What 2025 Taught Us

The first ever annual community letter.

Happy Girl on the Rise Wednesday,

And, Happy Christmas Eve! It is my sincerest wish that you have the best holiday season, however you intend to spend it. This newsletter is a bit different from the rest because it’s a reflection on what we learned this year. It’s also about honoring you and the work that you’ve put in. I started this newsletter because my entire life, I’ve felt like I didn’t belong, and one thing I’ve learned so far on my life journey is that if you can’t find what you’re looking for, create it. So, I created the Girl on the Rise Newsletter not just to share my passion for personal growth, but also to share my experience and continued journey, and to build a community around others who are trying to improve their lives, too. So genuinely, thank you for being a part of this newsletter and this community.

This week’s Girl on the Rise Newsletter is 909 words (4-minute read).

This week’s affirmation:

“I am becoming who I want to be.”

A Year of Becoming

2025 wasn’t just another year. It was kind of a slap in the fucking face. This year was deeply challenging on many levels. But despite the challenges (or maybe because of them), it was a year of becoming.

This year, we talked about identity and how it’s not about being who the world tells you to be, but being who you truly know you are. We explored how growth isn’t always loud or linear, and how it sometimes looks like shedding old identities, resting on a soul level, choosing differently, or even walking away entirely.

We talked about gratitude. Not as a checklist, but as a way of grounding yourself in who you already are, especially when life feels heavy or uncertain. Don’t forget, you can be grateful for what you have while still wanting more from life.

We dove into boundaries and how they are necessary to protect your energy, time, and peace. Even though they may feel uncomfortable at first, they are essential to living an aligned life.

We opened the door to gaining clarity, talking about how it doesn’t arrive all at once, but in moments. You gain clarity through small realizations such as “I can’t live like this anymore” or “I want more from my life.”

One of my favorite things that we talked about was life seasons. How life, just like nature, asks us to honor cycles. Fall teaches us to release. Winter teaches us to sit with ourselves. Spring asks us to bloom into who we are and what we want. And, summer asks us to fucking shine.

But over the course of the year, there was one truth that we talked about again and again:

You are not behind. You are becoming.

Some of you read these newsletters while navigating challenging times.

Some while quietly dreaming of a life that feels more aligned.

Some while learning to choose yourself for the first time, ever.

But wherever you were in your life journey when opening these emails this year, I want you to know something important…

You showed the fuck up!

You asked yourself some really hard fucking questions!

You stayed curious about the person you’re becoming!

And holy fucking shit does that matter more than anything.

Seriously, I am so proud of you! And I can’t wait to continue this journey with you in 2026. Because let me tell you, 2026 is going to be HUGE. It’s going to be about taking what we’ve learned and fucking living it!

But, before we turn the page, I invite you to sit with one final reflection question:

Who did you become in 2025 that deserves to be honored?

Not what did you accomplish or what did you check off your to-do list, but WHO DID YOU BECOME? That person deserves some recognition. As I said in a previous newsletter, “Becoming is rarely graceful, but it’s 100% worth the struggle.”

Thank you for being here, for reading this newsletter, and for growing alongside me.

Merry Christmas, and see ya in the New Year.

Until next time, keep going and keep growing.

Coach Tay

P.S. Let’s make 2026 the year of YOU! If you want support building a life that feels aligned, energized, and deeply YOU in 2026, my RiseStronger Coaching Program is open for new clients. Your next level is literally one decision away, and it could just be the best decision you ever make! Click on “the button” to book a free discovery call. Or, reply to this email and let’s talk. Taking the first step doesn’t have to be scary!

  1. Guides and planners to help you on your journey. In my Etsy shop RiseStrongerCo., you can find resources to help you take control of your growth so that you can get your sh*t together and create a life you love. Visit HERE!

  2. Favor. I only have one favor to ask. If you could share this newsletter with anyone you think would benefit from it, that would mean the world to me. I’m on a mission to help people, and I can’t do that without a referral from you, my loyal audience.

  3. I think we’d be great friends. Follow me on all my platforms for daily inspiration, personal growth, poetry, empowerment, and occasional laughter. Click the links below to be a part of the community.

    Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Medium | Website