your focus in 2025
As we go into 2025, I would like to ask you a question—a meaningful question: What will you change this year?
Many of us feel the desire for more—not just in terms of things, but for something meaningful, for a life that feels true to you. However, while a new year can spark hope, we often bring with us the issues we intended to leave behind.
So, let’s take a moment to reflect. Let’s be real with ourselves.
Finding Your True Self
Who are you when there’s no one around? When outside expectations and your inner critic quiet down, what is left?
It's simple to lose connection with our true selves. The world can be noisy, hectic, and stressful. We often play various roles—parent, friend, worker—that we forget our core identity. So, I ask you:
How connected do you feel to your true self?
When did you last allow yourself to consider what really matters to you, rather than what others expect?
What Limits You?
If you’ve felt stuck, know that you’re not alone. We all face obstacles—some from outside, some from within. Fear, doubt, perfectionism, or the comfort of what we know can trap us in unfulfilling routines. What’s preventing you from changing?
Take a moment to pinpoint it. Be clear. Is it fear of failing? Concern about others’ thoughts? Long-held beliefs that have become your reality?
Identifying what holds you back is the first step toward breaking free.
What Should You Release?
Sometimes, moving forward requires letting go. It could be a harmful relationship, an old resentment, or even an outdated identity. Letting go may hurt, but it can also free you, allowing for new opportunities.
Ask yourself:
What isn’t helping you anymore?
How would it feel to let go of that burden?
You might not have all the answers now, and that’s perfectly fine. Change doesn’t need perfection, just readiness.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Doing things differently doesn’t mean changing everything at once. It usually doesn’t work that way. Small, steady changes can lead to significant improvements.
- Could you take five minutes a day for self-reflection?
- Could you make one small choice that aligns with your beliefs?
Could you get in the habit of saying “no” to what doesn’t benefit you and “yes” to what does?
True change is formed through these small decisions—choosing differently, step by step.
A Hopefull 2025
I hope that this year, you find the courage to look inside, the kindness to allow yourself grace, and the boldness to act. Not perfect actions—just actions.
So, what will you change in 2025? Take a moment to think about it. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Share it with someone supportive. Whatever it is, make it meaningful to you. This year doesn’t have to be a repeat of the last; it can be the year you get closer to your true self.
More from Rochelle Masters below or view profile here
As a clinical psychologist, Rochelle Masters has a special interest in educating parents and caregivers of children. Anxiety is a general term, and can manifest in various ways having a significant impact on a child's overall wellbeing, academic performance, and social relationships.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that helps us identify and respond to potential threats or dangers. However, excessive anxiety that interferes with a child's daily activities can be a cause for concern. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder among children, affecting approximately 1 in 8 children. Common anxiety disorders can include specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder. Children with anxiety may display various warning signs and symptoms, such as excessive worrying, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, fatigue, and physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or nausea. Additionally, children with anxiety may have difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and may avoid social situations or activities they once enjoyed. It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of anxiety, as early intervention and treatment can significantly improve a child's overall wellbeing and quality of life.
In this eBook, we will explore practical strategies and techniques for parents and caregivers that have been purported to help children manage anxiety effectively. By better understanding the warning signs and symptoms of anxiety, parents and caregivers can assist children develop the necessary coping skills to navigate and overcome anxiety, leading to a happier and healthier life.
Welcome to the Tackling Back-to-School Anxiety eBook, where you can take learn the strategies, tips and tricks we found that may assist to manage your child’s worries about going back to school (and perhaps even some of your own). Inside you will find outlined, easy to digest, information and practical activities to share with your child to help manage this transition. We hope this serves you and your child well in learning to better tackle back-to-school worries, making returning to school a positive experience.
Inside you will find information on:
1. What is normal anxiety?
2. Recognising when things get worse
3. Is it just situational?
4. The warning signs associated with back-to-school anxiety
5. Are you modelling anxious behaviour?
6. 10 Tips n' Tricks (strategies and interactive activities to do with your child)
7. How to use the information we’ve provided and when, where and how to seek
further assistance.
2 for 1 OFFER when you purchase the School Anxiety eBook.
Receive free when you add this eBook to your cart - Tackling Anxiety in Kids eBook - then add this CODE - ANXIETY100 at the checkout. See the sample cart on page.
In this eBook, we will explore the topic of "Parenting Big Emotions." We will start with brain development and emotions, followed by understanding typical emotional responses. Then, we will delve into the when, what, and how to take action when emotions run high. We will also discuss, establishing emotional stability in kids, and role modeling self-regulation, self-awareness, and resilience.
