Hello My Friends,

How did we find ourselves in December?

Not only that, but we’re nearing the mid-point of December. New Year's Eve is literally around the corner. What the HECK!?

There can be a lot of pressure at this time of year about so many things. About hosting an amazing party, about creating that magical time for your kids, about finishing strong at work or in your business.

Maybe this email is your sign. Don’t worry about “finishing strong” - maybe finish soft. Or finish with love.

Seriously my dudes - finish with love. This includes love for yourself.

What would that look like for you?

I know that “pressure for special” is real. Like, as an example, seeing the magic of the holidays light up your kids' faces can probably spark a heck of a lot of love. But that “magic” happens because of the invisible labour of parents. Ok, usually mothers. Reflect on what needs to be done to spark love.

Ultimately, your kids are probably delighted just to hang out with you. It doesn’t need to be a jazzed-up time. Maybe you just do something you wouldn’t do regularly, that feels special - and that “thing” could be SO MANY THINGS. And, more to the point, so many things that don’t burn you out in the meantime.

Whatever it is, it can be “just enough.”

Like, hot chocolate under a cozy blanket in your outdoor space (especially fun if it’s snowy!). Watching a movie in the dark, with the popcorn you made together. Painting your toenails together. A living room dance party. Really, it’s whatever you’re up for, that your kiddo would be into as well.

My point is - it’s OK to do less.

Love is about experiencing stuff together in the world. Making each other and yourself feel good.

Focusing on love and being in good relationships - these can be applied to anything in your life. Like, ANYTHING.

Does that work party feel like a weight? What would help you connect well with your colleagues, while not feeling like you will disappear into dust from exhaustion?

Feeling like you need to finish Q4 strong in your biz? Maybe rethink “strong” and try measuring your success related to other values, like compassion or social impact?

What’s going on for you during these last two weeks of 2024? Could you do less? Finish soft? Finish with love?

Hit reply and let me know.

Julia

p.s. Need another example of re-focusing on love and relationships? Check out this gorgeous short film, Dancer Not Dementia, presented by the National Ballet of Canada. Folks from our Fair Play Community were behind this, including filmmaker Anthony Grani, and Scientist Dr. Pia Kontos!! Watch the 2 minute trailer, or the 20 minute film.

p.p.s. In my next newsletter I’m going to write about Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2024… Do you know what it is??

Julia Gray, PhD

​Website | Instagram | LinkedIn​

• award-winning writer, researcher, teacher
• mentored hundreds of students & clients
• playwright, theatre creator
• chocolate devotee, Mum of 2, ex-bun-head

Looking for ways to build a creative and humanity-centred life or workplace?

• Download my freebie about building an awesome session, like a webinar or presentation (here!)
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• Check out my thought leadership through my Substack, The Possibilities Project.

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