A Birthday Reflection: Lessons, Letting Go & Becoming

This past year—from June 2024 to June 2025—moved in strange, sacred rhythms. Some days rushed by, others stretched out. But sitting here now, I feel the full length of it. A year of deep growth, tender unravelling, and becoming more me than ever before.

Last June, I was in the thick of my MSc dissertation: a one-woman research project exploring mindful vs. mindless eating and energy intake. I poured everything into that study. I submitted it. Graduated with distinction. And only now—on this birthday—am I allowing myself to really receive that. I did that. I’m proud.

This year, I found the courage to leave a job that no longer aligned with my values. I got crystal clear on what those values are: truth, autonomy, nourishment, and embodied integrity. I stopped chasing “shoulds” and began following the quiet pull of what feels right.

I travelled not just in miles but in consciousness—expanding into new states of awareness, softening into joy, and letting more love into my life. I have played more. I have danced more. I laughed louder. I cried deeper. I stopped trying to prove my worth and started believing it.

This year I learned that boundaries are not walls but invitations—to meet myself with care, to teach others how to love me, and to honour the energy it takes to show up fully in my work.

Here are a few truths I’ll carry with me:

• Celebrate your own milestones, even if no one else sees them.

• Value alignment matters more than validation.

• Boundaries protect what is sacred.

• Healing is nonlinear, and that’s okay.

And now, I look ahead.

This birthday, I gifted myself time to simply be.I spent the day exploring near the coast, letting the salt air and wide skies hold me. No pressure. No performance. Just me, resting into stillness and soaking in some much-needed TLC. Sometimes healing is found in the softness—in doing nothing but receiving.

My intentions for this new year of life:

• To deepen security within myself, emotionally and energetically

• To complete my manuscript and bring my book into the world

• To take my health and wellness to new levels—becoming the best version of me

• To create, love, and live from a place of grounded wholeness

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If you’re in a season of growth or gentle becoming, know that I see you. And if you’re ready to transform your relationship with food, body, or self, I’d be honoured to walk with you.

As I reflect on all that has unfolded, I’d love to invite you to take a moment for yourself, too.

Ask yourself:

• What did this past year teach me about myself?

• What am I ready to release?

• What do I desire to call in for the year ahead—physically, emotionally, spiritually?

There is wisdom in your journey. Honour it. Write it down. Light a candle. Take a breath. Let this be a moment to come home to yourself.

Thank you for being part of my world. I’m so grateful for this space we share.

With love and reflection,

Willow x

P.S. I’m currently welcoming new clients into my 6- and 12-week wellness programs. If you’re feeling called to reconnect with your body, build emotional resilience, or explore root-cause healing, now’s a beautiful time to start.