2025 Visions
Tis that time of year where I share my updated vision board and reflect on the year that came before! In this case, we will be reviewing 2024’s vision board, exploring 2025’s vision board and then at the end I will share the template I use so you can create your own!
2024 REFLECTIONS
2024 was my year of TRUST & EXPLORE - a year where I went along with things even if they didn’t make sense on paper. This looked like a trip to Australia with my friendlies, modeling naked in the middle of Perth, seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time, negotiating my rates for speaking, saying yes to speaking at a non-photography conference, doing my Tedx talk, exploring Italy solo before doing my workshop at the castle with Kara Marie, flying to Scottsdale to creative body beautiful art alongside 2 of my mentors: Sue Bryce & Jade Beall, driving across this incredible country with Aroha to share my writing and life stories with incredibly, beautiful, supportive humans for my Homecoming book tour, visiting Tofino with my mom & husband, finding my way to Palm Springs to be a “camp counselor” who eventually ended up on stage and moderating a panel for The Boudoir Summit, hosting BIBC & The Perfectly Natural Revolution in Mexico with my friendlies, moving to Calgary with my husband and Kitten, jumping on planes to be there for friends in need, applying & receiving the Pinterest Inclusion Fund and getting back to photographing people in the way that feels exploratory and good for both of us. But let me break it down based on the visuals of last year’s vision board:
This was the block that got me thinking about the year. After a little meditation, I got clear on my words and how I wanted them to play out throughout the year. I wanted to trust & explore what I was capable of. I wanted to start trusting my body in telling me what she likes/doesn’t like, and I wanted to start uncracking the shell I built around myself for protection and start trusting & exploring the good that exists in the world around me. It’s so easy for our brains to focus on the bad (and social media knows this, hence the clicky baity bullshit), so I had to be intentional about looking for opportunities to trust when normally I would close off. And of course, trust & explore possibility - being open to the HOW. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make the amount of money I wanted to make, I wasn’t sure how my book tour was going to happen, I wasn’t sure how I would feel attending different events - all I knew was to be open to the possibility and do a little “yes, and…” improv style to go with the flow instead of force.
First up is belly laughs - you know, the kind you can only get with the people you can be your absolutely self with? Those kind. This image was taken by my dear friend Christine Johnson who had myself and Nancy over for a play date which ended up with nudi swimming in her pool and we laughed and splashed and played - little Nancy & little Teri were certainly present there. I definitely knew that I needed to fill my year with more laughter like that which meant I would need to surround myself with people that could allow for that to happen. From being with my glorious friends in Australia, laughing my way through various conferences with besties, and laughing as we danced across Canada, I’m pretty sure I have stronger abs and a lower cortisol level thanks to the amount of laughing that happened. This is the joy I had been lacking in previous years. The kind of joy that is brought about by: safety, relationships, and play. WARNING: on more than one occasion I may have peed my pants from laughing so much, it hits differently in your 40s lol.
I read somewhere once that people’s happiness craps out at around the $80k mark (I also think that data was old, so in the current economy the way that everything has increased, I would probably say people’s happiness craps out at around the $150K mark) and after that the best ROI is in our relationships, so I decided to set myself a goal of hitting $80K in income while I was wading the water between “being a photographer” and “being open to possibility” and sure as shit, I did it! That was gross income, though, I derfinitely spent a lot of that making things happen (the book tour, Australia, and the move to Calgary just being a few, plus a few unexpected side trips here and there that I wouldn’t have missed for the world). Because of this, however, I am now upping my goal for this year (which you will see below!) so that I can TAKE HOME $150K.
Essentially, this part of my vision board was to hone my curiosity skills and awareness around the thoughts holding me back in different areas or noticing feelings popping up that made me want to distract. This self inquiry was fostered in part by the 366 Days of Qs course where every day I asked a question around bodies for the attendees and while it helped them, it also helped me to realize where I still keep myself stuck as a result of body & self image. We’ve kicked off registration for the 2025 version of this if you are into it!
Unexpected Beauty was one of the 4 elements of my Authentic Code as discovered through the To Be Magnetic work (meditation + journaling). When I thought about all the ways that unexpected beauty was important to me, these were the additional words that I found it in: Adventure, curiosity, exploration, fun & travel and boy, did I ever. During my roadtrips I would pull over at random sites to explore what awaited me there - sometimes nothing, sometimes…everything. I also found it in posting my WEEKLY GLIMMERS on instagram - it allowed me to see the patterns of the things that truly light me up so I can continue to find more of those.
This quote by Morgan Harper Nichols really spoke to me because the last year felt quite chaotic - yet I didn’t feel chaotic within myself. It felt like the world swirled around me while I plodded through and despite the hardship of the year, I was seen. I was loved. And so are you.
Being human I still get all the uncomfortable feelings like guilt and discomfort and as someone who used to be called “Teri Two Years” (not in a good way) I tend to hold guilt over stopping and starting again - so this was a reminder for me throughout the year that there’s nothing to feel guilty about. If I wanted to be in the same spot next year then by all means, don’t start again - but if I wanted something different, then it would mean starting over and so I have. It feels harder starting again at the age of 40, with the recognition I have received, and social media - I find myself comparing to my old colleagues and peers even though we aren’t even in the same industry anymore, and the reason I am doing that is to keep myself in a loop of not having to “start over” due to guilt/fear. But this year I took that into my own control and I looked at the ways in which I could start over and faced them head on! Just because I’ve been speaking to photographers for a decade, doesn’t mean I have to keep doing that. Just because I used to run a traditional photography business, doesn’t mean I have to do that. Just because I used to have Facebook communities and charge little for my services doesn’t mean I have to do that again. I can start again - and so can you.
Self Expression is another of the 4 elements of my Authentic Code and the words that I package into that one phrase is: Creativity, Freedom, Trust, & Vulnerability because it takes trusting myself to express myself fully, to allow myself to be witnessed (vulnerability), and creativity and freedom remind me that while there are rules, they are all made up so to proceed into the world with vibrance, curiosity, and creativity to problem solving and sharing ideas.
Again, one of the things that brought about the idea of the WEEKLY GLIMMERS was the constant reminder to be intentional about the world around me. Whether it was how the light cascaded through the trees and hit my wall just right, or the way Kitten would look at me with her head cocked sideways when it was time to play, or the way anxiety would flood through my body and how I would respond. Intentional notice has allowed me to slow down, become incredibly aware, grateful, and empowered to take action as I move forward.
Role Modeling is the third element of my Authentic Code and it comprises my favourite way to teach. Within it, I put the words teaching, learning, wisdom, intuition, and expansion. I purposefully love to make myself uncomfortable so I can learn more to help others. Either last year or the year before I wrote down this statement: “If I want to write/talk about something different, I have to do something different” and it was a good reminder that I don’t want to teach anything I haven’t experienced myself and with that I need to expand my own self through the discomfort of growth and then I can educate. If I was to put those into order it would look like: Intuition, Learning, Expansion, Wisdom, Teaching. It’s my internal compass that steers me in the direction of things that intrigue me, I learn about them, I then apply (expansion), from that comes wisdom, and which point I love to teach it.
This was one of the most quantifiable things on my list and we made it happen. We almost went with a sweet apartment downtown in Calgary with huge windows and great views, but Ryan found a house rental, a little higher priced than what we were thinking, however, as soon as we stepped into it for a viewing and I saw the huge windows, dappled light, and gorgeous landscaped backyard (with a walking hill less than a 3 minute walk away) I was sold. After all the expenses we would have had to pay at the other place (parking, storage, etc.) it would have come out to the same price, but this one had everything we wanted. (Plus a quiet neighborhood and enough rooms that if people fly here to work with me or take a workshop, they can stay at the house!) I’m not sure how long we will have this place since it is a rental, but it is perfect for now.
The beautiful colors of lime washed walls of Italy were on my list this year and once again I was privileged to teach at the Graphistudio Castle outside of Venice. Even better was that I got to spend some solo travel time in Florence where I meandered the streets and then ate the absolute best ravioli of my life (again). Europe holds a special place in my heart so I was happy to give myself the opportunity to embrace it again in 2024. I also got to share some epic memories with my friends after the workshop when we traveled to Rome and then participated in a cool outdoor museum and the natural hotsprings. Pure magic.
Basking in beautiful light made it onto my vision board because I think it’s something we can overlook easily enough, but as a photographer…light is my muse. It was important to me to not just have a creative space with beautiful light, but also to appreciate it whenever I found it by taking photos of my shadow or videoing the way shadows move. If you look at my WEEKLY GLIMMERS for the year, you will see that light shows up pretty much every week.
Retreat is the final element of my Authentic Code and this is so important to me. I realized at the end of 2020 that I was addicted to work and productivity and never giving myself space to breathe for fear that I would let people down. I was slowly killing myself and thus, learning how to retreat through balance, comfort, friendship, nature, and letting myself be vulnerable to being human has had to be one of the hardest, but most rewarding areas of focus. An example of this would be after 3 weeks of hosting my retreats, I then take off 3 weeks to recuperate and refill up the ol’ cup.
2024 was the year that I wanted to take my speaking engagements to the next level which is why I opted to do my Homecoming Tour, the Tedx Talk, and a variety of other engagements where I got to impart my knowledge of photography + body image. I wanted to see if it would continue to fill me up and it absolutely did. Whether the event was small with 2 attendees, a hometown free workshop in Winnipeg, or standing on a big stage at WPPI, each speaking engagement left me feeling exhilerated, fire up, and ready to do more! We will see more of this in 2025!
Finally, this image of a book I was reading in the car while Ryan and I watched the sunset at the top of Topanga Canyon outside of LA last year. The reason I wanted this on my vision board because that moment was such a beautiful, tender experience - both of us reading our own books, the fresh ocean air, the warm glow of the sun, and the book I was reading was about resisting the pull of social media (which I’ve been struggling with). It was a beautiful, beautiful moment with someone I love. I wanted more of that this year and while it was Aroha that I watched sunset with this summer, it was still magical and with someone I love (just in a platonic way lol).
So, that’s the breakdown of last year’s vision board and the way it helped support me throughout the year. I think it’s so cool when I can look at that board and look at my life and say I made it intentional to do those things and look at the rewards. Sometimes, I may achieve the thing I set out for on my vision board only to find out it actually doesn’t align with where I’m going, but I wouldn’t have known that if I didn’t achieve it - so everything is a learning opportunity. Now, let’s look at 2025!
2025 VISIONS
My vision for 2025 is ROOTED & GROUNDED. I have spent my 20s & 30s more like a river or a tumbleweed - letting Intuition take the wheel and giving into my earthly whims of pleasure, immediate satisfaction, and ego. While it helped me find my way to my 40s, I am now looking to ground and root myself in my knowing, my understanding and self. I came to the realization at the end of 2023 that I had been living for everyone else - afraid of being seen as “bad”, going after and achieving what I’ve been taught I should, and becoming attached to every identity thrust upon myself. As this year (2024) ends, I find myself practicing the art of detachment, releasing any meaning of any “thing”, status, or desire. As I heard Oprah say on a podcast once, I will “hold my vision in my hand, but I will be careful not to grasp too tight.” (or some variation of that) I believe that if I can get to the essence of me (by connecting to Little Teri more) I will be able to ground myself regardless of where I am, how often I travel, or what I do. So, in order to move towards that, here’s the visions for the year broken down:
As a born Empath, I learned early on how to be “good”. I was a “good” listener, I always won the “who can be quietest the longest” (financial reward for submission at a young age), I wouldn’t dare cross an authority figure (but if I did I would suffer anxiety and panic attacks), and I’ve carved my way through the world trying to do and be what will hold me in the highest esteem. This meant, when it came to having an opinion of my own I would always be swayed in a direction by someone who called me “uncaring” or “bad” - but no more. I am freakin’ 41 years old and I am not going to spend the next 40 years of my beautiful life being swayed for fear of being seen as the villain in some people’s stories. This isn’t to say I won’t be open to criticism or education (what kind of teacher would I be if I wasn’t??), but rather I will consider the point of view that I am hearing from and make a decision that sits well in my chest. In this world where it’s easy to be “cancelled” it can also create censorship and I am no longer about that life. So, one of my goals for next year is to be okay to have a differing opinion or belief than someone else.
This is kind of the overarching view for the whole vision which I’ve essentially explained above. Becoming grounded in myself, what I have to say, and being okay that people may no like it (or me). Being unwavering in my conviction of self & purpose - everything I do will be a branch from the roots of my purpose, which can make it easier to say no or yes to shiny opportunities when they come my way.
I will bring in $150K this year - from a combination of photoshoots, speaking engagements, online courses, books, etc. This is the breakdown I have from ChatGPT but I’m going to do a little finagling as there are a few things unaccounted for (membership group I am planning for June, stock photography opportunities, grant programs, etc.)
Photoshoots $54,000
Book Sales $18,750
Speaking Engagements $48,000
Courses (The Body Chronicles) $50,000
Online Education $20,000
Investments $10,000
Other Income (affiliates/ads/etc) $10,000
Total (so far)$200,750
[If you’d like to help me achieve these goals, click on the desired word and it will take you where you need to go (aside from the Investments lol)]
This image represents SLOW-MENTS - slow moments. Picnics outside with delicious, beautiful, fresh food, gorgeous light, and aesthetic beauty everywhere. I’ve always wanted to host an outdoor teaparty and now that I have a backyard, I can actually make it happen (mark your calendar!!)
The last one bleeds perfectly into this one - I am still on the hunt for unexpected beauty, but now I am looking for it in a few different places: my fashion, my self (looking at beauty as a way to decorate and celebrate not “enhance”), the beauty of looking at the same thing over and over again, etc. It’s easy to find beauty when I zip around to different cities/countries/etc. but I rarely stop to celebrate the beauty that exists in my own home. I want to curate beauty in unexpected items, words, and people.
As a Manifesting Generator who’s wisdom and energy comes from responding, pouring into myself is ESSENTIAL for me to pour into others - however, it’s really easy to forget that, so I will be making sure to prioritize it by attending workshops, conferences, and events that support me, taking part in healing modalities to work through my past, and more.
Making sure that I incorporate 2-3 of these daily throughout the year. I am curious to see what happens when I prioritize them. I currently do a few, but I think it will be interesting to see if I am able to create a practice and discipline that supports these throughout the year regardless of what I’m doing, what I’m going through or where I am.
I predict 2025 will be the year that a lot of things change for me. I don’t know why or necessarily how (but I’ve been told that’s none of my business) but I do know it’s leading me to create a big change in the world. 5555 will be my angel number to remind me that I’m on the right path.
I will continue to role model and share as I move forward and as you can see, I’ve now reordered the words so they are in alignment with the natural order of things. This year I need to learn different things and uplevel my education and trust my intuition to show me in which direction I should do that.
Rooted but able to flow will be my biggest flex. As I mentioned above, I’ve always just kind of been a go with the flow, but now I’d like to be more like sea grass where I’m planted to the ground, but still capable of flowing when needed without uprooting MYSELF.
Self Expression for me is all about embracing my brilliance. For too long I’ve felt bad or guilty when I’ve gotten recognition or accolades for my work or when I’ve been recognized on the street. I realized a few years ago it stems from my attempts to make other people feel like I’m not taking their spotlight - I’ve come to learn that’s scarcity thinking, believing that there’s only one spotlight to go around. With my Tedx talk going viralish I was thrust into the spotlight and with it came a lot of uncomfy feelings, but it also gave me the opportunity to move through them so next year I am ready to SHINE, BABY. If you think I’m too bright now, grab your sunglasses, because it’s only going to get brighter.
Rewriting old narratives about feeling bad about being “successful” has been a priority since I became an entrepreneur in 2014, yet it still pops up from time to time. Let’s just say I am in a season to receive. I’ve put in a lot of work over the past decade and I am ready to receive the rewards with open arms. (Of course, this also means that I’ve defined success for myself which may look different to yours!)
This image represents people coming to me - having dinner in my backyard. For the past decade I have traveled to people, arranged retreats & workshops in cities where they said they wanted me to go (then they didn’t book tickets), flew to photograph people in their homes and studios, and to be honest, never believed people would come to me - but that’s not true. I’ve had quite a few clients fly to me when I lived in Winnipeg and now that I live in Calgary and they can stay at my house, it will be even easier for people to come to me. With that, I want to host little workshops, discussions, self love events, photoshoots, etc. so stay tuned!
Retreating for me means not feeling bad about sitting in a room while everyone else is playing games. It means protecting my energy by showering after a conference so the energy of the people can wash down the drain. It looks like quiet walks in nature and self portraits in the forest. It’s sitting in the steam room or having a shower when it just gets to be too much. It’s going to friends when I do something that makes me feel shame and it’s letting myself cry at sappy videos.
Part of me grounding is going back to the simplicity of being a human animal. Letting myself be open, strong, simple, and filled with LIFE instead of stuff. Taking care of this human body even if it’s not joyful, knowing that it brings my body joy. It’s remembering that things will never make me happy, but being present will.
Beautiful light and taking care of my plant babies. Since I’ve moved I had to start my little plant collection again, so it’s been fun to see it grow and capture the light with such beauty.
Lastly, I am excited to get back to photographing clients - particularly in this way. Showing people their rolls, their folds, their texture, and design and letting them know how beautiful and fascinating it is. By the end of 2025 I’d love to have a gallery show, showcasing all the beautiful bods! If you want to be photographed by me, check out my session details here!
