Greetings fellow empowered beings!! :) As we're approaching this last month, let's take a look at the past year (things we've achieved, lessons we've learned, things we've left behind and added) and let's use that to mobilize us in this next month. Let's use this last month of the year to build momentum and get a running start into 2026. We don't have to wait.... We treat January like it has magical powers when really it is just a month with better PR. Psychologically speaking, December is prime time for momentum building. It is the month where the brain naturally shifts into reflection mode, which means insight is already simmering and it might make it the perfect time to launch! A lot of people experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in the winter months--- so I think that it's really really important to look at the habits that we engage in and how this either contributes, reinforces or helps ease this effect. (side note--with my clients in Michigan, I start having conversations about this in September because the weather here along with the habits really influence people's experiences for 6 months at a time!! We can't control the weather, BUT we can do things differently). *****So, how are you using December and what are your intentions? *****How will you use this past year as a way to move into the next? Here are some questions to consider as you look back on your past year (questions are part of an AAR (After Action Review). 1. What did we intend to accomplish (what was our strategy)? 2. What did we do (how did we execute relative to our strategy)? 3. Why did it happen that way (why was there a difference between strategy and execution)? 4. What will we do to adapt our strategy or refine our execution for a better outcome OR how do we repeat our success?

💗There are so many great challenges out there and I didn't want to add another one to the list...BUT, in the spirit of this month of thanksgiving, I did want to gift someone something at the end of the month...I want to show appreciation to ALL of you, but given practical considerations, I just don't know if a gift is possible for all. So, I was trying to think about what would be a good way to try to go about this.... 🌟Well, how about this? In the spirit of this group and what it's about, WHAT IF we use your own goals and habits that you want to build upon as the deciding factor for winning? Not only will you get something from me but you'll be gaining momentum towards your goals and that IS winning beyond an external reward. We can use this as a way to add additional incentive to keep going and to make strides towards your goals!! And also as a place of accountability:) If there are A LOT of winners, maybe a secondary way of teasing out top winners can be something related to participation /level of activity or maybe just a random choosing. I already appreciate the activity in here and while I want to incentivise more people to participate I don't want the gift to just be dependent on that---I truly want you all to do well towards your goals!! 📈So....what say you? If you're interested, drop a comment below saying that you're in AND also identifying what you'll be working on for the rest of the month---what are the habits that you want to start/grow/continue? What will have to happen at the end of the month to say "I've made acceptable progress" towards this goal? (some areas of potential focus: physical health: diet, exercise, drinking water; spiritual health: daily prayer, gratitude practice; financial health: saving money, spending less; etc.) Let's do this!! Let's have a place to keep each other accountable, encourage each other and just take strides towards growth!! We got this, fam! :) :) :)

Last week I really felt the weight of my business a new venture just 2 months old (so fast!) but already taking a toll. Mentally and emotionally I was spent. I stepped back and looked at what I was doing and what I wanted to do. I looked at how I wanted to feel too. Then I made changes. Nothing the trigger the avalanche of change, just small changes that make business work for me! Then it can work for my clients. It’s not society’s version of success but thats ok. I don’t need society to validate me. How do you self regulate in biz and life?

Your body is constantly communicating — through tension, fatigue, excitement, or calm. But most of us are too busy to listen. Every sigh, every craving, every burst of motivation is data. When you learn to interpret it instead of override it, everything changes. Instead of pushing through, pause and ask: “What is this feeling trying to tell me?” That question alone can prevent burnout, resentment, and exhaustion. How do you know when your energy is asking for a change? Your body isn’t betraying you — it’s guiding you. 👉 What’s one sign your energy gives when you’re out of alignment?

This past Friday I had set myself up to join a small group ( @Wesley Penner Executive Skill Journey) where I could practice some public speaking. All week, while I was truly busy, I was also actively avoiding preparing for it. The little girl within me, with her own not so great experiences growing up in relation to this, was showing up and trying to protect me. Through avoidance. Something she often did when she was little--be it frequently skipping school in third grade, running away when she was 10 or keeping quiet in situations when it would have been better to speak up. Since then, I've taken on challenges where I tried to overcome this, but if enough time passes, it can be easy to go back to old patterns in some instances (definitely not all)....So...I was avoiding it, until I couldn't any longer. So, what did I do? I decided to ebrace it and speak on avoidance....ironic maybe. But here are some points about avoidance!! :) It's kinda long, but i hope you benefit! Avoidance shows up in everyone’s life- urging us to delay, distract, or pull away from something uncomfortable. It can be physical (not showing up), emotional (numbing out), or cognitive (distraction). It gives immediate relief which further reinforces the avoidance cycle. Why do People Avoid: 1. Emotional protection and safety from real or perceived threat: Avoidance can in fact keep us safe from real danger (best not go pet a lion in the wild...bummer) But, most of our threats are social nowadays (Think rejection, failure, embarrassment). It tries to shield us from fear, shame, and sadness. It kind of gives an emotional off-switch, and while it gives a quick relief, it does weaken resilience. It promises comfort but at the expense of longer term strength. 2. Conditioning & Reinforcement: Avoidance feels good right away -the brain releases dopamine for that relief and then learns “Avoidance = safety,” creating a habit loop: discomfort → escape → relief → stronger avoidance. Look at us conditioning ourselves and not even knowing it!