It's Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. The holiday haze is over, you’re back at work, and reality is starting to set in. Donald Trump will become president of the (not so) United States of America in less than three weeks. Conflict is raging in the Middle East. The world feels unstable, and you can sense something big is on the horizon.
How do you want to feel when that day arrives?
Overwhelmed, on your knees, and unprepared to face what’s ahead? Or standing tall, shoulders relaxed, knees slightly bent, ready for whatever comes your way?
Calm, centred, and focused? Or anxious, agitated, and exhausted?
The next few weeks will decide that.
Oh, and by the way...
THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!!!
Let’s be real for a moment - the holidays aren’t all sugar and spice. It's hard to be Fat and Festive at the best of times, but this year? Yikes! Family gatherings are a minefield of clashing values, competing beliefs, and conflicting expectations. You’re stuck in a room with people who don’t always get you. They see your body, your choices, your boundaries, and they feel entitled to make them their business! You don’t get to just be. Instead you have to explain, justify, or defend yourself at every turn. It’s draining.
At this time of the year, the pressure to be social takes on a whole new layer. This is particularly challenging if you’re neurodivergent. There’s an expectation to show up, put on a smile, and pretend you’re okay, even when you’re not. But here’s the thing - you don’t have to. It’s okay to set boundaries, skip a party, or leave early. You don’t owe anyone your energy.
And then there's the never-ending food policing, which can strike anytime, anywhere. A plate of pie isn’t just a treat - it’s a battleground. There's the concerned 'should you really be eating that?' There's the passive agressive 'aren't you full yet?' And my personal favourite, 'Think of your health!' Every forkful comes with a side of judgment. Not only is it exhausting, but it robs you of one of life's simple pleasures... food!
Being Fat during the holidays sucks. And it sucks even more after the year we’ve had. If you’re already dreading the season, feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just resigned to whatever comes your way, I see you. I hear you.
And I get it. The pressure’s on.
You know you need rest, but chances are the next few weeks will be anything but restful.
You know you need to recharge, but the holidays feel like they’re designed to drain you instead.
You know you need joy, but you’re not allowed to enjoy your food without fear of being judged.
And if you’re anything like me, there’s a constant nagging in your ear… “Be careful, make good choices, and make sure you work it off later”. That voice, whether it comes from others or from within, is relentless.
Of course you’re tired. Of course you’re weary. Of course you’re feeling conflicted. You need to be seen, validated, and grounded. You need someone to talk to. Someone who’s been there, done that.
Let’s face it, 2025 is going to be hard. There’s no avoiding it. We all need to get through the holidays unscathed and show up in the new year as the best version of ourselves.
Sounds like a lot, doesn't it.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through it alone.
...Fully PresentThis isn’t about pretending everything is just fine. It’s not about checking out and avoiding it all either. This program is all about self-compassion in the face of all the challenges.
Right now, you might feel like the world is against you. You might feel like you’re not safe with your family, friends, or even colleagues. You might feel drained, with very little energy to give and even less to look forward to.
But what if, instead of pushing yourself to please everyone else or shrinking to fit their expectations, you gave yourself the compassion and space to show up fully as you are? To savour each moment, connect meaningfully, and truly thrive?
