^{My emails are sporadic, so in case you forgot…}

Also, I’m not a life coach. I just play one in my newsletter.

It’s interesting how such a joyous season can also be a season that stirs up such conflicting feelings…


In just a few hours, people all over the US will be sitting down to eat Thanksgiving dinner. Regardless of whether they like the holiday season or not, many of those people will be emotional wrecks.

There's something about the holiday season that exposes a range of emotions including financial worries, pressure to buy the right gifts and see certain people. Then there’s the guilt about working too hard or not working hard enough to make a final push before the end of the year and more. However, loneliness happens to be one of the most common yet difficult emotions to talk about.  

Whether you are sitting next to your spouse, have family far away, grieving a loss, or chatting with your friends, loneliness sometimes finds a way to creep in. And it can be so damn hard. 

I’m not gonna tell you not to be lonely, that you shouldn’t hate the holidays, or to simply cheer up.

You don't have to feel extra grateful this season because others have it worse than you. I'm sure you already know that. Someone else's struggle does not invalidate your own. You are allowed to feel those lonely and unpleasant things. 

Instead, I'm gonna tell you to just show up. In whatever capacity you will be allowing the holiday season into your life, show up as you are. Get dressed, bring a dish, make yourself a meal, and listen to music. But no matter what, just show up as you are. You are doing the best you can and that is good enough. No need to fake joyful feelings.

It may not stop the lonely feelings, but it will allow you to honor your feelings and deal with them as you feel fit until the moment passes. Sometimes, that's all you need to do. 

Don’t tell yourself that everything will be okay because it presumes that your feelings aren’t ok. Embrace what you can at the moment - unsettled feelings and all.

Once those feelings pass, I hope you realize that no matter how lonely or unlovable you may feel, you are loved. You are not the exception. Who you are on the good and bad days is enough and worthy of love. Your presence alone is well received and appreciated by so many.

In case no one has told you, your presence makes a difference in my world. I’m no influencer and far from consistent. I’m not a well-known thought leader or best-selling author. And yet, you show up. Even though email is sometimes overwhelming and the amount of newsletters has grown, you’re still here. You don’t always respond or read these letters right away, but you come as you are. I appreciate that more than I can say. Thank you.

Read This…

For those of you spiraling because of your current financial situation, this blog post is for you. There’s no blanket financial advice from out-of-touch gurus and nothing about your money mindset. But I hope you find what you need to feel a bit more grounded in your situation.

These affirmations are perfect for when you need help acknowledging your emotions and moving past them …

Happy Life Tip

Remind yourself that you don’t suck

Interesting links from around the web… (Some of them may be affiliate links.)

Trust me. Your home is good enough for company.

If you’re sick of advice from adults call this number(707-873-7862) and get advice from kindergartners instead.

I don’t have a monthly subscription for this, but I’ve used this to turn photos on my phone into a cute book.

I’m not a big social media person and not one for the gimmicks, but this girl who does yoga while reciting poetry is deep and not to be missed.

This song was a favorite of mine back in high school yet I don’t think I appreciated how insightful it was until adulthood

Loved this 10-minute film exemplifying fertility through several walks of life.

If you need ideas for date nights, I suggest this book. I plan to get the book for solo adventures too.

Check out this wish list to take the guesswork out of gift-giving. It’s free.

Need a pep talk? Let’s chat.

I’m not a life coach. I just play one in my newsletter. Still…

I sincerely hope these links and tips bring you to a better place mentally. If nothing else, please take this with you and repeat it daily as needed.

"What a beautiful thought to know we haven't lived the best days of our lives. The best is still to come. Yet, there is still beauty in today."

Know someone who would appreciate the contents of this message? Please forward it to them. The more people this can help, the better!