The last couple of months back in Australia have been unexpected, to say the least. After returning from my whirlwind travels through Europe, I had a clear vision for what I wanted to focus on next. But life clearly had other plans.
My dad's illness meant putting my goals on hold and pivoting in ways I didn’t anticipate. While it’s been unsettling at times, it’s also given me a new perspective—and now, 2025 feels more focused and purposeful than ever.
(and of course, there's the relationship with my father that I've had the opportunity to develop - you can read about that here if you feel inclined.)
With 2025 now on the horizon, I’ve had to reflect deeply on what truly matters and where I want to channel my energy. When the noise of too many thoughts and options creeps in (as it often does), I’ve been grounding myself by asking a simple yet powerful question:
What feels right when I say it out loud? (and that's an invitation to do the same)
What keeps calling me—gently, persistently, and without any doubt?
This reflection has helped me refocus and clarify my priorities for the year ahead. I know a few things for certain as I move into 2025...
I’ll be heading back to Europe at the end of February.
My retreats will take center stage—they light me up, and the joy they bring (both to me and my clients) is undeniable.
Full transparency - they are a co-creation with my clients - using their feedback to keep improving them.. is working and paying off! Their feedback gets better and better - Woohoo!
I need to keep connecting with my European roots; the pull has been too strong for too long.
One of the most poignant reminders of this came during a recent conversation at the skin clinic (yes, while having a fabulous facial—but I digress). My therapist, born in Australia but whose family was displaced by war in Vietnam, shared how visiting her homeland as an adult felt inexplicably like coming home. Her words resonated deeply. I, too, know that feeling—the unshakable sense of belonging to a place that calls to your soul after your family left because of the treacherous effects of war. When will we learn!? But again, I digress.
So...What else is Driving My 2025?
Well, with these reflections, here's a few more details on how I plan to bring more focus and purpose:
Writing the book that’s been waiting for its moment. An incredibly long time coming.
More retreat locations into 2026 beyond Spain and Sardinia. I'm wanting to add in Austria, Slovenia and potentially Samos and maybe even Montenegro but all bit by bit.
Slowly finding a home base that feels aligned with who I am and what I want to create. After a year of living the nomadic and gypsy lifestyle - I know by the second half of 2025, I'll be craving a place to lay down some roots again.
And the Relationship to the Blue Zones?
And while this is my personal journey, it’s brought me full circle to one of the Blue Zones principles I teach at my retreats:
Having A Purpose.
In Japan, they call it Ikigai. In Costa Rica, it’s known as Plan de Vida. But no matter what you call it, it’s about having a reason to get up each morning—a reason to keep going even when life feels tough. It doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing. It could be nurturing your garden, painting, being the best grandparent, or anything else that fills you with joy and meaning.
The Power of Purpose
The beauty of purpose is that it’s uniquely yours. It doesn’t matter what others think or value. There’s no chart ranking one purpose as more important than another. It’s about what lights YOU up and makes YOU feel alive.
Retire without a purpose and watch yourself age. I'm sure you can think of examples, sadly.
In the Blue Zones people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
The five Blue Zones are:
Ikaria, Greece (fun fact: it’s right next to Samos, where I fell in love earlier this year—Ikaria is officially on my 2025 list!).
Sardinia, Italy (where my next retreat will be—and yes, I could see myself living here someday).
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Okinawa, Japan.
Loma Linda, California.
Despite their differences, these places share nine core principles, and having a purpose is one of the most powerful.
Expanding with Purpose
For me, purposeful expansion is about stepping into the things that matter most. It’s about building my retreats to bring joy and transformation to others. It’s about finding my home base, connecting to my roots, and nurturing my own well-being with the Blue Zones habits I’ve grown to love.
I hope this inspires you to reflect on your purpose for 2025. What’s calling to you? What lights you up when you think about it?
Because when we expand with purpose, we create a life that feels truly alive.
I also spent time reflecting on my purpose in my role as a teacher and coach.. sometimes it's easy to get lost in all the doing, forgetting the initial intent and motivations. I looked at feedback, at my client journeys, at my own journey and what rang true to my heart rather than what certifications I happened to hold. And because we grow and shift as individuals, it means so does our work, so it's important to revisit it. 12 years ago I was talking about nutrition more than anything - now it's just an element of what I do. I've grown and evolved and so has my vision.
So.. This is what Emerged: This is my Mission
To help people reconnect with themselves and rediscover a sense of calm, confidence, and joy. Whether it’s finding stillness through mindfulness and meditation, creating vibrant, globally inspired meals that nourish body and soul, or stepping into the next chapter of life with ease, grace, clarity and purpose, I’m here to guide the way.
The heart of my work?: showing people how to find joy in life—in any moment—using simple, everyday mindfulness techniques. Having walked (sometimes stumbled) this path myself, I’m a living example of what’s possible. My approach is a blend of nurturing support and practical strategies, with a touch of “let’s get real.”
Through private coaching and soul-sparking retreats, I help my clients reconnect with what truly matters.. to them, uncover their spark, and create a life that’s as fulfilling as it is fabulous.
Let’s ditch the chaos, embrace your potential, and create the soulful, joyful life you deserve.
And if you're curious about joining one of my 2025 Retreats.. you can check them out here:
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