Creating content can be a real drag sometimes, especially when one feels idealess. There is so little glamour in writing newsletters or creating social media messages. These behind-the-scenes hours stringing words together, cutting, pasting, and finding interesting ways to communicate thoughts is grubby, messy work for which there is no immediate financial reward.

But I've made a commitment to myself as part of my coaching program: consistently showing up--either with big, juicy insights or messages that just don't land well--is the real reward.

This week's installment may not be my best work and I'm okay with that. I'm okay with that because this year has taught me that done is better than perfect.

Yesterday, when I gave voice to my profound lack of motivation to write, my daughter Maddie suggested I talk about how less stressed I am now, how I've been more available physically and emotionally, and how I've been reasonably excited about the holidays.

Okay kid, here goes.

I have felt more delight in preparing for the holidays this year. A tabletop Christmas tree is nestled in the corner of our living space, donned with thrift store teal hued lights the exact shade of blue my late Grandma Cousineau had on her tree. Maddie, Jude, and I reminisced about some of the ornaments we hung on the pine boughs while listening to holiday music. We've also baked 2 of the 4 or 5 special cookies we enjoy each season!

I am really digging having more energetic space to savor the traditions our family enjoys. For the first time in YEARS, I wrote and mailed cards to a few faraway friends and family and did so with joy. If ever anyone needed happy mail, this is the year! I've cozied on the sofa, flipping the pages of Christmas books my ex-husband and I used to read to sweet-smelling, freshly bathed toddlers, their feet snug in footie pajamas or fuzzy socks.

For the last decade at least, perhaps longer, December was a nightmarish blur of swim meets, soccer games, basketball practice, evening clients, meetings, and on and on. Getting a tree, shopping for butter, sugar, flour, and sprinkles, and wrapping gifts felt like chores that needed doing because that's just what we always did. Truth be told, I was often too wiped out to fully appreciate the holidays.

Not this year. This year feels different. For that, I am grateful.

I wrote about a few pandemic blessings in August. Despite all the personal and collective loss of 2020, I'm adding to that list the following:

• I am less frantic than I've been in recent years and my kids have noticed. Maddie says I go with the flow a lot more now that my plate is less full. This has been helpful as she applies to college and teaches herself how to sew quilts. Being around to celebrate her acceptances to colleges or to rip out errant stitches is pure gold! Jude and I routinely sit together to do a daily crossword puzzle, watch sports (he has a photographic memory for statistics, game-winning plays, and other data which blows my mind), and coo over "Grogu" (aka "Baby Yoda") when we watch "The Mandalorian" each week.
• I really like taking naps with my cat! I am so grateful I can zonk out for 30 minutes after lunch while my purring Boo shares his warmth with me.
• For years I've wanted an ease-filled life and I now have the headspace to see that I am already living one. With chronic hustling a thing of the past, I am appreciating all the things I have and have time to do--like sit with my feet up and sip some tea midday! When I do buckle down to study, write, or do busy work, it's from a space of overflowing desire and heartfelt care because my cup is full. While I miss my old income, I firmly believe that living a life rooted in ease will help me attract every ounce of abundance I desire and deserve.

I'll close with one last thought: it's 100% okay if you feel kinda blah this holiday season. Trust me, there's an undercurrent of pain in my heart knowing I can't lay eyes on my people and embrace them in big hugs. It's also okay if you're struggling to the see the good in tough times. I could be fixated on misery this year. There's plenty of that to go around. I've just made a choice to keep seeking the light and the glimmers of goodness and hope that are always there, even in the darkness.

Love,

Jennifer

A Special Request

This holiday season, would ya help this gal out? My readership and client tribe have diminished by 60% this year. I've got a lot of rebuilding ahead! If my words touch your heart, let me know. Better yet, share them with someone else. Encourage a friend to subscribe to my newsletter on my website. I'd be most grateful.

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

In addition to my regular weekly group yoga classes, there are some extras on the schedule. Gentle Yoga for Sweet Slumber will meet again on the eve of the Winter Solstice, Sunday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET and on 3 Sundays in January.

This year, I'm offering a Virtual Vision Board Workshop on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Start gathering old magazines, a poster board or cardstock, glue, and scissors. During this workshop, I will lead participants through a guided, future-focused mediation and provide some worksheets and exercises to help you align with your vision for the new year. You'll then create your vision board with any images or words that inspire you to attract all the goodness and wonder you desire.

Register for any and all classes or workshops right here!