As we stand on the brink of a brand-new year, I can’t help but feel a bubbling sense of excitement for all that 2025 promises. This year is shaping up to be one of fresh starts, big changes, and exciting collaborations—and I can’t wait to dive in!
That's how the promise of a new year and new beginings always makes me feel, energised and super keen to shake things up. Although I appreciate that not everyone shares my sense of anticipation, I know one person who dislikes the prospect of another new year, and I'm careful to guard my own energy and keep my enthusiasm up. I do that in various ways, by making lists of my thoughts and ideas so I can keep hold of them. Some will come to fruition and some will fall away, but it helps to give me a structure to jump off from.
First on the list of transformations is our house move, which also means relocating my therapy and studio space. At the point of writing this there is no actual move date in the diary, so I can almost guarantee that it will be the same time as our course starts, even more reason to guard my energy. While the move isn’t a huge distance away, anyone who’s moved house knows that even a short distance can feel like a monumental shift. There are boxes to pack, routines to adjust, and spaces to reimagine, dogs to settle in. On the bright side, I’m already dreaming of how I’ll set up my new creative space—a blank canvas for inspiration and productivity - whoo hoo!!
Of course, as exciting as the move is, it hasn’t been without its challenges. In my last blog, I shared a bit about the in-between space of Twixmas and how therapists often navigate that time. What I didn’t mention was that “him indoors” has had a rough ride health wise this Christmas season. Shingles kicked things off, followed by a bout of Covid. So while he’s been recovering, I’ve been sneaking moments to pack up a few boxes here and there, all while trying to keep the festive spirit alive. It’s been a balancing act, to say the least! But watching Gavin and Stacey, and the Split, plus some other Christmas fare has kept me sane ish'.
But the move is just one part of what makes 2025 so exciting. I’m absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of The Co’Lab, as Rachel calls it, is a 10-week in-person group that I’m co-hosting with Rachel, my lovely daughter. This project sprang into our lives really quickly, Rachel made the suggestion, and it will feel incredible to see it come to life. Held in a beautiful, inspiring setting, Charlton House, which has super facilities, so after the group participants can stay and chat with each other, or us, over a coffee. The Co’Lab is designed for those who are ready to explore creativity in the arena of weight-loss with small 'w', connection, and collaboration in a meaningful way. It’s a space where ideas and conversation will flourish, and I can’t wait to meet the group of people who will join us on this journey.
Rachel and I will bring different elements of our lives and learning experience to the group. As a busy working mum Rachel is a master at juggling priorities, spinning many plates, whilst keeping her energy and humour, I'm in awe. My focus is on 'aging well', as I feel we have a personal responsibility to look after all aspects of our health and do what we can. And it isn't about the years in our life - but the life in our remaining years, that is important.
Here is a real example and true story of how not to do it. I recently saw someone who I hadn't seen for a while, and in chatting with them discovered they had spoken to the GP and had been put on medication for blood pressure. They scoffed at the idea of taking it, and when the GP enquired about their life style, joked to the GP about having 'three or four breakfast fry ups a week' cooked in lard. And without a word of a lie, four days after my conversation with them, they were admitted to hospital with acute gallstones in ICU awaiting surgery!! Now those are the very people who would benefit from having a chat with me at Lynn Brookes Therapy Solutions about aging well or other manageable health concerns, or emotional worries. But people with that fixed mindset wouldn't dream of it, because as the saying goes.
"you can take a horse to water but you can't make them drink!"
Clearly I wish them well and a speedy recovery and maybe 2025 will be an awakening for them, a metaphorical shot across the bows that we all need sometimes, as a pecursor that a change is needed.
But on a much more positive note there’s something magical about starting a new year with such a full and exciting slate. While the logistics of a house move and studio relocation are daunting, they’re also a chance to shake things up and embrace change. And as I prepare to embark on this adventure, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities ahead.
So here’s to 2025—a year of creativity, connection, and transformation. Whether it’s settling into a new home, finding inspiration in a new studio, or welcoming a roomful of curious minds to The Co’Lab, I’m ready to embrace every moment.
If you’re looking to start your year with creativity and community, keep an eye out for updates on The Co’Lab—I’d love for you to join us. And if you have any tips for making a move smoother (or setting up a dream studio), send them my way. Here’s to new beginnings and all the adventures they bring!
Wishing you a vibrant and fulfilling start to the new year, filled with health and happiness. Let’s make 2025 one to remember for all the right reasons.
Lynn X
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