The Greatest Gift You Can Give This Season
Soul:
Presence vs Presents
It’s that time of year again…— when stress starts to climb and to-do lists seem to grow by the hour.
There’s pressure to close out the year strong, meet deadlines, decorate the house, finalize travel plans, create menus, and prepare for family gatherings. Spending reaches an all-time high, and my inbox (like yours, I’m sure) is already flooded with Black Friday sales and holiday promotions — all competing for our attention and our dollars.
For many, the consistency built around fitness, meditation, and nutrition begins to unravel during these last two months of the year. But it doesn’t have to.
Someone in my family was recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. It’s a lot to process, and it brings into sharp focus what truly matters. Her only request? Spend time with me. Not a wish list of things — just presence.
When my mom recently celebrated a birthday, yes, I got her a gift, but the best part wasn’t the earrings. It was spending the day with her — laughing, connecting, and simply being together.
In the book The Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware, not one regret is about material possessions. The five most common regrets are:
I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
I wish that I had let myself be happier.
None of these are about doing more — they’re about being more. More honest. More open. More connected.
One of the deepest truths about being human — so woven into daily life that we often forget it — is this: every person, everywhere, carries the longing to be seen, heard, and valued.
The way we offer that is through presence.
Being present is more than simply being in the same room. It means putting away distractions, making eye contact, and showing genuine curiosity. It means listening without judgment or rehearsing what you’ll say next. In a world full of noise and distraction, true presence is rare — and deeply felt.
At my retreats, we set aside our phones for the entire experience. What happens is extraordinary. The depth of connection, the laughter, the tears — the human-ness — it all emerges when presence takes the lead.
So I invite you to consider:
How can you give the gift of presence to your family and friends this holiday season?
Here are a few ways to start:
Eliminate distractions: Put away your phone, close your laptop, and give the person your full attention.
Listen with all your senses: Notice their tone, expressions, and body language.
Make eye contact: Show that you’re engaged and that what they’re saying matters.
Adopt an open posture: Uncross your arms and legs; stay relaxed and receptive.
Be curious: Approach with genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
Listen to understand, not to respond: Stay focused on what’s being said, not what you’ll say next.
Don’t judge: Release assumptions and simply receive what they share.
Reflect and ask questions: Paraphrase to confirm understanding and ask open-ended questions to go deeper.
Presence is a gift that costs nothing — and yet it may be the most valuable thing you ever give.
With love,
Nourishment:
Holiday Guide
The holidays do not have to derail you from your wellness journey. Here I have included a holiday packet that includes seasonal recipes and suggestions to replace some of the classic dishes.
Enjoy!
Supplement Highlight:
Group Cleanse Program
January 2026
As you set intentions for the year ahead, consider giving your body a reset, too. Our January Group Cleanse isn’t about deprivation — it’s a gentle, supportive way to reduce inflammation, boost energy, and start 2026 feeling clear and aligned.
Join the group for extra connection and accountability, or move through it at your own pace.
Group Dates: January 5–18, 2026
Order early — they often sell out!
Community:
Opportunties to Connect
1:1 Coaching Tune-Up Sessions — Contact me to reserve your time.
Women’s Wellness Retreat — Only 2 spots left! Secure your spot here.
This season is about reflection and renewal — letting go of what no longer serves and setting intentions for what’s next. In sessions with clients, we explore questions like:
What am I ready to release?
What lesson has this year been teaching me?
What do I want more (or less) of in 2026?
If you’re craving less forcing and more flow, I’d love to support you. A Tune-Up Session might be the best option for a more personalized experience. There are a few spots left in 2025, and I’ll be welcoming one new 1:1 client in January.
If being part of a group experience is calling you, our February Women’s Wellness Retreat is nearly full — a restorative weekend designed to help you reconnect with balance, joy, and nourishment. Reach out using the link above to secure your spot.