It’s that point of 12 months! After we suppose again on the 12 months that’s handed, and mirror on the accomplishments and “failures”, the highs and lows.
I’ve been doing these roundup posts since 2012…and I’ve been tremendous in step with them – I’ve solely missed 2 years!
We love doing these reflective posts for ourselves to recollect what’s really occurred all year long, and for you – to present you a behind the scenes into our private {and professional} lives.
We hope these posts both encourage you, offer you a lightbulb second, or simply provide the alternative to get to know us a bit higher!
In my e-mail that I despatched out on the finish of 2024, our phrases and emotions heading into 2025 have been: recalibration, steadiness & freedom…I feel we did a fairly good job of incorporating these values into this 12 months.
2025 – The 12 months of The Snake
Based mostly on the Chinese language Zodiac, 2025 was the 12 months of the Snake…which was all about consciousness, delicate shifts, and shedding previous “pores and skin”. It wasn’t about large, dramatic adjustments, it was extra about quiet recalibration.
Wanting again, that theme couldn’t be extra correct for us primarily based on what we skilled this 12 months!
This 12 months wasn’t about pushing more durable, or forcing issues…it was all about pausing, observing, and getting sincere with what’s working (and what’s not) with our well being, enterprise, and day-to-day lives. After which barely recalibrating the path and adjusting the dial.
As with yearly, there was so much to be thankful for in our private {and professional} lives. We had loads of “ups”…however, there have been some lows all year long as properly.
Let’s get into it. Right here’s a take a look at what 2025 needed to supply…
PS, in the event you’d prefer to examine our years from the start, you possibly can! Take a look at 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
In January, I made a decision to rent a Purposeful Well being Coach who offers with thyroid, hormone and intestine well being. I’d been feeling exhausted, burdened, and “foggy” for fairly some time.
It was time to handle the foundation trigger, as a substitute of simply powering by way of and overlooking the signs.
Time for a Cleanse
My well being coach urged I’m going on a detox and weight-reduction plan for six weeks (I ended up doing it for 55 days), which meant no gluten, dairy, sugar, seed oil, espresso or alcohol. Nick joined me and minimize out most of these issues as properly, together with caffeine and alcohol!
It would sound like a difficult weight-reduction plan (and eating out was), however in actuality, I discovered it fairly straightforward. If you consider it, it’s simply consuming actual meals – proteins, greens, nuts and fruits.
Throughout this time, I additionally took plenty of dietary supplements and pure capsules to assist out my intestine and liver. After that detox, I used to be the bottom weight I can keep in mind being in my grownup life. Extra importantly, I felt good as properly.
Additional Testing
After that preliminary cleanse, I made a decision to take it a step additional and did a blood check for my thyroid, and a HTMA check (hair tissue mineral evaluation) with my well being coach.
For those who’ve by no means performed one, I extremely suggest it. The quantity of issues she was capable of inform me about my physique simply primarily based on my hair was thoughts blowing.
I discovered which minerals I used to be significantly missing, and which toxins have been in my physique – and the way these imbalances have been affecting my well being, and each day life.
Principally, my coach was like “I don’t know the way you’re even functioning proper now”… the check confirmed my adrenals have been in a state of excessive burnout, I used to be extremely low on important minerals, and primarily based on my blood check, and different issues I’d been experiencing, I’ve Hashimotos.
The remainder of the 12 months was about making well being a precedence – emotional, psychological and bodily. I had a bespoke mineral powder created only for me primarily based on what my physique was missing, and I’m comfortable to say that I’ve been feeling actually good since then.
After we considered “steadiness and recalibration” because the purpose for this 12 months, I didn’t suppose it could be to do with balancing out my minerals!
We Shook Up Enterprise
You realize that feeling when issues are good, however one thing simply doesn’t really feel proper?! Like, one thing’s off? The primary few months of 2025 felt that means. We have been each a bit uncertain which path to take our new teaching enterprise.
In 2024, we ran two profitable cohorts with 18 wonderful individuals, however to be fully sincere, we each felt fairly burnt out heading into 2025 … even my hair check confirmed that! 😅
The enterprise was new, so after all there was a lot to do.
We had spent months filming and making a course, conceptualizing and designing a brand new program, after which delivering dwell calls, texting, and web site builds.
We felt like we have been working actually onerous on our shoppers companies, and didn’t have time for our personal. We wanted to rebalance and recalibrate!
Not surprisingly, initially of this 12 months, we each type of felt reluctant to run one other cohort.
We wished time to work on increase our enterprise, updating our program so it could possibly be as present as doable, and having time to create content material for our social media, this web site, and e-mail subscribers.
So, we determined to shake issues up!
A New Setting
We made the choice to take off to Crete, Greece for a few weeks and it was the perfect resolution we made. Generally, you simply want a change of surroundings to realize readability or to get the spark again, and the Greek island offered that.
We did plenty of mountaineering, explored previous cities, swam within the sea, ate wonderful meals…and mentioned the way to transfer ahead with our enterprise.
We have been capable of recalibrate barely (somewhat than making a large, dramatic pivot), and discover a resolution that gave us the steadiness we wished/wanted…
…we’d run this system “evergreen”, and over an extended time period. This meant that new shoppers might be part of all year long, somewhat than all of sudden for a cohort which felt overwhelming typically.
It additionally gave them extra time to benefit from the course materials and undergo it at their very own tempo.
New Course & Occasions
Since we made that slight change with the way in which we ran our teaching program, this gave us time to do extra and be extra inventive.
We launched a model new course to assist individuals discover the enterprise concept of their passions, abilities, and life experiences…AND, we ran 3 dwell occasions for our followers – free of charge.
Individuals beloved the dwell occasions and fairly just a few joined our program after getting on a dwell name with us and seeing how a lot ardour we now have for distant companies.
All of this felt actually good and was rather more aligned.
I’m comfortable to say that we had 27 new members be part of our Creator Kickstarter teaching program this 12 months, and 61 joined our Area of interest Readability Course, and we’re tremendous grateful for that!
We Obtained ENGAGED!!
For those who’ve only in the near past began following us, you in all probability assumed that we have been already engaged, or married. 😂
On our 18-year anniversary (sure, 18!), Nick popped the query at an property within the Beaujolais wine area in France, surrounded by vineyards. It was probably the most romantic, big day you possibly can even think about.
Being the genius he’s, Nick advised me he was planning one thing secret for our 18-year anniversary…
…so I wouldn’t be suspicious or anticipating something however a particular anniversary day. I had completely no concept what was deliberate for the day.
It began with a practice journey from Lyon to Annecy – a village in France which is claimed to be the inspiration for Magnificence and The Beast. Simply visiting the picturesque village, full with an previous city, crystal-clear lake, and surrounding mountains would’ve been a tremendous day!
However, it was the day that stored on giving 🎉
We hopped in an Uber and made our approach to a hanger and air strip…the place our non-public helicopter was ready!
Champagne was popped and we loved the very scenic, 35 minute flight from Annecy to the Beaujolais wine area simply north of Lyon. We flew over mountains, villages, farmland, rivers…and vineyards.
Then, we began our descent and the helicopter actually landed in a winery. Critically, you possibly can’t even make this up!
As we walked into the property, a desk for two was set beneath an enormous tree, and we have been surrounded by (you guessed it), vineyards.
Nick popped the query earlier than our beautiful charcuterie board and wine arrived – I feel if he waited any longer, he in all probability would’ve burst! 😂
After all, my reply was (and all the time will likely be), sure.
It was probably the most unbelievable day. In some way, Nick was capable of hold this all a secret for weeks and weeks whereas he orchestrated the entire thing. The hassle, thoughtfulness, and love behind this proposal made it much more unforgettable.
Because the cherry on prime, we headed to the South of France to share our information and journey round with a gaggle of shut mates.
A Pal Was in a Tragic Accident
Life’s a loopy factor. Whereas we have been getting engaged in France (experiencing the happiest time collectively), an in depth pal of ours was preventing for his life in a hospital in Mexico.
After being hit by a automobile whereas crossing the street, our pal Nathan suffered from a traumatic mind harm (amongst different issues). I received’t get into it, however the hospitals in Mexico and his insurance coverage firm failed him.
Navigating the emotional duality of our engagement pleasure, alongside the overwhelming grief of what he was going by way of – and the prognosis – was extremely difficult.
It hasn’t been a simple street for Nathan, however unbelievably… right this moment, simply 7 months for the reason that accident, Nathan is strolling and speaking and residing his life…what a miracle!
All of the medical doctors stated he shouldn’t have survived.
We spent American Thanksgiving in Mexico with him this 12 months, an occasion that he organized for 28 individuals. There was positively so much to be pleased about.
Nathan just about summed up each his sense of humour and what we have been all pondering at Thanksgiving when he added his notice to the gratitude board:
After all, with it being such a traumatic harm, he nonetheless has a methods to go, however Nathan’s progress is unbelievable and we’re all so happy with him.
This expertise actually put into perspective simply how fragile life is, the significance of being there for mates, and the significance of residing life to the fullest.
High quality Time With Household & Mates
We’ve been touring and residing overseas now since 2008, so we don’t see our households as usually as we’d like, however once we do, we make it rely! With the ability to take break day once we need – or carry our work with us – is one thing we don’t take without any consideration.
2024 felt busy and rushed, whereas this 12 months, we allowed ourselves to decelerate and spend intentional, high quality time with family members.
Mother Does Europe
This 12 months, my mother came over us in Europe – her first time on the continent! We met her in Rome and spent just a few days strolling and consuming our means across the metropolis.
Then, we flew to Bulgaria to point out her round our house, earlier than driving throughout the border to spend a few days in Greece collectively.
We had a memorable go to, and he or she added three new nations to her listing. Seeing her eyes extensive and in awe of the unbelievable ruins and buildings in Rome is one thing I’ll always remember.
Dwelling to Canada
Throughout the summer time, we headed house to Canada to go to with extra family and friends. Summer time in Canada (when there aren’t any forest fires…) is truthfully one of the gorgeous locations on earth!
We spent 5 weeks at house and loved plenty of lake time, boating, fishing, mountaineering, visiting farmer’s markets, consuming wonderful meals, and naturally, visiting with everybody.
We all the time discover it tremendous onerous to work whereas we’re visiting, however we discovered a steadiness and nonetheless made time to assist our shoppers, and create content material for our enterprise.
Connecting with family members and making time for individuals we care about is a prime precedence for us, and having the freedom to take action on the drop of a hat is what this life-style actually means to us.
We Invested a LOT
For the final couple of years, we’ve put an emphasis on investing in teaching and consulting for our well being, funds, and our enterprise…and this 12 months was no exception!
We employed coaches for well being, investing within the inventory market, for gross sales and mindset, and for short-form video creation… and social media consultants.
We’re agency believers in investing time and money into ourselves, and in those that are going to assist us attain our objectives quicker than we might if we went at it alone.
Well being
As I discussed initially of this publish, I employed a Purposeful Well being Coach who focuses on thyroid & Hashimotos. This ended up being an eye-opening expertise for me.
For those who’ve been feeling a bit “off”, it’s positively price consulting with a health care provider and discussing a plan for a cleanse, operating blood assessments and even an HTMA check.
For me, I beloved that she was all about discovering out “why” the signs are there within the first place, and me as an entire particular person…somewhat than simply treating signs.
Finance (Spoiler: We Employed Our Consumer!)
This was a extremely cool, full-circle expertise. Jimmy joined our Creator Kickstarter program in 2024 the place we taught him the way to take his information of non-public finance and investing, and turning into a self-made millionaire, and switch it into an internet enterprise of his personal.
He now has greater than 100,000 followers on Instagram, round 10,000 subscribers to his e-mail listing, he’s created an investing course for rookies, and runs a neighborhood the place he gives month-to-month calls, and tons of recommendation contained in the neighborhood.
Clearly, as soon as he launched his program, we needed to be part of!
Not solely have we discovered a ton about inventory market investing normally, however Jimmy shared his Wealth Ladder system with us, and continues to share his inventory picks (and the explanations behind them).
We like Jimmy’s strategies as a result of he’s low danger, and he picks foundational shares with established corporations primarily based on his actual analysis and information.
We tremendous happy with how far he’s come along with his enterprise, however not solely that, since hiring him as our finance coach and becoming a member of his neighborhood, our investments have performed very properly.
We could have began investing later in life, nevertheless it’s positively higher late than by no means. 🙌
Social Media
Although we’ve been sharing on social media since 2012, the panorama is all the time altering.
With a purpose to keep on prime of what’s working and what’s not, the way to create the perfect content material doable, and the way to proceed to develop whereas being genuine on-line, Nick joined a high-ticket teaching program with among the finest video creators within the trade.
Inside the program, he had course materials to undergo, and dwell group calls two instances every week.
He’s been working tremendous onerous on creating content material that’s academic, offers worth, and brings individuals into our ecosystem.
Nick’s even grown his personal TikTok account from zero to nearly 5,000 followers and reels with nearly 100,000 views! All in only a few months whereas nonetheless operating our different companies – wonderful.
Gross sales, Technique & Mindset
Being an entrepreneur requires neighborhood – and truly, being in any enterprise does!
However, working for your self and carrying all of the hats (gross sales, advertising and marketing, networking, content material creation, consumer work, teaching calls, and all of the tech!), comes with challenges.
Having mentors in numerous areas has been a large assist for us once more this 12 months – we had 3 totally different coaches all through 2025.
Whether or not it’s gross sales and technique, mindset and visibility, or simply for accountability and having somebody to bounce concepts off of, having a neighborhood and enterprise coaches is one thing we’ll all the time put money into.
Retreats & Occasions
We had two unbelievable experiences this 12 months at in-person occasions and retreats.
A significant “excessive” from 2025 was seeing Tony Robbins dwell in Germany with 13,000 different individuals! Tony is absolutely the GOAT relating to the self-help, mindset, enterprise, and general life transformation.
It was emotional, intense, and uncooked. We actually walked throughout sizzling coals to show to ourselves that we are able to do onerous issues.
We hugged, high-fived, danced, and gave again massages to finish strangers! We had so many “aha” moments and breakthroughs on the occasion.
Plus, there have been plenty of visitor audio system, together with Dean Graziosi and Trent Shelton (whose guide Nick had already learn with out understanding he’d be there!).
The power within the area was in contrast to something I’ve skilled.
We additionally went to a gorgeous small mastermind retreat with our mentors in Greece! Being alongside the ten different entrepreneurs who have been rising their companies, dropping previous beliefs and tales, and working at a excessive frequency was such a privilege.
After all, the enterprise and masterminding facet was nice, however so too was the sundown crusing, the mountaineering, the in-house chef, the DJ social gathering, and the gorgeous villa all of us stayed in.
Becoming a member of occasions nearly is one factor…however being dwell… that power is unmatched!
Giving Again
That is one thing that I don’t really feel like we did sufficient of this 12 months. Volunteering our time and donating cash to causes is one thing we targeted closely on in earlier years, and we’ll be doing extra of in 2026.
Serving to out and having an impression on the world is what it’s actually all about. Having stated that, we did handle to do just a few impactful issues this 12 months.
Rubbish cleanups have been a standard process for us – domestically in our neighbourhood and surrounding mountains, and we all the time carry our personal luggage and choose up trash when Nick goes fly-fishing on the rivers. Sadly, rubbish is a matter in rural Bulgaria (and plenty of locations on this planet).
This month, a consumer of ours went on her annual journey to the Dominican Republic the place she brings toys and medical provides to the kids of a village there. We beloved this initiative and we have been comfortable to contribute for her to share with the children.
Lastly, after discovering out that our pal Nathan’s insurance coverage wouldn’t cowl all of his hospital payments, we brainstormed with some mates to see how we might assist out.
After all, there was a GoFundMe deliberate, however he wanted extra.
We determined to place collectively our personal fundraiser. Having by no means ran any type of fundraiser earlier than, it was a bit difficult logistically, nevertheless it got here collectively! Each little bit counts and we’re so grateful to those that donated to the trigger. 🙏
Our Travels
Although we’re now primarily based in Bulgaria, journey and freedom are nonetheless our core values!
We all the time discover ourselves getting “itchy” and able to go on the following journey. We’ve been to over 80 nations collectively, and nowadays, Europe has been the place we’ve principally been exploring.
In our youthful years, we have been actually into getting offtrack and having loopy adventures in lesser-visited elements of the world like Central Asia, Africa and the Center East.
Recently, we’re in our “Europe Period” 😂. Flights from our house are so shut and straightforward, we are able to hop within the automobile and drive to close by nations, and there are such a lot of locations on this continent that we nonetheless haven’t visited.
This 12 months, we visited 9 nations (Greece, Italy, France, Monaco, Canada, Germany, Eire, Mexico & Spain), and plenty of new locations round Bulgaria.
Monaco and Eire have been new nations for us, as have been all of the locations in France, and the cities of Madrid, Milan and Cologne. So, we had just a few repeat nations, however plenty of new cities!
Our final minute journey to Eire by campervan was a particular spotlight of the 12 months. You possibly can learn extra about that journey right here.
The pub tradition with its unbelievable music and trad classes, the pleasant welcoming individuals, the gorgeous landscapes, and the hearty meals and completely poured Guinness, made for an unbelievable journey. It was onerous to go away!
Objectives and Ideas For 2026
We’re already feeling a really robust urge for extra freedom and extra motion. I’m decoding this as bodily motion (travels and train!)…but additionally emotional and religious. It actually appears like one thing huge goes to occur this 12 months!
There are 4 fundamental issues that we need to deal with and attain in 2026:
Offering Worth
That is what our enterprise is all about and what it’s all the time been about. As I discussed earlier on this article, for a short while, we felt like we have been too overwhelmed, or busy to present something “further” to our viewers.
Now that we’ve organized our teaching program to be extra manageable (and we’ve additionally employed an assistant and consumer care supervisor to assist out!), we’re going to focus extra closely on free occasions, and beneficial emails and social media content material.
We have already got a bonus name on the calendar for our Creator Kickstarter shoppers and Distant Goats neighborhood! We’re tremendous enthusiastic about bringing our neighborhood even nearer. They’re truthfully the perfect group ever.
Specializing in Wellness
By this, I don’t simply imply our bodily well being, but additionally psychological, emotional and religious.
Just lately, we’ve each gotten into meditation, introspection, and manifestation, and that is one thing that we’re going to deal with much more within the new 12 months.
We’re agency believers in the truth that what we deal with, occurs. How we’re feeling and performing will likely be mirrored again to us. So, if we’re feeling down, or having self doubt, that’ll be mirrored again to us from the outer world.
With meditation, it calms the thoughts, and permits for reflection and readability. We’re trying ahead to experiencing extra of this in 2026.
The 12 months of YES
When concepts come to us, or somebody mentions one thing that sounds fascinating…we’re going to say “sure”. No overthinking, no indecision, no buzzing and hawing…simply going for it!
Each time we’ve performed that previously, issues have labored out for us and alternatives we by no means even thought-about have come up.
We already stated “sure” to a journey partnership for this 12 months, “sure” to travels to nations which might be tremendous removed from the place we’re in Bulgaria, “sure” to new development in enterprise, and “sure” to prioritizing this one life that we now have.
2026 is the 12 months of momentum and saying YES!
Our Wedding ceremony
Somewhat than placing it off, or staying engaged for a very long time (I imply, we’ve already been collectively 18 years!), we’ve determined to get married THIS YEAR (2026)!
It’s thrilling, and a bit nerve wracking to consider planning it…however I’m certain would be the absolute spotlight of not solely 2026, however our whole lives.
We’re trying ahead to sharing that a part of our lives with you in addition to we step into this new chapter.
Thank YOU!
We’re so grateful that you simply’re right here and are following our journey. Whether or not you’ve been right here from the beginning in 2012, otherwise you’ve simply joined the “tribe 🐐”, thanks in your assist – it means the world to us!
For those who’re right here for the digital nomad info, to comply with our private journey, or to discover ways to flip what you already know into an internet enterprise, you’re in the best place.
Our motto has all the time been: flip journey into a way of life … and that mission isn’t altering anytime quickly!
For those who haven’t already, don’t overlook to subscribe to our e-mail listing, and comply with us on Instagram. And, in the event you’re taken with becoming a member of the Creator Kickstarter to earn an revenue, have an effect, and discover function in your work, ship us an e-mail and we’ll see in the event you’re a great match.
As all the time, wishing you the best possible, most adventure-filled, thrilling, and enjoyable 12 months forward full of affection, laughter, development and naturally… journey.
Dariece & Nick
