Your Holiday Season Permission Slip (Yep, It’s Time to Chill Out and Know You’re Enough)

LISTEN ON: SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS

The holiday season is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re feeling the rush. School events, work deadlines, travel plans - suddenly your calendar is so packed it makes your head spin. And in the middle of it, you might notice a tiny Grinch creeping in (hi, it’s me!), whispering, “Why do I have to do all the things?”

If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, resentful, or like you’re missing the point of the season, let’s pause. Let’s take a deep breath together. Because here’s what I want you to remember this season, and every season:

You are worthy.

You are enough.

You are a human being, not a robot.

And it’s okay - no, it’s essential - to find joy along the way.

You Are Worthy (Yes, Just Because You Exist)

One of the biggest messages I share again and again on the podcast is that your worthiness isn’t tied to what you do. It’s not about the perfect tree, the beautiful tablescape, or making it to every event. You are worthy because you are here, living and breathing.

And yes, your needs matter too. I know saying that out loud when you’re a mom or caregiver can feel like you’re asking the world to pause (or like you’re about to get punched by your sister, who’s in the thick of littles climbing all over her - true story).

But hear me: when we consistently ignore our own needs, everything else starts to crumble. You’re allowed to take time to care for yourself not just to be a better parent or partner, but because you deserve it as a human being.

It’s Okay to Have Fun

Joy isn’t frivolous; it’s vital. Choosing joy in a world that constantly tells us to hustle, worry, and brace for the worst is a radical act. This season, allow yourself to find small pockets of fun. Play silly holiday songs. Have a living room dance party with your kids. Go for a walk with a peppermint mocha. Pause and ask yourself, “How can I make this moment more fun?”

Joy shifts your energy, and that ripple effect matters. It’s not about toxic positivity or ignoring hard things; it’s about choosing to find moments of light, even when things feel heavy.

Your Voice Matters

Your perspective, your ideas, your story - they matter. We need people who are willing to show up in their communities, use their voices, and stand up for what they believe in. Maybe it’s in your neighborhood, your school, your workplace, or on your social media feed.

You don’t need to have it all figured out or be the loudest in the room to make a difference. Pick one thing that matters to you - libraries, mental health, supporting local teachers - and take action, even in a small way. Your voice can create change, and your voice matters.

You’re a Human Being, Not a Robot

Here’s the thing: you’re going to mess up. You’ll forget things, drop the ball, or have days when you feel like a hot mess. Welcome to being human.

Perfection often tries to keep us “safe” from criticism or failure, but it also keeps us stuck and disconnected. The more we allow ourselves to be messy, the faster we can move forward and show up as ourselves. Imperfect action is better than no action at all.

Trust me, I’ve had to learn this the hard way, hitting publish on things that weren’t perfect, making mistakes, and realizing that the world keeps spinning - and often, people are more gracious than we think.

You Are Enough

This one is big. You don’t need to do more to be enough this holiday season. You don’t need to prove your worth by baking all the cookies, attending every event, or covering your house in lights if it doesn’t feel right for you this year.

You are enough as you are, whether you’re in full elf mode or you’re cozy on the couch with your coffee, letting the chaos pass you by. Doing more won’t make you more enough - it will just make you more tired.

Your Permission Slip for This Holiday Season

So, as we move into the thick of this season, here’s your permission slip:

✔ To slow down.

✔ To set boundaries.

✔ To choose joy.

✔ To take care of yourself.

✔ To leave the house a mess sometimes.

✔ To say no to the lights (or yes, if they bring you joy).

✔ To know that you are enough, just as you are.

We need you, operating as your most selfie self, bringing your special sauce that no one else has. That’s the greatest gift you can give this season to yourself, your family, your community, and this world.

Take care of yourself, have a beautiful holiday season, and remember: You’re worthy, you’re enough, and it’s okay to enjoy your life.