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Happy Weekend, Reader,
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Earlier this week, I was planning a festive and fun night out with some friends when one of them texted back that she wasn’t “up to celebrating” and just wanted to "make it" to the New Year. While she recently lost her mother—which I cannot begin to fathom—and I fully support her in knowing what’s best for her, it made me reflect on how we often rush through life to escape hard moments. It’s like we’re trying to push through the “something” to finally be in the present. But the truth is, the present is all there ever is.
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✨ Let’s take a moment to explore how to stay present during what can be a challenging time of year for many. The holidays can feel like a marathon: shopping, cooking, decorating, hosting family, attending kids’ events, and managing packed social calendars. It’s easy to shift into “just survive until the end of the year” mode. But what if it could be better? What could it look like if we embraced presence regardless of our circumstances?

Presence Is About Being Where You Are

We rarely give ourselves the grace to stay where we are. So here are a few simple tips for staying present and honoring yourself during this holiday season.

For Those Who Are Grieving

💔 I’m so sorry for your pain. There’s a quote I love that says, “Grief is love with nowhere left to go.” You may find comfort in this email I wrote back in August on my own grieving process. I also encourage you to enjoy life in small, meaningful ways when you can. Maybe it’s a walk outside. Maybe it’s flipping through old photos of the one you miss. Maybe it’s a day on the couch watching comedies or having a deep, soul-cleansing cry.

Did you know it only takes 90 seconds to process pure human emotion?

The Science Behind Feeling Your Feelings

When an emotional response is triggered, your brain starts a chemical process that lasts approximately 90 seconds. After that, the stress hormones dissipate. If the emotional response persists, it’s usually tied to "future-casting" or reminders of a past event. Most of us avoid feelings by stuffing them down to “get through it.” But unexpressed emotions often turn into resentment, relationship conflicts, and/or heightened stress.
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Imagine how different life could be ✨ if you gave yourself just 90 seconds to feel and honor your emotions when they arise.

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Three Tips for Staying Present & Honoring Yourself

Tip #1 | If You’re Overwhelmed, Take a Time Out

Set a timer for two minutes. Close your eyes, place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly, and breathe deeply. Slow, intentional breaths can ground you back into the present. 🧘‍♀️💓

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Tip #2 | Ask for Help

We don’t have to do it all—this is a big myth. Lean on your community. Call a friend to vent, ask for help with an errand, or invite someone over to wrap gifts together. People who love you want to see you win. 💌🎁
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Tip #3 | Chase Joy

Joy doesn’t have to be grandiose. It could be a warm cup of something yummy in a holiday-themed mug ☕, listening to your favorite 🎄 song 🎶, a five-minute dance party 💃, or lighting a beautiful 🕯️candle. Joy is a gateway to presence.

My Wish for You

This holiday season, I wish you the courage to stay present. Lean into the discomfort of sorrow, rage, and joy. All emotions deserve equal expression, and when you give yourself grace to feel, healing comes faster than you’d expect.
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🌟 I see you. I am you. We can do this, and I promise there’s always room for a little more joy—even for you.

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With love and wishes for a season of grace, presence, and being exactly where you are.

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💖 xo, Gabrielle

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