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Hey Reader heeeeyyyy!

Christmas week is officially over and the new year is right around the corner — cue the cocoa, cookies… and the creeping overwhelm of “New Year, New You” Resolutions.

But before we get there, just in case you need it – let me share a small but freeing truth:

Overwhelm isn’t a sign you’re failing.
It’s a sign that your JOY rhythms (and systems!) could use a reset.

So if you only take one thing from this note, let it be this:
​Keep it simple.

“Are you ready for Christmas?”

I’d been asked this every day for the last two weeks.
My honest answer?

“Nope.”

But first — what did ready even mean?

Was the house spotless?
Tree up?
Gifts wrapped?
Matching pajamas purchased?
Kids hair done, and camera-ready?

No.
Nope.
Nah.

And surprisingly… no stress either.

Here’s why.

A friend and I were talking over that weekend, both admitting we didn’t feel “ready.”
But instead of spiraling, I shared my actual plan:

• Grab a $5 Christmas tree (we threw our old one out last year and it’s too late in the season to pay full-price for a new one IMO 😌)
• Decorate said tree together
• Put on matching pajamas
• Play Christmas music
• Drink hot cocoa
• Dance in the living room

That’s it.

Core memories for the kids.
Very little pressure for me.

Her response made me laugh👇🏿 —

…but it also reminded me how far I’ve come!

Because there was a time when I was doing the most… and going into Christmas Day and the new year feeling exhausted and stressed instead of joyful.

A gentle reminder for this season

With everything you’re carrying, what your people want most is you — present, grounded, and at peace.

And if you’re “doing it for the kids,” trust me:
They don’t need perfection.
What they likely want is connection.

So if you feel stress starting to creep in, pause and ask yourself these five questions to support this season of your JOYrney™:

• What do I truly value right now?
• What experience am I actually trying to create?
• What’s quietly draining my JOY?
• When I look back on this season, what do I want to remember?
• What’s the bare minimum needed to create that?

Because oftentimes JOY isn’t found in doing more —
it’s found in choosing differently.

(I’ll be unpacking this more deeply on the podcast at the top of the new year – so if this is resonating, make sure you’re subscribed!)

BTW: If this season already feels like “too much”

And if you’re reading this thinking, “None of this feels accessible right now” — I see you.

If the overwhelm feels chronic, not seasonal…
If rest feels impossible…
If simplicity sounds good in theory, but unreachable in practice…

That’s not a willpower or motivation issue.
It’s a support issue.

As we head into the new year:

✨ I’m opening 3 spots for private 1:1 coaching for women ready to reset their rhythm, redefine priorities, and reconnect with the life God is calling them into.

✨ I’m also booking Q1 workshops for organizations supporting working parents, caregivers, and leaders navigating burnout.

If either feels aligned, simply reply to this email with “JOY” and I’ll share next steps!

No pressure either way. Just an invitation to imagine something different for yourself.

PS: In case you were wondering... Everything did come together over that weekend — and the intended vibe was set, just as I envisioned. 🙌🏾

Errands on Saturday, decorating on Sunday (less than 90 minutes set up in total); AND the kids had a blast.

Let me tell you – the Christmas vibes were vibing – Mm’kay!  It came out cute, right?!

Simple. Sweet. Done.

I pray you had a Merry Christmas too! 🤗

The JOYrney To Purpose® Podcast

ICYMI: Wanda Ramos is back on the podcast for another nugget-packed episode! And this time she’s joined by her husband, Herman Ramos!

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If you’re navigating dating, marriage, motherhood, or a personal growth season, this episode WILL bless you.

Click the links below, to watch the two-part series!

Wishing you a blessed, peaceful, and JOY-filled New Year, friend!

We’re on the JOYrney™ together — one feel-good thing at a time,
Erica