I understand how hard it can be to start facing your blind spots and triggers. It’s not an easy path. Confronting difficulties and challenges can feel overwhelming.
From my experience—both personally and through others’ journeys—these challenges arise for a reason. They serve as opportunities to look deeper within ourselves, to reflect on our needs, desires, and areas for growth. They reveal where we need to let go, where we’re not yet loving ourselves enough to set boundaries, and where we can stand up for what truly matters to us.
To everyone who embarks on the journey of self-development, you have my deepest respect.
Once we take that first step, there’s no turning back. We start to see things more clearly, become more aware, and realize the incredible power we hold within ourselves.
Those moments of awareness—when we understand the importance of self-responsibility and that the only real control we have is in how we respond—are deeply empowering. They liberate us from feelings of helplessness and allow us to take charge of our lives.
From this place of clarity, we can make decisions, set boundaries, speak our truth, and reclaim our freedom.
Change requires courage, a willingness to do the work, and openness to new perspectives.
I am so grateful to witness the journeys of those who choose to face their challenges and take steps toward change.
Your strength and determination inspire me every day. You have my deepest respect and admiration.
💛
As we approach the new year, I wanted to share something deeply special from my home country of Austria—a tradition that has always filled me with a sense of connection and joy.
In Austria, we have a unique and beautiful tradition that unites us all, no matter where we are or how we’re celebrating: the Donauwalzer (Danube Waltz).
At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, every radio and TV station across the country stops everything and plays this iconic waltz. Whether you’re at home, in a restaurant, a bar, or even in the streets, everyone—everyone—joins in to dance the Donauwalzer. For about 10 minutes, no matter what, you can’t change the channel, and the waltz plays everywhere, creating an unspoken bond among us all.
What makes this moment so magical is the sense of unity. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you are, or what’s going on in your life—at midnight, for those 10 minutes, we’re all in the same rhythm, coming together in a shared experience.
I’m sharing this tradition because it speaks to something very close to my heart: connection. As we step into the new year, it’s easy to get caught up in resolutions and goals, but the real power comes from remembering that we’re not alone on this journey. No matter where we are or what we face, we all have the ability to connect—to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us.
This New Year, as you enter 2025, I invite you to think about what connects you to others, what traditions or rituals make you feel grounded, and what moments of unity you can create in your life. Whether it’s a dance, a conversation, or a simple act of kindness, these are the moments that remind us we’re all part of something bigger.
Happy New Year from my heart to yours.
May this year bring you connection, clarity, and the courage to dance to your own rhythm.
With gratitude,
Stephanie
Ask yourself these 7 questions:
(*Inspired by Mel Robbins)
What are the people, experiences, and commitments that created positive feelings , energy and memories for you this year?
What are the people, experiences, and commitments that triggered negative feelings, energy and emotions for you this year?
What did you learn about yourself over the past year?
What are you going to stop doing in the coming year?
What are you going to start doing next year?
What are you going to continue doing next year?
What can you do today to take the first step in the direction toward making 2025 your best year?
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