Welcome to 2025, Reader!

I want to share a quick story with you.

Just before Christmas I went to our local takeaway shop one night to grab a quick chook for dinner. You know how it is, last minute shopping and tasks 'n all that mean you can't be arsed cooking dinner.

When I returned home I got out of my car, walked around to the other side to grab the bag of juicy goodness and I heard a rustle in the garden next to me.

My feet froze, I stopped breathing and my eyes desperately searched for a visual to confirm my fears. And I waited.

If I was playing statues, I would have won.

After about 30 seconds, I couldn't hear or see anything so I grabbed my things, and walked the long way around Phil's car to give the garden bed a wide berth.

As I approached the first of four steps up to my front door, I saw it 😐😮

Under the steps was a brown snake about a metre long trying to climb up the wall TOWARDS THE FRONT DOOR!!!!

For added drama I'd like to add here that I was wearing thongs, and a barely nothing dress with only knickers underneath. I was highly vulnerable.

I recoiled back to the front lawn keeping my eye on it, dropped the chicken cause I thought it would smell the juicy goodness and make a beeline for me if I was still holding it.

I fumbled with my fingers on my phone to call Phil who was inside oblivious.

He answered, and I tried to get the words of my mouth..., "Sssss...naaakee, there's a snake!" He said, "Where, where are you?" "Out the front.. get the snake catchers number for me - NOW!"

I waited for aaaaaages.. what the hell was taking him so long?

Nek minute, he'd snuk up behind me holding the pruning sheers and a plank of wood. I mean wtf was he gonna do with that?! He was armed and ready he reckoned, in shorts and thongs 🤦🏼‍♀️

I insisted on calling the snake catcher - second year in a row I might add. Last Christmas we had a slithery visitor also. $185 later.

Anyhoo, to cut a long story short, the snake catcher came, she looked everywhere, but it disappeared. DISAPPEARED, Reader!! That means it's still out there in the garden somewhere, or maybe next door. I don't know, but I've been on high alert.

The next day I went to the chemist and on the counter were some Glasshouse candles coloured purple with bloody snakes on them.. and a sign that said Wisdom of the Snake. "Are you serious?" I thought.

So, turns out 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Horoscope. Apparently it represents transformation.

I'm taking a step back from my irrational fear of snakes which developed as a farmer's daughter. Living on the farm when I was young was filled with memories of near misses and many unfriendly snakes.

I've decided to consider that maybe my visitor was a message for me. I'm staying open to what might be possible for me.

2024 was a year of painful experiences for me. But that means growth. So I'm embracing this theme of transformation through softness which is my word for this year.

I guess we will see what happens!

Do you have a word for 2025, Reader? What are you looking forward to?

We all have a clean slate to set whatever intentions we want.

Reply and let me know, I want to cheer you on :)

And if you see any snakes, think of the wisdom you can connect with.

Cheers to the new year and new opportunities.

Chat soon.

Love, Ali x

TL:DR; I saw a snake and freaked out but then learned it's the Year of the Snake in 2025 and it represents transformation!

PS; There will be news very soon about a membership program that will be exclusive but extremely affordable. I'll let you know shortly.

PPS; Have you bought the book yet? A great tool for your year ahead.

PPPS; Reply to book your Reiki or counselling session to start the year on a positive note.

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