Hey Reader,
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Does your head also feel like it’s going to explode with the seemingly endless list of things you need to do: sort end of year teacher gifts, buy your mother-in-law’s gift, arrange the Christmas grocery delivery…

The pressure to squeeze all the to-dos into what precious kid-free time you have left (when they aren’t already home with the latest winter bug, of course) is real.

If your sensitive nervous system is already fried, I see you.

And I could write to you telling you to choose your priorities wisely in this season or a reminder to rest…

But I’m sure you already know that, and I think there’s something you might need to hear more.

Of all the things you choose to let go of this festive season, please don’t let go of this: the thing that makes you feel a little more “you”.

Maybe you have a thing for writing poetry about motherhood. For gardening, photography, playing the piano, learning a new language… whatever it is that lights you up.

I don’t know what exactly it is for you, I just know it matters more than ever right now.

Maybe you’ve been putting it aside for ages now. Maybe now seems like the worst time to give that passion of yours some time, but actually, it might be when you need to more than ever.

Because burnout doesn’t just come from having too much to do — it comes from mental, emotional, and practical labour that is monotonous and mentally unstimulating.

At a time when it can feel like you’re just going through the motions without a break, giving your mind the chance to shift gears can be the very thing that gives you the energy to juggle it all.

Not numbing in front of the tv…

Not scrolling social media late at night…

But doing whatever makes you feel alive, even if it’s just for 5 mins before you go to bed each night — or a sacred hour you let your partner know needs to happen every Sunday (yes, even the Sunday before Christmas).

In a season that demands so much of you, please don’t abandon the one thing that gives instead of takes.

In support of you,

Kirsti

Mum of two | Coaching Psychologist (MAPPCP)

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Can you help?

I’m looking to speak to mums about their experience in motherhood, in order to shape my upcoming programme Proud of the Parent You Are. If you feel like you’re losing yourself in being everything to everybody else, wanting to parent peacefully but feeling like your overwhelm gets in the way of that, and wondering how your previously-fair relationship has ended up with you shouldering majority of the load, you’re exactly who I’d like to talk to. In exchange, I’ll give you free access to my upcoming Realistic Self-Care course.

In my world

We’ve been hit hard by this Winter flu season, and each time we think the girls have overcome their latest bug, they’re off nursery again. I’m running on the fumes of even less sleep than usual over the past few weeks, and honestly feeling quite cooped up and exhausted. So a couple days ago I spent some time journalling on how I can better surrender to everything out of my control right now, lean into self-compassion, and find small ways to nurture my energy as I support my girls. Approaching this time with intention has made such a difference to my perspective. It’s an honour to be the person they want most right now and to be able show up for them when they’re feeling terrible.