Dear Readers,

Hello 2025! With a new year comes an opportunity to set new goals or expand on the personal growth we’ve made in the past year. It’s also a great time to reflect on what worked, and what we’d like to change moving forward.

It’s been a while since I last contributed to Authentic Insider Magazine (AIM) and so much has happened, especially over the past four years, since we started AIM. The growing pains were challenging, but 2024 was a year of transformation, and I’ve come to truly appreciate how far I’ve come. and I’m honored to share that with you.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and this is a conversation we should be having year-round. In this issue, Kathryn Marsh, our Prosecutor POV, separates fact from fiction on the topic. To expand on this, Erin Williamson of Love146, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit, discusses how we can keep our children safe in the digital age.

Parenting is tough, especially for healing parents. Tina Hamilton shares her final article for Authentic Insider, discussing the quiet revolution of mindful parenting.

What is it like to be a child of a parent who hasn’t found the support and healing they need? Mila Stankovic of the STAR Network shares her personal story about growing up and having to reparent herself.

Envy can be a toxic trait, both for ourselves and others. Trauma Educator Karen Gross explores the implications of envy and offers guidance on how to navigate these feelings, no matter which side of envy you’re on.

As always, we’ve included our monthly playlist—this time featuring my new year tunes—as well as my picks for both children’s and adult books. Plus, don’t miss Joy Larkin’s Twin Flame Reading to see what’s in store for 2025.

Happy reading!