A Journey Through 2025 – Thank You, and Here's to 2026

Hello peeps,

As we stand on the edge of a brand new year, I wanted to pause and say something simple but deeply felt: thank you. Thank you for opening these newsletters.

Thank you for your time. In a world where everyone's inbox is overflowing, the fact that you've chosen to spend even a few minutes with my words means more than you might realize.

Before we dive in, I wanted to share below image that captures where AI landed as 2025 closes compared to 2023 to human and what AGI really means – you can find the full report here.

But, today isn't about another AI experiment or technical breakdown. Today, I want to pull back the curtain and share something more personal: the real story of this journey we've been on together.

How It All Began

Picture this: May 2025. Me, staring at a blank screen, finger hovering over the "publish" button. My first post sat there, ready to go out in June, and honestly? I was terrified.

Should I really do this? I kept asking myself. Everyone's talking about AI right now. What could I possibly add to the conversation?

You know that voice of doubt that whispers you're too late, that the space is too crowded, that maybe you should just stay quiet? Yeah, I heard it loud and clear.

But then something shifted. I realized something beautiful: maybe starting this newsletter wasn't just about adding to the noise. Maybe it was about giving myself permission to keep learning, to stay curious, to grow alongside all of you.

And you know what? That decision changed everything. Writing these newsletters has taught me more about AI than I ever expected. Turns out, when you try to explain something to others, you understand it deeper yourself.

Where We Stand Today

Let me be completely transparent with you about how 2025 played out:

What We Celebrated Together:

• ✅ Published 10 editions (we did it!)

• ✅ Maintained over 40% read rate (that's YOU showing up!)

• 📈 Working toward 100 subscribers (we're so close – just 3 days left!)

Where I Fell Short:

• ❌ Online community meetups (tried three times, couldn't make it happen)

From that nervous first post in June to this 10th edition reflection, it's been quite a ride. There have been upgrades, pivots, late nights, and moments of doubt. But through it all, you've been there.

Here’s the summary of Journey:

What's Coming in 2026

Now here's where I need you. Because this next chapter? We're building it together.

Here's what I'm dreaming up:

• Your voices matter: I'll be asking for testimonials from those of you who've been part of this journey

• A real home: A proper website with our own domain

• Tools I swear by: A dedicated section for the AI tools I actually use and recommend

• My reading corner: What I'm learning, shared with you

• Free resources: E-books to help you navigate this AI-transformed world

• The future of work: More content exploring how we'll all work, create, and thrive

• Real connections: Collaborations and community conversations (yes, I'm trying those meetups again!)

• Growing together: Building a community of 10,000 passionate learners

The big shift: The content structure itself is evolving. Think of it as 2.0 – same heart, better delivery.

I Need Your Voice

Here's my ask: What's been working for you? What should I keep? What needs to change? Your feedback isn't just helpful – it's essential. This is our community, and I want to make sure it serves you. Reply to this email - [email protected]

One Last Gift

I know some of you have been frustrated trying to generate decent AI portraits (trust me, I've been there – hundreds of failed attempts). So I curated this collection of prompts that actually work – currently, 2 different styles, battle-tested and ready for you.

As 2025 fades and 2026 beckons, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement. What started as a hesitant first step has become something beautiful, a space where we can learn, grow, and navigate this AI revolution together.

Here's to the year ahead, to your curiosity, to our shared journey.

Happy New Year, friends. Let's make 2026 extraordinary.

With appreciation and excitement,
Gaurav Jain
AIpeeps

P.S. – If you've made it this far, you're exactly the kind of engaged reader who makes this community special. Thank you for being here.