Pause. Breathe. You’ve Got This Holiday Season
“You don’t have to control everything. Sometimes, you just need to breathe, let go, and be present.” – Unknown
Hey Everyone,
The holidays are here, and if you’re feeling equal parts excited and overwhelmed, trust me—you’re not alone. Here we are, December 19th. Let’s be honest, this time of year feels less like a season and more like a whirlwind that just doesn’t slow down. Ten social gatherings, gifts to wrap, lists of things you haven’t done… and somewhere along the way, you find melted chocolate in your pocket and lose the tape again.
The holidays are supposed to be “magical,” but sometimes they’re just messy, exhausting, and overwhelming. That’s where mindfulness can help—not as some candlelit, picture-perfect meditation, but as a real tool to ground you in the moments of chaos.
Why Mindfulness Matters Right Now
Mindfulness doesn’t fix the mess—it helps you pause in the middle of it. And here’s the good news: you don’t need an hour, a cushion, or silence. You just need a moment to notice, breathe, be curious and anchor yourself to the present.
A Quick Mindfulness Pause for Holiday Mayhem
When stress rises—whether it’s realizing you’re out of wrapping paper mid-gift or feeling the ache of missing a dear loved one this year—feel free to try this out:
Examples of Holiday Struggles We All Know
The Takeaway: Small Moments Matter
This season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Notice the small wins, the laughter, the cozy pauses, or maybe a new tradition. Reach out and make someone’s day brighter. A moment of mindfulness — here and there — adds up, like snowflakes turning into a quiet, beautiful snowstorm (which, by the way, Ontario may be getting tomorrow if you’re here… so buckle up :)).
Take a deep breath. You’re doing absolutely fine. You’re showing up, and that’s enough. I’m looking forward to continuing our journey on how to be more present, awake, conscious, and skillful next year. It’s truly a joy to walk alongside you, and I want to thank you for your loyalty and support—it means so much.
Wishing you and your loved ones moments of calm, joy, ease and peace throughout the holiday season❤️.
Hey Everyone,
The holidays are here, and if you’re feeling equal parts excited and overwhelmed, trust me—you’re not alone. Here we are, December 19th. Let’s be honest, this time of year feels less like a season and more like a whirlwind that just doesn’t slow down. Ten social gatherings, gifts to wrap, lists of things you haven’t done… and somewhere along the way, you find melted chocolate in your pocket and lose the tape again.
The holidays are supposed to be “magical,” but sometimes they’re just messy, exhausting, and overwhelming. That’s where mindfulness can help—not as some candlelit, picture-perfect meditation, but as a real tool to ground you in the moments of chaos.
Why Mindfulness Matters Right Now
Mindfulness doesn’t fix the mess—it helps you pause in the middle of it. And here’s the good news: you don’t need an hour, a cushion, or silence. You just need a moment to notice, breathe, be curious and anchor yourself to the present.
A Quick Mindfulness Pause for Holiday Mayhem
When stress rises—whether it’s realizing you’re out of wrapping paper mid-gift or feeling the ache of missing a dear loved one this year—feel free to try this out:
- STOP and NOTICE. Pause for 10 seconds. Look around. Notice your surroundings—the flicker of a candle, festive decorations (or not), the comfort of a favourite blanket, the nice mug sitting there, the sound of laughter (or arguing), the smell of cookies baking, or even the mess of wrapping paper around you.
- BREATHE. Inhale deeply, saying, “I’m here, right now.” Exhale slowly, consciously letting go of tension and worry to the extent that it’s possible. Repeat 2 - 3 times.
- ASK YOURSELF: “What’s one small thing I can appreciate in this moment?” Maybe it’s the twinkle of the lights, a conversation you had with someone who really sees you, a memory of laughter with loved ones, the coziness of a holiday movie playing in the background, the quiet calm of the day or evening, or simply the fact that you’ve made it this far!
Examples of Holiday Struggles We All Know
- The “Shoulds” Monster: “I should bake, host, attend, be cheerful, etc...” Nope. Do what you can and let go of the rest.
- Family Dynamics: Ah, the holidays—a time when boundaries get tested or need to be enforced, or someone inevitably brings up politics. You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to.
- The ADHD Hustle: You start wrapping gifts, remember the laundry, then find yourself scrolling Pinterest for appetizers—because cheese and crackers aren’t fancy enough. Spoiler alert: they are.
- Anxiety Over “Everything”: The lists, invites, expectations and family stuff can freeze you in place because of the overwhelm and paralysis. Take a beat and take a breath. You can choose what’s right for you this year. A quiet night in your comfiest socks watching holiday movies or hockey totally counts.
The Takeaway: Small Moments Matter
This season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Notice the small wins, the laughter, the cozy pauses, or maybe a new tradition. Reach out and make someone’s day brighter. A moment of mindfulness — here and there — adds up, like snowflakes turning into a quiet, beautiful snowstorm (which, by the way, Ontario may be getting tomorrow if you’re here… so buckle up :)).
Take a deep breath. You’re doing absolutely fine. You’re showing up, and that’s enough. I’m looking forward to continuing our journey on how to be more present, awake, conscious, and skillful next year. It’s truly a joy to walk alongside you, and I want to thank you for your loyalty and support—it means so much.
Wishing you and your loved ones moments of calm, joy, ease and peace throughout the holiday season❤️.