142. Year in Review: 2024 Reflections and 2025 Aspirations

*This episode was intended to be released on Monday, December 30, 2024. While the video version was released on YouTube on that date, apparently I forgot to complete the process of scheduling it to go out on audio platforms, and only noticed the error on Friday, January 3, 2025. I apologize for the error.

In this solo episode, I close out the year by reflecting on the significant events and personal growth I experienced throughout 2024. I ask myself questions about my guiding values and decision-making processes when faced with challenges, and explore what I would like to take with me and to leave behind as we enter 2025. 

I share a bit about personal hardships I faced this past year, including a choppy start to the year as the highs of a paradisiacal vacation ended in worsening illness culminating in a new low. This experience led me to seek even more novel treatments for my symptoms, specifically a stellate ganglion block procedure, which I discuss in detail, highlighting its impact on my nervous system and overall well-being.

As I navigated my health struggles, I made the difficult decision to step back from therapy to focus on consulting, allowing me to prioritize my health while still providing support to parents of gender-confused youth, eventually resulting in developing my course, ROGD Repair. I delve into the importance of listening to our bodies and trusting the process, which ultimately led to the development of this niche program that applies my strengths in psychology and communication to the novel challenges facing families today.

Throughout the episode, I also confront the challenges of being in the public eye, including the unexpected backlash I faced in May, and how I am learning to find humor and perspective in difficult situations. As I look forward to 2025, I share my intentions for the new year, including wedding planning and the launch of continuing education courses for therapists, all while maintaining a focus on connection and community.

 00:00 Start

[00:01:18] New Year's intentions and reflections.

[00:06:49] Navigating personal health challenges.

[00:09:30] Stellate ganglion block experience.

[00:12:55] Effects of SGB medical procedure.

[00:17:10] Therapy vs. Consulting Transition.

[00:23:39] Niche consulting for parents.

[00:25:36] Friendly fire and hidden enemies.

[00:30:24] Relationships with podcast listeners.

[00:33:09] Healing through positive relationships.

[00:37:16] Nature of evil.

[00:44:09] Synchronous communication versus asynchronous.

[00:46:16] Finding ikigai and gratitude.

[00:51:32] Embracing the aging process.

[00:53:17] Non-toxic lifestyle choices.

[00:57:44] Ego-dystonic versus ego-syntonic.

[01:01:51] Healing through humor and levity.

[01:06:21] Clear-eyed compassion and eye health.

[01:09:06] Growth and perspective in life.

[01:14:00] The power of positive perception.

[01:17:01] ROGD Repair community benefits.

[01:17:56] Desiderata by Max Ehrmann.

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