,

Over the past three days, I disappeared.

Not literally.

But I took some time off social media and went into the "cave".

Spending that time away helped me gather my thoughts, reflect on the year so far, contemplate the new year ahead, and redefine what's really important to me.

And here are three things I learned in the process.

1. I have grown so much more than I realize. 

It's pretty easy to dismiss your growth, especially when you don't have some sort of financial proof to back it up. 

And that's because virtually everyone uses money as a basis for their judgment or perception of success. 

No metric could be faultier than money, when it comes to measuring success. 

Looking back on the year, I grew in a lot of areas I didn't realize. 

In business, relationships, network, consistency, skills, and so many more areas. 

But until I took some time to REALLY look at things, I didn't realize it. 

2. I am the one holding myself back. 

I didn't have the smoothest journey growing up. 

Due to several childhood experiences — many of which I can't remember anymore, 

I used to struggle with self esteem and fear of what people will say or what they think of me — and still do. 

And looking back, that has been my biggest drawback. 

I can think of a million things I'd have been able to achieve or do better if these factors weren't in place. 

So I've decided to change that. 

I've decided I won't let myself be held back by what other people think or don't think about me. 

Now, I don't expect to be able to do this abruptly or dramatically. 

But little by little, piece by piece, I am beginning the process of edging away the part of me that cares too much about what people say or think. 

And I am focusing my attention on doing what is best for me, no matter how it looks on the outside. 

3. Collaboration is the new competition. 

If there's anything I learned this year, especially from the events I volunteered for, 

It's that great things are almost never accomplished alone. 

Many times, they require a joint effort of a group of intentional people united towards a (set of) common goal(s). 

And even though you may not have a crowd of people lining up to work with you to achieve your goals, 

In your own little way, you can begin working with people around you to help each other achieve success. 

I mean, what's the point of competing when you can both win together? 

So there you have it. 

I don't know what it is, but I just have this gut feeling in my spirit that 2025 is going to be a huge year for me. 

My current circumstances say otherwise. 

But I'm convinced 2025 will be a great year in every single way I can think of. 

Spiritually, Financially, Mentally, Socially, Emotionally, you name it. 

I am inviting you on this journey of growth. 

And I hope we can grow together. 

By the way, tomorrow marks the 30th and last day of this 30 Day Marketing/Copywriting Email CRUSADE. 

What a ride it's been so far isn't it? 

It looks just like yesterday that we started, and here we are. 

What has this journey been like for you? 

Did you learn anything? 

What are these 30 days worth of emails worth to you?

Would you still like to hear from me after tomorrow? 

Would you pay to receive emails like this in 2025? 

Would you recommend subscribing to my email list to a friend? 

What are your thoughts about my mails? 

Could be anything, positive or negative reviews, I'd love to hear it anyway. 

2025 is here already. 

I can't wait to see what the new year has in stock. 

See you tomorrow. 

Yours collaborating instead of competing, 

— KD™