Year in Review 2024 – Embracing ‘First Times’ and Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

My topics and highlights in 2024

1.) I launched my signature program ‘The Joy Journey for Busy Moms’

2024 was special in many ways. After extensive preparation, I launched my signature 8-week program, The Joy Journey for Busy Moms—first in April and then again, with slight revisions, in November. Each launch was preceded by a 3-day workshop, during which wonderful moms from across the world participated. It was truly inspiring to see sign-ups from so many places, including European countries, the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

In these workshops, we explored how participants were feeling in the moment and how they wanted to feel on a daily basis. Together, we defined what success means to each of us, delving into different forms of well-being and practicing simple exercises to access these states.

I absolutely loved working with the women who joined the program. Our bi-weekly Q&A calls were rich with beautiful and vulnerable sharing, meaningful discoveries, and creative ideas for moving forward with joy and intention. My heart warmed every time someone experienced an ‘aha’ moment or made a small change in their daily routine that brought more joy and fulfillment to their life.

I truly love doing this work!

2.) I trained intensively in Positive Psychology and Positive Intelligence

One of my dreams came true in 2024 when I joined the online seminars in positive psychology with Germany’s renowned Inntal Institute, the country’s most famous institute for positive psychology.

I first discovered the Inntal Institute in autumn 2023, and as soon as I saw their website, I intuitively knew I wanted to work with them. In September 2023, I enrolled in an initial training course to qualify for their intensive program to become a certified practitioner of positive psychology.

The intensive training consisted of four blocks, each spanning about four full days, often running from 9 AM to 6:30 PM. While that might sound like a long time on Zoom, I genuinely enjoyed every moment. The trainers and assistants were incredible at bringing the virtual space to life, presenting scientific methods with engaging examples and stories that captivated me for hours.

And then there was the group—about 15 participants from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, all united by a shared passion for personal development and growth. The conversations, coaching sessions, laughter, and deep insights we shared were invaluable. Each block felt like a family gathering with people I’d never met before but now knew so much about. The bonds we formed made the days fly by, and I always looked forward to the next session.

We explored a variety of topics, from accessing positive emotions to different types of well-being. I was especially fascinated by the concept of the “psychologically rich life.” Other topics included discovering and leveraging unique character strengths, strengthening relationships, making meaning of past experiences, uncovering deeper purpose, and accessing flow states more easily.

I also participated in a 6-week intensive training in Positive Intelligence offered by the wonderful Shirzad Chamine. A friend had told me about the opportunity to join this course as a practicing life coach, and as the concept intrigued me, I jumped at the chance. I not only learned about various types of saboteurs that can make our lives difficult and how to address them in a gentle yet firm way, but I also connected with amazing fellow coaches in my accountability pod. The insights we shared during (and beyond) the course were truly enriching.

Both the intensive training in positive psychology and the shorter course in positive intelligence provided me with profound insights into the human brain, patterns, and behaviors, and how they influence our everyday lives.

While many of the themes were familiar from my earlier research for my book, Inspirations from Abroad for a Happier Life at Home, I loved learning about the scientific foundations behind these concepts. The tools and techniques I gained were immediately applicable to my work, allowing me to enhance my signature course and other offerings.

3.) I finally finished the German translation of my book

When I first published my book Inspirations from Abroad for a Happier Life at Home in 2021, I assumed the German version would follow within a year at most. I hadn’t anticipated how much effort it would take to translate a book I’d written in English back into my native language.

Despite the support of wonderful translators and editors, it took time to re-edit certain parts to ensure they captured the same “feel” as the original.

To be honest, I also procrastinated quite a bit. Toward the end, only minor adjustments were needed, yet I kept postponing the task for weeks and then months. In a positive intelligence course, I discovered that one of my “main saboteurs” is procrastination—a tendency often rooted in striving for perfection. This realization has taught me to embrace the mantra: progress over perfection.

Now, the cover and text are finalized. The book just needs formatting before it can be officially published, and it will soon be available on Amazon and other online retailers.

4.) I discovered two different Greek islands and the peace they offered 

This year, I had the chance to visit Greece twice. In July, my family and I stayed on the beautiful, somewhat secluded island of Paros. We rented a house from friends and quickly fell in love with its charm. My husband enjoyed navigating the island’s dirt roads, while I was thrilled to find a yoga retreat just a 10-minute walk from our house. We also discovered several small, hidden beaches. Each of us had a favorite: I loved a tiny beach where I could swim and watch colorful fish, my husband preferred one ideal for diving, and the girls adored the one with big waves. Every morning, we’d plan which beaches to visit for the day.

The food was another highlight—lots of Greek salads and the freshest fish imaginable. Often, we cooked at home in the evenings so we could enjoy the World Cup matches later in the night. Watching the German soccer team this year was such an exciting experience, full of energy and dynamism.

In October, I had the opportunity to visit Greece again—this time, the lush island of Kefalonia. It felt noticeably greener compared to Paros. I went with a group of global moms from Mother Wild, an incredible organization founded by dear friends that organizes retreats for moms around the world. We spent five magical days together practicing early morning yoga, journaling, and participating in workshops on limiting beliefs, breathwork, mermaiding in the sea, and calming cocooning exercises. Our afternoons were filled with excursions to snorkel, visit the mythical island of Zeus, or enjoy massages and tarot card readings. Each evening ended with soothing yin yoga, and the day was punctuated by delicious vegetarian brunches and dinners prepared by a talented local Greek chef at the Vericoco Retreat Centre.

I’ve been attending Mother Wild retreats for several years now, and they’re always among my annual highlights. These trips feel like coming home to a group of soul sisters. Even though I usually only see these women once a year, it always feels like we had just seen each other yesterday. The retreats are filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, dreams, visions, and shared struggles. If you’re a mom in need of restorative me-time and meaningful connection with inspiring women, I highly recommend checking out the retreats Mother Wild offers.

5.) I invited more Playfulness and Laughter into my Daily Life

This year, I reconnected deeply with my playful and humorous side, spending lots of time playing games, solving puzzles, drawing, and simply having fun with our girls, friends, and family.

• One of my favorite activities was transcribing the sweet and funny theories our daughters often share about life. These moments never fail to make me smile or laugh! Both of our daughters have come up with countless charming ideas, blending French and German in their unique ways. While I think children around the age of five have particularly imaginative and adorable ways of explaining the world (I could currently write down sweet theories from our younger one on a daily basis), I’ve been capturing their delightful ideas and theories at every age.
• My father has also contributed to the humor in my life. He’s made it a habit to send me jokes from German newspapers almost daily, and no matter how stressful or crazy my mornings are, they always manage to make me smile. These little moments of humor truly help lift my mood.

  

   

• After many years, I also started playing the piano again, inspired by a friend’s love for music. I’ve been revisiting some of the old pieces I loved when I was younger, and each time I sit down at the piano, it brings me a lot of joy.
• Another rediscovery this year was how much I love puzzles to calm my mind—sometimes I think I enjoy them even more than our girls do! 😂 One evening, I noticed that puzzle pieces from different sets had been mixed up. To sort them and check for missing pieces, I decided to complete all the puzzles. What started as a chore turned into a wonderfully relaxing evening, and since then, I’ve been doing puzzles (mostly the ones belonging to our girls) more often.

• Thanks to our girls, I’ve started drawing much more again. Often, I’m a bit surprised—and sometimes overwhelmed—by their specific requests, like drawing a deer family in the forest or other intricate scenes. Since my initial attempts were often met with disappointment 😅, I’ve started looking for easy templates on my phone to use as a guide. It’s been a fun way to learn, and I’ve really been enjoying the process of improving my drawing skills!

• We played a lot of games as a family this year. At home, UNO became one of our favorite calm-down rituals, often played during evenings to relax and have fun together. During our visits to my parents in Germany, we continued the fun with a variety of games, including tongue twisters that had all of us laughing out loud, and other card games that were particularly enjoyable among the adults.
• We also did a lot of dressing up with the girls this year—not just for Halloween, but often during everyday life. It was so much fun! One evening, when a dear friend couldn’t make it to our planned meeting and I felt a little sad, Noelie dressed up as her and brought two glasses of non-alcoholic champagne so we could celebrate together.”

Other beautiful and special moments in 2024

We visited some good friends in France to enjoy the snow together. At the bottom of the mountain, we saw people taking walks, as there wasn’t much snow there. Higher up, however, there was plenty of snow for skiing!

I organized a book raffle for participants in one of my surveys to show my gratitude for those who take the time to share insights into their life situations and challenges. My daughter helped by drawing the winner with her eyes closed and was so proud to be part of the process. However, she felt sorry for everyone who wasn’t chosen—she has such a big heart. 🙂💖

As my husband turned 40 this year, I wanted to surprise him with something special. I organized a 3-day getaway weekend in the beautiful region of Puglia, though I hadn’t realized that the G7 summit was taking place in the area during our visit 😅. As a result, we saw plenty of police officers and even caught a glimpse of some of the politicians’ wives enjoying lunch.

During our trip, we visited the charming town of Alberobello, famous for its trulli—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. We also learned how to make fresh buffalo mozzarella, sampled delicious Italian wine, and soaked in the beauty of the region. It was a wonderful weekend to enjoy quality time together and reconnect away from the hustle of everyday life.

It was such a pleasure to meet Judith Peters, the German Blogging Queen, who organizes the largest blogging parades in Germany, at the Sigrun Live Event in October in Zürich. I loved hear warm nature right away. Judith is an inspiring, fun, friendly, and humble person with a wealth of wisdom about blogging and online business. We had a wonderful chat about my future vision for my business, and she inspired me to write this ‘year-in-review’ blog article. If you speak German and want to learn from one of the very best in blogging, be sure to check out her website!

This year, I had the chance to celebrate my birthday in my German hometown for the first time in many years, together with my parents. We had been in Germany the weekend before for a good friend’s 40th birthday celebration, and since my birthday fell on a Monday, I decided to stay for a couple of extra days. I cherished having these special moments with my parents and some close friends on-site.

My conclusion of 2024

What am I proud of in 2024?

• That I didn’t give up—professionally or personally—when things were hard, but instead kept holding onto hope and moving forward, one step at a time, which led to some beautiful results.
• That I learned to calm my nervous system with soothing music and massage oils.

• That I read (several!) great books during my summer vacation.
• That I kept up with my weekly dance/sports class, even during hectic times.
• That I celebrated both the little and big milestones—for myself and for my loved ones—with intention and joy.
• That I followed my intuition and stood up for myself and others when it mattered most.

What was the best decision I made in 2024?

Pursuing intensive training in positive psychology and finally committing to the field I want to continue growing and working in!

What did I learn about myself in 2024?

I learned that my love for learning is one of my most developed character strengths and that I don’t feel truly fulfilled unless I’m learning something new every day.

I now better understand why I can’t walk past a bookstore without stepping inside (and often buying at least one book). It also explains why I’m so drawn to online courses across a wide variety of topics—I could happily keep exploring new areas of life endlessly.

At the same time, I discovered that my mind is arborescent, meaning I can easily get lost in too many ideas, projects, and ambitions. This realization has taught me that focus and priority-setting are crucial. I often need to slow myself down before jumping into a new course (yes, the “shiny object syndrome” is real!) and instead focus on finishing and applying what I’ve already learned. The same goes for books—I love buying them and feel joy having them in my home library, but if I don’t carve out time to read, I end up stockpiling books without fully benefiting from them.

So, while I cherish my love for learning, I also recognize the importance of channeling it intentionally. This helps me avoid overwhelm and ensures I make the most of the knowledge and resources I already have.

First Times: What did I experience or do for the first time in 2024?

• I went for the first time to the London Book Fair and met an author colleague/friend of mine after years of online calls, in person.

  

  

   

• I created my first Reels on Instagram (yes, I’ve been told I’m a “grandma” when it comes to social media, but I’m discovering IG and enjoying it more and more)!
• I gave my first webinar.
• I held two new 3-day online workshops for the first time.
• I launched my first official signature program.
• I delivered my first keynote speech at OWIT (Organisation of Women in International Trade), Lake Geneva.
• I experienced my first Lego Serious Play workshop—I loved the exercise and concept so much that I bought a Lego Serious Play set for our family too!

• I produced my first Facebook ad video and was brave enough to publish it live.
• I rode a horse for the first time in years—in Greece, surrounded by a stunning setting.

• I had my first aerial yoga experience, together with our daughters—I especially loved the “cocooning” part!

What is the most important lesson 2024 taught me?

Follow your intuition and be authentically yourself!

I’ve realized that with age, we learn to care less about what others think of us and to follow our own paths unapologetically. This year, I gained a deeper understanding of my personal boundaries and “red lines” in both personal and professional contexts. While it wasn’t always easy to recognize when a boundary had been crossed, my gut feeling always alerted me. I learned to honor that feeling and hold space for myself and my needs, even when it felt uncomfortable—especially as someone who has often leaned toward being a people pleaser.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that expressing boundaries—ideally in a respectful way—can lead to more authentic and deeper relationships. Sometimes this even happens with the very people involved, if they’re open to it. But most importantly, it strengthens your relationship with yourself. By listening to your inner voice and honestly expressing when something doesn’t feel right, you learn to stand up for yourself and find solutions that respect both your needs and those of others.

In the past, I would often suppress my feelings until they built up and came out explosively. My husband sometimes jokingly calls me “the volcano,” and my mom says my “Scorpio sting” (I’m a triple Scorpio, astrologically) comes out when I’ve been holding too much inside for too long.

It’s taken time, but I’ve learned that expressing my needs and wishes earlier prevents feelings of resentment or those volcanic moments. While it’s still something I’m working on, I feel I’ve made significant progress this past year. People have even told me that I truly speak from the heart, which means a lot to me. It’s something I want to continue nurturing and building on in the future.

What am I especially grateful for in 2024?

• For all the beautiful family and friend encounters. I had the chance to see my family, spread across different countries, several times this year. Each time, it was such a pleasure to share meaningful moments together. Antoine and I also made sure to carve out time for many gatherings with friends—weekend excursions, shared trips (we visited Europapark for the first time with friends), lunches, evenings, and spontaneous get-togethers with local friends.Good friends are truly precious. They understand you, accept you as you are, lift you up when needed, and share in joyful moments and celebrations. I feel so grateful for all the wonderful friends I’m blessed to have. A heartfelt thank you to each of you for being in my life and making it so much more beautiful!
• I’m also deeply grateful that my husband and I managed to reconnect time and again this year, even during stressful times or while navigating life’s ups and downs.

• That with B-Inspired, I found a wonderful local entrepreneur group here in Switzerland where I can regularly connect, exchange ideas, and participate in inspiring workshops, networking events, and even fun parties.

• That I learned so much about myself and humanity through the courses I took in positive psychology and positive intelligence. I find human beings to be such fascinating and complex creatures, with unique and compelling stories in every life path. I truly love learning about this and discovering how simple tools and techniques can help us enjoy our lives even more.

What were my biggest challenges in 2024?

• A few personal circumstances weighed on our family harmony at times, presenting challenges that were difficult to navigate. Yet, we consistently found ways to overcome them and reconnect on an even deeper level, which strengthened our bond.
• My business revenue didn’t reach the level I had hoped for this year. Building a “properly functioning” online business takes time, and while this was frustrating at moments, I learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. I also discovered what feels natural and energizing for me versus what feels constraining or draining. I continue to explore how I can best serve my clients, and I’m deeply grateful for the wonderful feedback I received from those I had the privilege to work with this year.
• My health took a bit of a backseat compared to last year. I didn’t walk as much as I used to and gained some weight that I’d like to shed. I’ve realized I need to make some adjustments to my routines to boost my physical health and increase my energy levels in the coming year.

What went really well in 2024?

I stepped out of my comfort zone repeatedly this year, and each time I did, I felt happy and proud of myself. Whether it was hosting my first webinar, creating my first Facebook video ad, or recording numerous lessons for my new course, I embraced the challenge. Each step outside my comfort zone made me realize how much easier things become once you’ve done them once.

This is a habit I want to carry forward into the new year—continuing to push my boundaries and grow.

What am I leaving behind in 2024 and not taking into 2025?

I want to let go of:

• Self-doubt: Trusting myself and my abilities more.
• Too much hustling: Recognizing when I need rest and tuning in more to myself and my needs instead.
• Unnecessary conflicts: Choosing harmony and understanding over friction.
• Self-criticism: Replacing it with self-compassion and celebrating my progress and efforts.

I also want to leave behind the tendency to say “yes” too often to things that don’t truly align with my goals or values. In 2025, I aim to set clearer priorities, focus on what truly matters, and continue building a life filled with joy, balance, and purpose.

My Year in Numbers:

• Current Instagram Followers: 370 (up from around 200 at the beginning of the year—quite a big deal for me as a self-proclaimed Instagram ‘grandma’ 😃!)
• Current Facebook Page Fans: 291
• Number of Instagram Posts Published in 2024: 37 (not much in the grand scheme, but significant for me with a total of 61 posts. I’ve been enjoying Instagram more and more!)
• LinkedIn Followers: 868
• Number of LinkedIn Posts: 25 (a big step for me—it was the year I became more active on LinkedIn, and I’ve really enjoyed engaging on this platform.)
• Subscribers to Free Workshops: 170 (for each of the two workshops I offered this year—it was wonderful to connect with so many amazing women from around the world!)
• Email Newsletter List: I cracked the milestone of 1,000 active email subscribers this year and couldn’t be happier to have so many wonderful people in my orbit
• Newsletters sent: 46 (almost reaching my goal of sending one each week) 💌
• Number of Blog Articles Published this year: 4 (way to go for next year! 📝☺️)
• New Courses Launched: 3 (two mini-courses and my extensive signature course, The Joy Journey)

My Outlook for 2025

What I will do differently (or better) in 2025?

• Eat and drink more consciously.
• Take more walks in nature while listening to inspiring podcasts or audiobooks.
• Do more stretching, yoga, and home exercises.
• Get more organized with my business systems, including better planning for my weekly and monthly newsletters and social media posts.
• Establish a healthier and more consistent sleeping routine.

Adventures I will experience in 2025

• A trip to Amsterdam to celebrate my parents’ 45th wedding anniversary.
• A family getaway with my wonderful university friends and their families to a farm in Northern Italy.
• Launching a new program to support people navigating life transitions.
• Starting a new book on joy and how to access it.
• Offering more in-person workshops to connect directly with participants.

The one big project I will tackle in 2025

Re-structure my online business to make it more accessible for different audiences. My vision includes creating:

• A section for people interested in travel, living abroad, and personal growth.
• A section for busy moms who want to invite more joy into their lives.
• A section for individuals passionate about personal growth and development, including a sub-section specifically for those navigating challenging life transitions and seeking to plan (and implement!) their next steps with intention and purpose.

In addition to this, I plan to expand my offline presence by offering workshops on mental health and positive psychology in schools, universities, companies, and international organizations.

How you can work with me in 2025

• Join My Vision Workshop:
  Sign up for my Turn Your Dreams into a Practical Vision for 2025 workshop on Thursday, Jan. 16th, from 12:00-14:00 CET.
• Discover My Mini-Course Library:
  Learn how to bring more joy, fulfillment, and meaningful connections to your daily life as a busy mom through my Mini-Course Library.
• Explore My Book:
  Find out how travel shapes us and what we can learn from countries around the world by reading my book, Inspirations from Abroad for a Happier Life at Home.
• Get a Boost of Joy:
  Sign up for my Weekly Dose of Joy newsletter, typically sent on Thursdays. You’ll receive a weekly boost of joy straight to your inbox and be the first to hear about new offers and discounts.
• 1:1 Coaching Support:
  For personalized guidance, I offer 1-hour Power Hours and coaching packages of 3 or 6 sessions. Email me at connect@judithfuhrmann.com to set up a free 15-minute discovery call and see if we’re a good fit.
• Workshops for Organizations:
  If you’re interested in tailored mental health workshops for your employees or students, email me at connect@judithfuhrmann.com to discuss the options I can provide.

My goals for 2025

• Establish Healthy Daily Habits:
  Take better care of my body through improved nutrition, movement, and sleep routines. After gaining a few kilos this past year, I want to cultivate healthier habits to return to my “feel-good weight.” 🙂
• Be a Loving Mom and Wife:
  Support my family wholeheartedly and strive to see the best intentions behind their actions, even during challenging moments.
• Create Quality Moments:
  Continue carving out time for meaningful and special moments with family and friends.
• Serve Wholeheartedly:
  Support my clients with care and dedication, helping them thrive while building a steady, fulfilling income from my online business.
• Offer In-Person Workshops:
  Host more on-site workshops to connect directly with participants, as I truly enjoy interacting with people face-to-face.
• Step Out of My Comfort Zone:
  Become more visible by publishing consistent blog articles, pursuing speaking engagements, and making podcast appearances.
• Write My Next Book:
  Complete the first draft of my new book on joy and how to access it.
• Rest and Recharge:
  Listen to my body and mind, giving them the rest they need when they ask for it.
• Apply for My Swiss Passport:
  Take the steps to obtain Swiss citizenship.

My Motto for 2025 is: 

“Cherish magical moments every day and take at least one intentional step toward my dreams and goals daily.”

After receiving feedback that my motto might be a bit long 😅, I decided to create a second one that’s easy to remember: “Follow your joy!”

This simple yet powerful phrase applies both personally and professionally. I plan to remind myself of it whenever I’m faced with major decisions this year. 💖