BEFORE YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY GATHERING....READ THIS!

Hello from Sunny California!

Welcome to my Monday Morning Message!

As we move into the final days of 2025, the holidays often bring a mix of joy, nostalgia, big feelings, and familiar family dynamics. Old roles sneak in, buttons get pushed, and suddenly you’re reacting like it’s 1998. The good news? You always have a choice in how you respond.

Before a gathering or conversation, pause and ask yourself: Who do I want to be right now?

When a person, comment, or situation triggers a strong wave of emotion in your body, take a breath. Get curious. Ask yourself: Why am I so triggered by this person, this behavior, this moment? You don’t have to respond right away. You don’t have to fix anyone, prove your point, or win the holiday argument. Sometimes the most powerful move is simply being the grown-up in the room.

Let humor—and a few well-timed boundaries—do the heavy lifting.

My invitation as we close out the year: choose one small practice. One pause. One breath. One intention. Something that helps you enjoy the moment and end 2025 feeling more grounded, connected, and maybe even a little lighter.

And remember… a walk around the block helps strong emotions fade. So does a big bowl of ice cream 🍨

Warmly, Colette