If the holidays make you anxious, read this:

No one talks about how confusing the holiday season really is.

You’re expected to be resting while also making sure every single deadline is met.

You’re meant to be excited while you have 10 commitments and you don’t want to go to 9 of them but you have to because “it’s the holidays”.

Every single one of my friends, whether they’re employed or an entrepreneur, feels like this right now, but most are scared to bring it up.

Because once again, we feel this pressure to perform and pretend everything is fine.

But if I could give advice to anyone who feels like this right now, I’d be this:

Just because the year is ending, it doesn’t mean your life is.

You’re not meant to suddenly be your most perfect self.

I know right now, everything feels urgent. I have this feeling too. It got so ridiculously intense that I nearly canceled my birthday because I felt behind.

Behind on work. Behind on plans.
Behind on some invisible timeline no one ever agreed to, but everyone seems to be following.

That’s why so many people feel overwhelmed right now… not because they’re failing, but because they’re carrying too many open loops in their head.

You’re thinking about Christmas dinner party no 4 while also making your to-do list for work and adding the 100 new habits you want to do the next year to become your most successful self.

And sure, this is fine, but not all at once.

Let me remind you that there is a lot of honour in admitting you can’t finish something.

And there is merit to not having to fix everything all at once.

This month has brought me so much fear and pressure to be perfect.

It’s caused recentment for failing to be the “ideal” version of myself from January to December.

I procrastinated, I avoided work, I didn’t show up to several events, I barely saw my parents, I didn’t take the salsa lessons I said I was going to last year.

And you know what I’m okay with that, because I did my best at that time.

You did your best this year, maybe you don’t feel like you did but you did.

Your best doesn’t mean excellent, it means your best at that time, within that circumstance on that specific date.

I love the quote that says “On the days you have only 40%, and you give 40%. You gave 100%” True.

See a lot of what we call ‘motivation’ this month is actually guilt wearing a productivity costume… And I’m not a fan.

Here’s how I’m preparing for the holiday season to avoid the dread of daring to be unproductive.

1. I’m taking time to recognise the 1 thing I did well this year

2. I’m avoiding all goal-setting

3. I’m being grateful

Because gratitude is the 1 thing that will keep you (and me) winning.

If you’re feeling anxious right now, just know it’s not just you.

Nothing is wrong with you. You’re just tired in a season that keeps asking you to smile louder.

You’re exactly where you need to be right now.

I love you so much my friend.

Give yourself a high five, you’re awesome.

PS: I’m spending the holidays on my own, again! And I’m totally okay with that.

And if you are too, or if you feel like you should be doing MORE - it’s okay to do what you want.

We have one life. Do what you want with it.

xxx