillars of courage, compassion, and connection, Brené reminds us how to travel well through life’s next chapter. If you’re looking for tools to help you build a fulfilling and joyful life, this book is a must-read.

The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink is another must-read on my list.

While many of us say we have no regrets because “everything led us to where we are now” (guilty as charged! 🤣), there’s undeniable power in examining regrets—both our own and those of others. Understanding what people commonly regret can serve as a mirror, helping us reflect on our choices and identify opportunities for growth. The key question becomes: What can we learn from this, and what will we do differently moving forward?

Watch Daniel’s conversation on the latest Oprah podcast, where he shares how regrets can propel us toward a better future.

Speaking of the Power of the Pause

I will be taking a break from the newsletter next week as I disconnect and spend intentional time with family and friends.

Wishing you an inspiring close to 2024 and a joyful start to 2025. Looking forward to Elevating together! 🌟

It’s not your typical Christmas playlist, but this has been on repeat for me over the past few weeks. I’m especially excited to see Maxwell live when he comes to the UK next year! 🎶✨

With Peace, Love and Determination

It might sound a bit heavy, but this year has thrown its fair share of curveballs my way, and it’s been a stark reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised. As I look to 2025, I’m committed to stepping forward boldly and embracing opportunities—even when fear tries to hold me back. I invite you to do the same (but let’s leave reckless decisions off the table!). Let’s make every moment count.

🎯 Start 2025 With Purpose: Pause & Pivot at The Power Station

On 12th January, join me and the incredible Katie Mantwa George for our inaugural Pause & Pivot session at the iconic Battersea Power Station. Together, we’ll guide you through a transformational morning of Gong Bath Meditation and guided steps on how to pivot successfully, all in the serene setting of the Private Members’ Club.

A gift for you:

• 2-for-1 tickets are available until 1st January or while they last - Plan to spend some intentional time with a friend before the month is out - The perfect Christmas Present.

• Flying solo? We are gifting you 25% off until 1^st January too.

📅 Don’t wait—secure your spot now!