and welcome to our last, my sister, the advice podcast where the cosmic meets the corporate. I'm Ellen Hooper, an executive coach, and I'm joined by my sister Mads Williams, a human design coach. And this is a very special episode that we have coming to you today. It will be released on the 1st of January. So happy new year, I guess. It's a new year.
It's a 2025. And we just wanted to jump on and do a bit of a special over the Christmas holiday break and have a chat about what kind of our rituals are for bringing the new year and share our tips and tricks with you. And we never prepare. So who knows what will happen?
the one in my personality profile, it's like shit, I should have done so much astrological research for 2025 before we did this, but the theme I keep hearing from people, particularly in the human design sphere is just like, things are getting lighter and quicker, lighter and quicker. in terms of those like quick manifestations, and so that also means like.
We need to not stay stuck and heavy too, because if we are, if our minds are like becoming so much more powerful, then you want to be plugging it with the good vibes. And I know that if you've just been spending a week with the family that might require some reset. But regardless, it's new year, new year, just kidding. You don't like new year new.
Okay. Uh, you know, I was talking to my friend about this, about like the equinoxes make much more sense as a time to celebrate change and like a shift of season. So it's kind of random that like, you know, the bang in the middle of summer in the Southern hemisphere or bang in the middle of winter, you're expected to like welcoming some massive change.
So I don't know, I guess also human designs, this idea that you come in born everything that you are and you're getting rid of, you're shedding the things that aren't you. So. Are you a new you or are you just returning to an old you? If you become more yourself, you know, go in circles on this. So let's talk about you. . what's your stance on new year, new you? thank you so much for asking. I fucking hate new year. New year. You're such a parent.
Yeah. Like that's just conversation, but you're welcome. I do use please excessively because of the way in which I torture my children into using it. Which is mostly because their grandparents aka our parents will like just hound them about it. So I figure like I better get in front. but yes, people do often comment on their manners. so. Here's why I hate it.
I saw this amazing, it's actually a t shirt, it wasn't even a quote, that was like, all of your insecurities were manufactured in a boardroom full of men. And I love that and I think it's so useful every time you're like worried about whatever it is, your wrinkles or your hair or, I don't know, whatever it is about this kind of constant marketing ploy that like we create a problem and then we have a product to sell you to fix it.
And I think New Year, New You really feeds off that, So what do you like doing instead? I do like reflecting over that time. And I love planning. So the start of the new year, like 2025 compared to 2024, it does have significance to me. So gosh, if I can, I love to do yoga on New Year's day. I really cut down on drinking when I had my first kid and I've never really gotten back into it. And so now I would very rarely kind of have something to drink on New Year's Eve.
So if I can get to yoga on New Year's Day, I really, really like doing that. And then I really like to set a word for the year or an intention for the year rather than specific goals is what I prefer. I just find that a year long goal rather than kind of a concept to hold for the year. becomes, I think, too specific and too kind of easily failed at or forgotten or put down.
Like, I don't know, I just don't seem to have, I don't really have the focus to hold something really kind of specific for the year. But I can like hold a vibe. So obviously we have, recorded this ahead of time. So maybe you haven't reflected yet. Yeah. But have you been getting ready? come today, January 1st, 2025, is your word already in the bank? No, and it usually takes me the first kind of two weeks of the year really kind of intuited it. So yeah, I That's nice.
Kind of see what's unfolding where you are right now. What's the vibe? What do you want to bring in?
And I think it's such a nice time of the year to do that because usually by then by now, I'll stop working for at least kind of a week or two and the dust has settled to reflect on the year that's been so yeah i really only like to turn my mind to it when we actually get into the new year not really before what's your ritual for the first of january I don't necessarily have one, like our mother always says that if you back me into a corner, like that's my worst state, I'll just
tell you to fuck off. And so my ex boyfriend's family. Actually really ever throw them under the bus. But with this one, they were really big on new year's resolutions. And so I just let off. It used to really annoy me. Cause I'm also not goal focused in a very different way to Ellen. Not because I find achievement hard, just I'm inconsistent. Like I'm not going to do it and it's not really how I operate.
So. This year, or sorry, 2024 is the first year where I set two kind of goals, which were really fun, pleasurable goals. And I, I actually genuinely forgot about them. And then just on my path incorporated them anyway. So that was kind of fun, right? Because they were clearly things I genuinely was excited to explore, but I've been thinking a lot about it. Like 2024 has been so incredible with trial and error and like expanding the business and launching the pod.
And like, actually it's been a huge year, but I've absolutely been so stretched and living above my means. And I've been reflecting a lot that before I quit my job in, early 2023 and went to Bali and then came back and like, kind of went on this journey of being a human design. Practitioner and coach and all the things. I was actually really skilled at savings. I was really actually quite sensible about my money, mainly because I always leave within my means.
Therefore, I was able to save and splurge and travel. And so this year, I really want to, as in 2025. Now, I really want to get back to that girl because actually. There's nothing more exhilarating than feeling safe and I think that was like the huge lesson of 2024 for me, like, Oh, actually, like, sure, there's a dangling carrot of like, pushing you and stretching you, but I just am desperate to.
Get back to this place financially that I'm really proud of and I've lived most of my life like that, like, in the same way, Ellen teaches her kids about manners, like, we really, you know, I, when I was. 15 or 14. I won this underage surprise beauty thing. . It was, it was called like Miss Eurotech. It's a long story, but I won $500 and I spent a hundred of that on a leather bag. And the 400 else I put. put in the bank, like, that's just actually who I am.
Like, I know I'm not that sensible elsewhere, but when it comes to money, I'm like really good at like, don't just splurge for the sake of it, invest in things you genuinely want. So I think my year is like, I don't know. It's just actually about resetting. And so is that, that's just more of an intention and a, and like a direction rather than like a resolution. But it feels good. Did you think I was going to let the subtle drop of Miss Eurotech just go? beauty contest. I'm like, let it go.
No, like, it's a long story. It's not, it's not listeners. She went to an underage dance event and she, you made your own top, right? was someone, I think it was Caitlin Mupin. Oh, really? top. It was the leopard print scarf that I was wearing like a, off the shoulder.
Yeah. I was 14 and there were these underage club nights and every month they would host them in Fremantle and every month they would have this competition where they'd select people from the crowd and they'd go off on stage and then whoever like screams the loudest gets to go to the final. And so.
I had never been before, but it was the final and like, they were, they kind of came over to me a bit panicked and they're like, one of our Eurotech gals, like, has not arrived, would you like to do it? . And you had to go up on stage twice. And the first time it was like telling people what your hobbies were. And at that point I played the drums. So I was like, I'm a drummer.
And then the second time you had to dance and I remember being being on this day for these 14 year olds and like, no shame, just, we were very different. They were all in these like tiny skirts and everyone was like dropping it like it was hot and like doing kind of flat drops down to the ground. I guess we're not allowed to call them that anymore, but that's what we called them when we were 14. I don't think we should.
And I was just literally like, like arms up in the air, dancing how I dance now. And I won, which just goes to show, just be yourself. It could have been, cause it was in Fremantle and like, there was probably a lot of people from my school and the sister, like brother school, but who's to say, Who's to say? Yep. Okay. Miss Eurotech. Miss Eurotech. We should put that on the website, featured in Mamma Mia. Oh my I'm going to introduce you like that from now on.
Well, I just watched Erin Brockovich and she was like, I was Miss Wichita for God's sake. I feel like that's me when I'm having trouble living above my means Well, not to get us off track, but you do know that I was a child model one time. One time. What for? Oh, don't you know this? I feel like this is a core part of my identity in my mind. sorry.
I don't now that I'm an adult, I know how much of a minuscule deal it was because essentially I think one of my friend's mums was somehow involved in at a like university where one of the degrees was like fashion design. So it was like the uni's fashion show. And one of the students had designed children's clothes. So I modeled the children's clothes and we had it on VHS for so many years. And I used to periodically watch it, and then someone taped the Fremantle Dockers AFL game.
Like not even a grand final, just like a regular Oh. That AFL heart. the Hello. Oh, I can literally feel that in my chest. I'm so That's fine. It really hasn't bothered me that much, Well, I don't know. You've been very actively trying to get back to recreating that as an adult. So maybe 2025 is more like, maybe that's the declaration for you. You can bring in more of the modeling and I will bring in more of the balance. And it's going to be a great year, And what a great year.
anything that you're hoping to manifest or, or like, you can be low key. Like, you know, me, I've really 2025 as it currently stands is my year to be near the ocean, like anything like that. I'm manifesting like living in my valleys more so the environment I thrive is like with the people. And of course, one of the great benefits of working for myself has been awesome flexibility and autonomy, but it means I spend a lot of time at home by myself.
So I'm manifesting a really cool place to spend a lot of my week surrounded by more people. I have no idea how that will happen. It's There's not a really obvious path to it. Can I just read something out to you? Cause I screenshotted something from a person on Instagram today, her name is Vanessa Henry, Valley's at work. and this is the one I really wanted to read to you fire clients and customers that don't meet the vibe check. boom, boom, boom.
Cause you know, I'm often trying to get Ellen to work with lawyers. Sorry, if you're a lawyer who works with Ellen, who's listening, Not all lawyers, just to be clear. Yeah, it's not all of I've got some really great coaching clients who are lawyers who are awesome. Yep. So hanging out in Valley's a bit more. I just keep getting the rest message. So just, I'd love it's time to kind of get to a 25 hour week. And spending more time in my sauna. I love this.
I'm like, I'm going to learn to live within my means, which probably means living in a van. And you're like, I'm getting a sauna, like what a culture. a sauna. This is good. I thought we were re reestablishing our balance. The all is well in the universe when we live like this. And it's all a balance because sometimes working with people who don't pass the vibe check buys you a sauna. Yeah, fair enough. But are you happy?
Although any final things we want to leave with our listeners now that they have an absolute jumble of ideas and concepts and stories in this episode. Yeah, I think I'd just really like to say, if you're listening to the pod and you've enjoyed it for a while, why don't you get yourself a little treat and purchase a pack of magic hippie cards. Oh, think, I think all the listeners should have one. That's nice. And actually, if there's anyone out there who wants to create some cards.
I'll ask my sister. Affirmation cards with us. Get in touch. That's really interesting you said that, because just as I was having my shower today, I thought, I wonder if we will ever collaborate, put the intention in, create something so magical that then we used on the pod. And then you just said that anyway, it's, this is what I'm talking about. Things are speeding up. You're telepathically connected to your loved ones. Like the synchronicities, it's getting faster guys. Hold on tight.
Did you bring your moon calendar and does it have anything exciting to say? Oh, it's downstairs. I was just about to say, do you want to pull, Yeah, we will finish with the moon card. what are we asking? Energy of the year? We're asking the mood cards. What do our listeners need to know for 2025? I know we talked on the podcast about the, appearance of the cat tarot cards in my house. Oh yeah. Yes. I remember.
How they just appeared and my four year old just brought them to me and I was like, whoa. Anyway, it turns out my friend left them there, but we have been using the cat tarot cards and one of the instructions on the cat tarot cards is you should infuse them with your energy. So my kids now love to like touch all the cards and say their name. So they'll be like Ellen energy, Ellen energy, Ellen Okay. Well, I love that you said that. Cause I just pulled a card and I was like, Oh, that's so cute.
That one's for me. Like I said, yeah, I was like, oops, I, that's my energy. So I just with the intention of like, no, for our listeners for the year ahead, what do we need? And that's much more on brand. So we have new moon in Leo confidence is your key to success. This card heralds the start of a new cycle for you when you're going to look and feel more gorgeous, more in the spotlight, more like you have something worth showing off. If you want someone's attention, this card says it's coming.
However, this may not happen all by itself. You have to be willing to do your bit. That means being proud of who you are and what you have to offer. Think of yourself as the king or queen of the jungle and carry yourself accordingly. This card is also a great omen. If you're asking about a creative project you're working on, alternatively, it can herald good news or a new start for your children. Attune to the moon, make time to have fun. So Ellen, hopefully you're off to yoga today.
Additional meanings for this card. It's time for you to show the world what you've got. Shine your light. Have some pride. Spoil yourself. You've earned it. So go get those hippie cards and you've turned someone's head. I love it. Leo is the sign of the big and brave hearted lion of pride and showmanship and flirting. The energy around the new moon in Leo is hot and generous. The energy loves itself and so should you.
If you've been too much of a wallflower, this new moon card comes as a reminder that you need to be proud of who you are. That's so nice. That makes me think of my four year old tells me how much she loves herself all the time. That's so sweet. Oh, today, tonight, obsessed with that I spent the whole day with her today and tonight I was like, Oh, I'm so glad I'm your mom. Thank you so much. And she goes, that's okay.
So just before we wish you all a very happy new year and happy 2025 you Mads, which was what looked like a post it note on your mirror that said, I'm getting younger and prettier every day. every day. And that is wild because I have been telling people how you. I like Benjamin Buttoning. You, both in energy and appearance have been getting younger. You want me to talk people through it? no, I was like, I want to be getting more beautiful and magnetic every day.
if I may talk you through the stages. At first, it was just happening naturally because I was doing things I loved and I like dropped the Shame all the shoulds. And so I was feeling much younger when I moved to London. And then this crazy thing happened where I went home over Christmas last year and came back feeling really haggard. Like I was like, Oh, I can see all my gray hairs. And I suddenly I'm like getting wrinkles and I hate myself. And that was like really dramatic.
And I caught up with a projector friend and there's nothing like your projectors who can see into you. And she was like, yeah, you have been really serious lately. Like. What if you just remember life's pretty lol, I was like, what do you mean? And so anything that would happen, she'd be like, yeah, lol. And we throw lol onto the end and it got me laughing. And she kind of just said like, you've forgotten about glamour magic. And I was like, yes, remind me.
And it's this notion that your body is always listening to you. are you going to feed it the bad stuff? Are you going to feed it the good stuff? So cause I was feeling so low, I started every morning, instead of checking my phone, getting up, going over to the mirror, and I would start the morning by saying, hello, beautiful. I love you very much. You are so beautiful. Really? And you're getting younger every day. And it's so ridiculous that it like start, it kickstarts some joy in you.
And even if at the beginning you feel like a total idiot, I honestly recommend persisting because now I genuinely am like your four year old. Where I'm like, yeah, I love myself and I'm so pretty and it's not, do you know what? When, if ever you let, if the ego gets loud and that feels superficial, that's when I say I have a really pretty soul. That's so nice. like we, this is the thing we all deserve to be.
Feel that way about ourselves and to love ourselves that much, and that should not be egotistical or problematic. Like if everyone loved themselves that much, we would be in such a different space. So I hope that that long winded story has encouraged you to be a bit ridiculous with some mirror work and Benjamin, but in your own life and Ellen, I feel that for you and from you and it's, it's the best. Thank you. Love your soul too. you like in two seconds. Cause we're in the same place. Love you.
Bye.