Newsletter for Friday December 27, 2024

Welcome 2025: A Year of Connection, Joy, and Gratitude

Happy New Year!

As I sit here reflecting on 2024, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride. This past year, I committed to writing a weekly newsletter and keeping the podcast going, and I’m proud of sticking with it. For many years, I wasted so much time beating myself up, comparing myself to others, and chasing validation that didn’t matter. Looking back now, I realize what a waste that mindset was—and how freeing it is to finally embrace who I am and my mission.

Throughout this journey, loved ones and mentors have challenged me with tough but meaningful questions. When I’ve felt discouraged—frustrated that my podcast doesn’t get thousands of downloads or make any money—they’ve always asked, “Why are you doing this?”

My answer is simple: I do this to help people.

I want to share real, unfiltered stories that show others they’re not alone. That’s been my mission from the very start, and it remains at the heart of everything I do.

When I was younger, I often felt alone—even in a crowded room. Whether I was at a party, dressed to the nines, or surrounded by family, there was always this deep emptiness inside. I’d drink to quiet the thoughts of not being good enough or feeling like I didn’t belong. Alcohol numbed the pain, but it also trapped me in a dark cycle of isolation.

In 2006, I hit a breaking point and realized I needed help. It was the scariest moment of my life—giving up what felt like my best friend and my only way to cope. But I made a commitment, and when I commit to something, I stick to it.

Since that day, I haven’t picked up a drink, and I’ve discovered one of the biggest lies I believed: I was never alone. That belief kept me in the dark for so long, and I never want to go back there.

So how do I stay in the light? By sharing joy, stories, and hope.

Through my podcast and newsletter, I hope to make someone else’s day just a little easier. Whether it’s through sharing my own experiences or inviting incredible guests to share theirs, my goal is to offer tips, stories, and connection that bring hope and healing.

This year has been an amazing journey, and I’m thrilled to keep it going in 2025.

Thank you so much for reading my newsletter, subscribing, and being part of this journey. It’s been an honor to share my heart with you every week. I even think my writing has improved (thank you for sticking with me!).

As we welcome 2025, my wish for you is this: more joy and less self-inflicted pain. Let go of the negative self-talk and focus on gratitude—just one day at a time.

You are not alone, and you are so loved.

Sending hugs and kisses,
Elizabeth “Bizzy” Chance