12/17/2025
Holiday health. Can we please make this a thing?!?!
I've been having those "hard" conversations lately that has me saying no to extra holiday events, potlucks, and workplace cheer when it doesn't feel right.
Am I the Grinch? Maybe, but I'm done overextending out of loyalty, guilt, or old identity roles.
The holidays crank up the volume on all that 'this is how we've always done it,' 'It'll hurt them if I don't,' 'this is just who I am.'
Result? We over-accommodate, abandon ourselves, and keep old chapters alive.
đˇđźââď¸At work: Taking on emotional labor, extra deadlines, or staying silent about your capacity.
đ§âđ§âđ§âđ§In family: Slipping into peacemaker/rescuer mode, absorbing everyone's tension.
You don't close chapters by enduring them. You close them by changing how you participate.
Simple shifts:
Pause.
Don't over-explain.
Let disappointment sit.
Stop over-giving and see the world doesn't collapse.
You're not selfish for conserving energy. You're intelligent. You're not cruel for closing loops. You're clear. You're not breaking tradition. You're maturing.
This week, make participation intentional, not automatic.
P.S. I hosted a holiday-themed team meeting today that was a total riot... team building, smiles, uproarious laughter, pure delight. Feedback? Blazing reviews. All because I did what felt aligned to ME, not what was typical or expected. Proof it works!