2025: The Year My World Got Bigger (Because I Chose to Serve)

If you’ve been part of Evexia this year — a Beach Pilates sunrise, a winter walk, a class that challenged you, a message you sent when you needed a little encouragement — thank you. Truly.

I’ve already shared how proud I am of everyone who showed up for themselves in 2025. But this final post of the year is a little more personal. Because when I look back, my biggest achievement isn’t a number, a milestone, or a “business win”.

It’s this: I built a life where my whole world revolves around helping others feel better — in their bodies, in their minds, and in their everyday lives. And I don’t take that for granted for a second.

My journey (and why it still surprises me)

Sometimes I catch myself and think… how did I get here?

From my earlier life — structured, intense, and built around service in a very different way — to the life I live now on Kos, where service looks like movement, community, calm, and connection.

Evexia has never been just “fitness” to me. It’s a place where people remember who they are underneath the stress. Where they come back into their bodies. Where they feel capable again.

And if you’ve ever walked away from a class feeling taller, lighter, clearer, more you… then you understand exactly what I mean.

Helping others has become my whole purpose

This year taught me something really simple:

When I focus on helping people — properly helping, not rushing, not performing, not trying to be everything to everyone — everything else falls into place.

The messages you send. The quiet moments after class. The way someone who arrived nervous leaves smiling. The friendships that form in the sand after Beach Pilates. The small wins that become big life changes.

That’s the work. That’s the point.

And I feel so much gratitude that this is what my life is built around.

Retreats In Greece: a new chapter (and a big leap)

One of the biggest steps I took in 2025 was launching Retreats In Greece — and then taking it even further with a brand-new website: retreats-in-greece.com.

I made that decision because the interest grew — and I could feel it was time to step up.

Not in a “bigger for the sake of bigger” way… but in a better service way.

A better experience. Better clarity. Better support. A more professional home for something I genuinely believe in: Greece as a place where people can heal, reset, and transform — not just escape.

Our first retreats (and helping others create theirs)

This year we also created our first retreats through our retreat planning service — supporting others to bring their dream retreat to life here on Kos.

That’s been one of the most meaningful parts of the year for me.

Because it isn’t just about what I’m building — it’s about what I’m enabling.

Watching someone take an idea they’ve held in their heart for years and finally make it real… and knowing I helped them do it with confidence, structure, and local support… that’s something I’ll never get used to.

The summer that reminded me why I love this

Summer 2025 was busy — in the best possible way.

Our Beach Pilates classes were some of the most energising, heart-filling sessions I can remember. The early mornings, the sea air, the consistency, the laughter, the “I didn’t think I could do that” moments.

It was incredible.

And if you were there — even once — thank you for being part of it.

The most beautiful celebration: marrying Stergios

In May, I married Stergios — and it was one of the best celebrations of my life.

My British family and his Greek family came together and created a party like no other. It felt like everything I love about my life here — the cultures, the community, the warmth, the joy — all in one place.

It wasn’t just a wedding. It was a reminder: I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Our family grew: Hecate (Eki) arrived

And then… we welcomed a new dog into our family.

Hecate (Eki for short) was a stray, loose in the fields near our home — and somehow she found her way into our lives like she was always meant to.

She has truly made our home her home.

And watching her and Ira together has been pure entertainment. They’re like real sisters: they play, they cuddle, and they absolutely know how to get on each other’s nerves.

I can’t imagine life without her now.

A little family surprise (that I’m still processing)

My sister had a secret wedding.

She didn’t tell anyone — which is honestly outrageous — but I will forgive her.

They’re an amazing couple, and I love her so much. And if 2025 taught me anything, it’s that life doesn’t always arrive in the order we expect… but it still arrives with so much love.

What I’m taking into 2026

As I close out 2025, I’m taking three things with me:

• Gratitude — for this life, this island, and this community.

• Purpose — because helping others feel better is the work I’m proudest of.

• Momentum — because what we’re building with Evexia and Retreats In Greece is only just beginning.

  
  

If you’ve supported me this year — by showing up, by sharing a post, by sending a message, by joining a class, by trusting me with your journey — thank you.

I see you. I appreciate you. And I can’t wait for what we create together in 2026.

With so much love,

Gilly