The distinction between ‘life is a lot’ and ‘life is a lot AND I’m mad at myself for being overwhelmed’ really lands. It’s wild how fast we turn one hard thing into two without even noticing. The study about subtractive solutions explains so much about why healing can start to feel like another full-time job. The idea of taking things off the plate this season feels a lot more humane than adding another routine to manage.
I'm really feeling this this year! I reached out to our families and asked to forgo gift exchanges this year and they agreed and I feel a million times lighter - I'm actually excited for Christmas this year! It doesn't feel like homework anymore.
Come on with the joyful photos in this post! Dave blissing out with Waff’! And the happy bubble bath!! COME ON!!! I couldn’t love you two (four) more!!! Just a note.. we are on the same page. I usually make elaborate baked goods for all my neighbors and co workers. This year they are getting a pre packaged brownie or cookie mix with a poem stating :
Christmas is coming
Our love can’t be beat
But I’m just too tired
So make your own damn treat.
Yep, that’s called cutting way way back!! I love you so much! Thank you for continuing to teach us all!!!
This is the holiday information I needed today, sleep deprived with a sick toddler, we have had to slow down and choose less. I don’t want to feel that guilt of not meeting family holiday expectations, seeing my kid fall in love with the rhinos at the zoo is worth me telling everyone she needs to go home now. I guess I am finding that what has hit most is that No can be a full sentence, I always remind my students of this. And allowing others their holidays joys and disappointments without feeling obligated to take responsibility for it. Makeupless me is sitting and being tired and thankful, those can be possible!
Physical injury forced me to slow down. With the rotatory cuff of my right (predominant) should injured, even wiping counter tops in the kitchen hurts. While waiting 3 months for physical therapy (staffing shortages in all sorts of medical professions is a new reality) I have had to rethink and prioritize all sorts of "busy work" and decide what is important and what isn't. The good thing is that hopefully this sticks with me when my shoulder gets better!
Yes yes YESSS. I’m so glad research is finally catching up with doing less. And thank you for bringing light to it. It’s such a push/pull of things you say yes and no to especially at the holidays. 💕💕
The pressure of trying to meet everyone's expectations is exhausting and makes me cranky during the holidays. I'm working on this doing less thing and being ok with it. It's a work in progress
This made me pause in the best way. Thank you for writing it ♡ we would love to have you with us at gēnu if you are interested! Looking forward to reading more from you.
Oh the holidays....sigh. for the first time we went out for Thanksgiving. Which meant less stress, more rest and no leftovers(this part not good) the $ we spent could've been used in much better ways. So, it's a no for next year. I love the holidays, but don't love what my mental illness does around them. Here's to getting through to Jan 1st, when we can start anew. 2026 is feeling better already. 💜💜💜
The distinction between ‘life is a lot’ and ‘life is a lot AND I’m mad at myself for being overwhelmed’ really lands. It’s wild how fast we turn one hard thing into two without even noticing. The study about subtractive solutions explains so much about why healing can start to feel like another full-time job. The idea of taking things off the plate this season feels a lot more humane than adding another routine to manage.
I'm really feeling this this year! I reached out to our families and asked to forgo gift exchanges this year and they agreed and I feel a million times lighter - I'm actually excited for Christmas this year! It doesn't feel like homework anymore.
Come on with the joyful photos in this post! Dave blissing out with Waff’! And the happy bubble bath!! COME ON!!! I couldn’t love you two (four) more!!! Just a note.. we are on the same page. I usually make elaborate baked goods for all my neighbors and co workers. This year they are getting a pre packaged brownie or cookie mix with a poem stating :
Christmas is coming
Our love can’t be beat
But I’m just too tired
So make your own damn treat.
Yep, that’s called cutting way way back!! I love you so much! Thank you for continuing to teach us all!!!
Sometimes we really need to hear/read the obvious before it comes to light. Here's to doing less! :)
I feel like I have just been given a permission slip! Thanks. I needed that💜❤️
This is the holiday information I needed today, sleep deprived with a sick toddler, we have had to slow down and choose less. I don’t want to feel that guilt of not meeting family holiday expectations, seeing my kid fall in love with the rhinos at the zoo is worth me telling everyone she needs to go home now. I guess I am finding that what has hit most is that No can be a full sentence, I always remind my students of this. And allowing others their holidays joys and disappointments without feeling obligated to take responsibility for it. Makeupless me is sitting and being tired and thankful, those can be possible!
Physical injury forced me to slow down. With the rotatory cuff of my right (predominant) should injured, even wiping counter tops in the kitchen hurts. While waiting 3 months for physical therapy (staffing shortages in all sorts of medical professions is a new reality) I have had to rethink and prioritize all sorts of "busy work" and decide what is important and what isn't. The good thing is that hopefully this sticks with me when my shoulder gets better!
You are precious!!!!!! Thank you for inspiring us all to embrace the magic of doing less. It's profound how much more there is in less. <3
Thanks so much, Kate! You make me feel so much better about myself and my choices.
I'm so into this article! Makes so much sense.
Yes yes YESSS. I’m so glad research is finally catching up with doing less. And thank you for bringing light to it. It’s such a push/pull of things you say yes and no to especially at the holidays. 💕💕
The pressure of trying to meet everyone's expectations is exhausting and makes me cranky during the holidays. I'm working on this doing less thing and being ok with it. It's a work in progress
This made me pause in the best way. Thank you for writing it ♡ we would love to have you with us at gēnu if you are interested! Looking forward to reading more from you.
Oh the holidays....sigh. for the first time we went out for Thanksgiving. Which meant less stress, more rest and no leftovers(this part not good) the $ we spent could've been used in much better ways. So, it's a no for next year. I love the holidays, but don't love what my mental illness does around them. Here's to getting through to Jan 1st, when we can start anew. 2026 is feeling better already. 💜💜💜
Taking things off the plate does not refer to pie? OK, we're friends again.
Seriously tho, do add remember to breathe. It comes in handy.
Take care Kate!