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Dear friend,

As I sit here on my last day of seeing clients for the year, I'm struck by the fact that I accomplished a lifelong dream: I wrote a book. It wasn't planned. It wasn't commissioned. It just...had to happen. And now, as I navigate the world of book agents and publishing decisions, I'm reminded of why I do what I do—why I show up for you, day after day, email after email.

Time has a way of slipping through our fingers, doesn't it? It's been a few months since my last email, and as we stand on the threshold of a new year, I wanted to take a moment to reconnect, reflect, and express my gratitude.

You're likely winding down for the year (or ramping up if you're in the thick of the holiday rush). Either way, you've put in the work. You've weathered the highs and lows. And through it all, I hope I've been a steady voice of encouragement, a spark of inspiration, and a catalyst for growth in wisdom, hope, and courage.

Why do I keep showing up? Because I've been where you are. I know the weight of difficulties, the shadow of despair, the exhaustion of burnout, the weight of shame. I understand the unique challenges we face on the path to flourishing:

• The unsolicited advice from family over the holidays
• The betrayal from someone you trusted implicitly
• The terror of giving words to something you’ve promised yourself you’d never tell anyone
• The friends who demand grace but struggle to give it
• The trusted confidant who speaks ill of you behind your back

These experiences resonate with us because we've lived them. They're not right, and they're certainly not easy. But you've refused to let them define you. And for that, I want to say "thank you."

Thank you for your continued trust and engagement. Thank you for persevering, for growing, for showing up—not just for others, but for yourself.

As we close out 2024, let me share a few highlights:

• I’ve written and recorded 28 Words of Wisdom emails/podcast episodes, each a small labor of love
• I’ve completed 876 client sessions, totaling 71,270 minutes of focused care
• I helped launch an incredible and now thriving counseling center as part-time clinical director
• I’ve established my own team at The Flourishing Way, specializing in helping couples overcome selfish sexual behavior and betrayal.
• I wrote my first book…it’s on overcoming selfish sexual desire (hopefully more on that journey soon)

I've shown up consistently, even when it felt like no one was listening, even when hope seemed distant. Just like you. I've mentored a few household names and plenty of names you will never know. Some relationships were fleeting, others enduring. Some will rewrite history because of the growth and healing they have experienced.

As we stand on the cusp of 2025, I want you to remember the simple truths:

• You'll experience both triumphs and setbacks
• You'll encounter both inspiring and challenging relationships
• Your moods will fluctuate

But here's what truly matters:

Do you have the passion to keep growing?

Your best days are ahead of you, if you dare to believe.

Silence the noise, the criticism, and the doubts—both internal and external. As you reflect over the next two weeks, ask yourself: do I have the courage to level up and lean in during the coming year?

I have big plans for 2025, and I'm excited to share them with you soon. But for now, I wish you a blessed and restful holiday season. May it be a time of rejuvenation and clarity as you prepare for the year ahead.

Here's to another year of growth, wisdom, and flourishing. See you in 2025.

Yours in the fight for wisdom,

Josh

P.S. Stay tuned for updates on my book journey and exciting new initiatives coming your way!

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