Hello lovely people,
How are you doing? I mean - how are you, really?
If the image above resonates, I’m guessing your head might be feeling fit to burst, your nerves jangled and your nervous system frazzled. Sending love and validation to all of you feeling this right now.
I’m writing from my clinic on my last day before I break for Christmas. Outside, rain is beating against the window; inside I have a candle lit, my son’s on the sofa nearby, off sick with a winter bug, and there’s an internal background hum of all the presents I’ve yet to buy. Yep - all the familiar signs of working-mum life in action.
So I’ll keep this brief. Mainly, I wanted to reshare something you might find helpful if you’re someone who finds spending time with family (and perhaps wider family) over the festive season exhausting or deeply triggering. Click below to read 6 ways to help you come back into your Adult self when your younger parts become activated.
My gentle invitation for the festive season is this:
Build in moments of peace where you can. Slow your body. Unclench your jaw. Roll your shoulders back. Ditch the additional festive trip that might tip you over the edge. Lower expectations - then lower them again. Share the load with your partner. If parenting solo, ask a friend to help. Take shortcuts. Keep it simple. Choose the easy dinner. Make a date with the sofa and whatever soothes you.
Remember - it’s your Christmas too. Spend time with your kids doing things you also enjoy. Not because it’s productive. Not because it’s selfless. But because these moments of mutual pleasure matter. I shared a reel on this over on Insta.
I’ll be sharing an offering with you towards the end of the year, so keep an eye out for that. And in the meantime, here are some ways I can support you.
Leaving you with these words from Mary Oliver to take into the holiday…
With love and peace,
Caroline x
I love this. I need reminders that I can make decisions to say no to things. It’s so easy to forget we have the power to choose isn’t it?!