Introduction
As 2025 approaches, I’ve been reflecting in a previous Blog post on my 2024 – a year of falling, rising, and personal growth.
Professionally, I led impactful initiatives like the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales, the Stop HIV Stigma and Wales HIV Testing Week campaigns, while continuing my advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV-related issues. I’ve also settled into trustee roles for great organisations, such as the National AIDS Trust, the LGBT Consortium, and the University of South Wales.
Personally, I achieved huge milestones, such as my wedding to my husband Graham, losing over 30kg, progressing in sports, and prioritising mental well-being. These experiences have shaped my goals for the year ahead.
To keep myself on track with the new habits I want to develop, and to change some habits I want to leave behind, I had a think about things I would like to do in 2025.
Here’s how I plan to build on 2024 and learn lessons, with measurable milestones for 2025.
I hope to be able to review this every few months, making sure I don’t lose sight of where I would like to go. Even if I don’t get to achieve all of the ambitions, I hope to be able to look at this again in December 2025 and see how much has changed.
1. Advance my career and leadership
In 2024, returning to a previous role after leading as Head of LGBTQ+ Policy was a humbling yet clarifying experience. My focus for 2025 is stepping into a senior leadership role where I can work with a large team and drive meaningful initatives to support community work and equality.
Milestones:
- By February: Settle in a new senior leadership role in equality, sexual and reproductive health, and public health.
- By June: Deliver a leadership talk at a conference to share insights and inspire others to step up and get into the arena.
- By December 2025: Explore options for additional leadership programmes to enhance my strategic skills. Consider CMI membership.
2. Prioritise mental and physical well-being
Losing 30kg in 2024 was a significant milestone, but this year I want to focus on sustainability. I’ll balance physical goals like my Shotokan Karate Black Belt exam with improving mental health through mindfulness, meditation, and professional support.
Milestones:
- By July Continue my weight loss journey and reach 84kg, including regular updates on MyFitnessPal.
- By March: Take my 1st Dan Black Belt exam in Karate Shotokan and incorporate strength training twice a week alongside karate.
- By May: participate in at least one martial art National Championship.
- Daily: Practice mindfulness or meditation for at least 10 minutes each day to manage stress and reconnect with my spiritual side.
- By March 2025: Experience one training session with the Welsh Strongest Women – including lifting an Atlas Stone.
3. Deepen relationships
Marrying Graham was the highlight of 2024, but challenges with some friendships reminded me of the complexities of connection. This year, I want to nurture existing relationships and proactively foster new ones.
Milestones:
- Weekly: Dedicate quality time for interactions with loved ones, free from distractions.
- Regularly: Have open and empathetic conversations to rebuild trust in strained relationships.
- Monthly: Plan my honeymoon with Graham to Japan in October 2025.
- October 2025: Travel to Japan!
4. Harness creativity and storytelling
Storytelling was a creative anchor in 2024, from my Vecna: Eve of Ruin Dungeons & Dragons (D&) campaign to my short film collaboration. This year, I aim to amplify my creative projects and share my work more broadly.
I am committed to taking the JLPT N5 in July 2025 to advance my Japanese language skills. I will book the exam in March and am dedicated to consistent practice to achieve this goal.
Milestones:
- Monthly: Write blog posts to share stories about advocating for minority or marginalised groups.
- Regularly: Continue to protect some time to play D&D and board games with friends.
- By November: Improve fluency in Japanese language through regular practice.
- February: Learn both the Katakana and Hiragana writing systems.
- Take the JLPT N5 exam in October 2025. I will use the Minato App and the Japanese Foundation resources.
5. Continue LGBTQ+ and HIV advocacy
Advocacy remains central to my work, and I want to ensure sustained momentum in 2025. This includes grassroots engagement and influencing policymakers to drive impactful change.
Milestones:
- Weekly: Continue to dedicate time to supporting grassroots LGBTQ+ initiatives or HIV-related projects, including supporting Fast Track Cymru, National AIDS Trust, and LGBT Consortium.
- By April 2025: Continue to lead on Health Prevention campaigns, including a new PrEP campaign in Wales.
- By June: Strengthen partnerships with policymakers to join efforts on advancing equality-focused policies.
6. Carve out space for personal time
In 2024, I rediscovered my love for creativity and reading for pleasure, completing 20+ novels. This year, I want to continue prioritising activities that bring joy and relaxation.
I am currently taking piano lessons and aiming to take the Grade 1 ABRSM Music exam this year. With the booking period from 8 to 14 April 2025 and exams running in May, I am committed to consistent practice to achieve this milestone in my musical journey.
Milestones:
- Monthly: Finish at least one book per month across different genres.
- Regularly: Continue to practise piano or guitar and build my proficiency. Take the Grade 1 ABRSM exam in June 2025
- Weekly: Set aside one evening each week for personal hobbies and unwinding.
- March and April: dedicate time on improving the garden and outdoor space, including expanding the lawn and repainting the outside of the garage and workshop.
Looking ahead
2024 was a year of challenges and growth, and I’m ready to carry those lessons into 2025.
With clear goals and measurable milestones, I aim to continue falling, rising, and thriving in both my personal and professional life.
| Area | Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Career Growth | Settle in a new senior leadership role in equality and public health. | By February |
| Career Growth | Deliver a leadership talk at a conference to inspire others. | By June |
| Career Growth | Explore options for additional leadership programmes to enhance strategic skills. | By December |
| Well-Being Focus | Continue weight loss journey and reach 84kg, tracking on MyFitnessPal. | By July |
| Well-Being Focus | Take 1st Dan Black Belt exam in Karate and add strength training twice a week. | By March |
| Well-Being Focus | Practice mindfulness or meditation for at least 10 minutes daily. | Daily |
| Relationships Care | Dedicate quality time for loved ones, free from distractions. | Weekly |
| Relationships Care | Have open and empathetic conversations. | Regularly |
| Relationships Care | Plan honeymoon with Graham to Japan. | Monthly |
| Creative Projects | Write blog posts about advocating for communities. | Monthly |
| Creative Projects | Protect time to play D&D and board games with friends. | Regularly |
| Language Growth | Improve fluency in Japanese through regular practice and take the JLPT N5 exam. Learn both the Katakana and Hiragana writing systems. | Book in March, Exam in July |
| Advocacy Drive | Support grassroots LGBTQ+ initiatives or HIV projects (e.g., Fast Track Cymru, NAT, LGBT Consortium). | Weekly |
| Advocacy Drive | Strengthen partnerships with policymakers to advance equality policies. | By June |
| Personal Time | Finish at least one book across different genres each month. | Monthly |
| Personal Time | Practise piano or guitar and improve proficiency. Take the Grade 1 ABRSM Music exam. Learn Melody in F (op.190, no.27) by L Köhler; and two additional pieces. | Book in April, Exam in May |
| Personal Time | Set aside one evening for personal hobbies and unwinding. | Weekly |
Dr Alessandro Ceccarelli 