Dear Reader,

Happy New Year 🎉!

May this be the year you finally prioritise yourself and build (or get closer to) your dream life. Because that’s what life is truly about: figuring out what brings you joy and doing it to the best of your ability.

If you’ve been struggling to stay positive, see lovely things instead of problems, or often find yourself in a spiral of negativity, let me share a personal story that might help.

My Journey from Negativity to Joy

When I was a teenager and later in my twenties, I was stuck in a spiral of negativity. Even though my life was objectively fine, I tended to see the world in a pessimistic way. I often joked that life was a 4/10 and only occasionally hit a 6/10 when something special happened, like a new relationship or travel. What a sad mindset to dwell in.

I even found scientific “proof” that we are born pessimists and that no amount of effort could change me. This was simply my DNA. It is what it is.

I found confirmation for my thesis easily.

I leaned into this identity as “the grumpiest person I know.” I turned it into a funny-grumpy persona. I would joke, “I had fun once. It was awful,” or claim that sarcasm was my native language.

The truth is, whatever starting point you choose to research or believe in, you’ll find evidence to confirm it.

The Shift:​
Discovering the Power of Intention

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Then I stumbled across the manifestation community (because I wanted something and was unhappy, like everyone else who finds this community). I learned about the subconscious mind and how our dominant beliefs shape our reality. Suddenly, my funny-grumpy persona wasn’t funny anymore.

Was I really responsible for the negative events and moods in my life? That was a lot to take in. My ego resisted the idea, but part of me grew curious. Could positive self-talk and affirmations really make a difference? Even as someone who prided themselves on self-deprecating humour and practised negative self-talk all the time, I decided to experiment.

And then, one day, I woke up smiling. I felt gratitude for the warmth of my bed and the roof over my head. I started setting intentions for the day: Today, I choose joy. This will be a good day filled with love.

These small changes reframed my outlook. Setting intentions became a micro-practice I could use in different moments:

• Before a meeting: I will be professional and insightful.
• Entering my home: I will be loving and attentive to my partner and family.

These little tweaks make a big difference when practised consistently.

Your Next Step: Reflect and Focus on Yourself

My wish for you this year is simple: take time to focus on yourself and your inner world. Get to know who you are, have your own back, and uncover what you truly want. When you understand yourself deeply, you can design a life you enjoy every day.

I talk more about this in my video: 2025: The Year You Finally Put Yourself First.

You can also find free positive affirmations tapes on my channel so feel free to explore!

Do You Want This Year to Be Your Best Yet?

If you do, stay tuned for this weekly Self-love Letter. In this series, I’ll:

• Share stories to inspire and uplift you
• Offer tips and tricks to stay on track with your goals
• Help you prioritise emotional regulation and well-being
• Provide insights on manifesting the life you love (I’m not a manifestation coach, but I’ll share what has worked for me!)

Let’s make 2025 the year we let go of fear and welcome abundance. Because when we assume that:

The Best Is Yet to Come

It will be so—because we say so.

Happy New Year! 🎇

With Love,

Marta

PS You receive this email because you signed up on RiseAndThriveWoman.net which now became MentalDietWithMarta.com where I focus on emotional regulation and combating anxiety in manifestation for lasting peace instead of preformative, techniques-based, conditional manifesting of stuff.

I hope you will stay here to learn with me to reach the bliss you never thought is possible like I did :)