In today’s ’We’re in it Together’ session we touched upon the strange little souvenirs some of us picked up during Covid. New hobbies, new coping mechanisms, new ways of staying vaguely sane when the world felt like it was buffering. I shared that I, too, experimented. A lot. Some attempts landed. Some… did not. (Brief, enthusiastic, and very short-lived flirtation with weightlifting, for example.) But one hobby stuck around longer than most: epoxy resin. This is notable primarily because I am not, nor have I ever been, crafty. No artistic childhood. No hidden talent waiting patiently to emerge. And yet, there I was, dreaming up designs and color combos, pouring resin, curing pieces, and even signing up for my first ever craft fair. Was it a runaway success? Absolutely not. Did I make about $400? Yes. Did that even begin to cover the cost of supplies, tools, errors, and “learning moments”? Also no. But I did gift everyone handmade presents that Christmas, which people are still to this day proudly displaying in their homes. I learned something new about myself. And for a little while, I let curiosity win over perfection. So in the spirit of laughing at ourselves and sharing the learning, I’m attaching a few photos from my short-lived but genuinely joyful resin era. Proof that trying something new doesn’t have to be profitable, polished, or permanent to still be worth it. Sometimes it just has to be… attempted. 💜

In Tuesday’s session with Sarah Chelew, we talked about the power of noticing patterns rather than judging ourselves. This daily mood log is a simple tool to help you do exactly that. You don’t need to fill it in perfectly or even every day. Use it as a quick check-in to capture how you’re feeling, what might be influencing your mood, and what’s helping or not helping. Over time, it can offer gentle insights into trends, triggers, and progress you might otherwise miss. Think of this as information, not evaluation. Awareness first. Everything else follows.

A quick note ahead of Thursday’s We’re In This Together session. Unlike our recent sessions, this one will be an interactive, conversation-led discussion rather than a presentation. We’ll be building on insights from Lindsay’s session on burnout and reclaiming energy, and creating space to reflect, share experiences, and talk honestly about what burnout looks like in real life — and how we start to take control of it earlier. Because this session is rooted in connection and shared reflection, we invite everyone to join on camera if you’re comfortable doing so. There’s absolutely no pressure to speak or share, but being visible helps foster the sense of community and openness that makes these conversations meaningful. The focus will be less on teaching and more on relating — learning from each other’s lived experiences, what we’ve noticed about our own patterns, and how we might approach things differently going forward. We’re looking forward to a thoughtful, grounded conversation and hope you’ll join us.

Hi everyone, I haven't posted on the board before so I thought I'd start off with wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and holiday season! It can be a stressful time, so make sure to take the time to decompress and pace yourself. I've had to get better at that over the years and say no to things so that I don't burnout. It's a wonderful time of year and there are lots of fun events, but managing mental and physical health is something I think we all forget to do in our busy lives. Feel free to message me and see you in the forums!

The holidays are often marketed as joyful, magical, and picture-perfect. For many people, the reality is far more complicated. Heightened emotions, family dynamics, financial pressure, packed calendars, grief, loneliness, and exhaustion can all collide at once. If this season feels heavy, confusing, or emotionally mixed, you’re not broken. You’re human. It’s possible to feel gratitude and grief, excitement and dread, joy and resentment all at the same time. While we can’t control everything the holidays bring, we can make intentional choices that reduce stress, protect our energy, and help us stay grounded. These strategies aren’t about creating a perfect holiday. They’re about helping you move through this season in a way that feels more manageable, more honest, and more aligned with what actually matters to you. Practical, realistic ways to protect your peace during the holiday season 1. Clearly picture the holiday you want to have Set expectations for yourself and others by painting a picture of what you want your festive period to look like. Whatever that picture is, keep it front and center. Share it with your loved ones so they understand where you’re coming from. Invite them to share their picture too, so you can decide together what to honor. If something threatens to crowd out what truly matters to you, give yourself permission to say no. Let your calendar and to-do list reflect the holiday you actually want to experience, not the one you feel pressured into. 2. Set boundaries Over the holidays, you get to decide where you go, how long you stay, who you invite into your home, and how much money you’ll spend. It can feel like parents, in-laws, or extended family are calling the shots. They’re not. You choose. Set boundaries before you’re knee-deep in festivities. Decide ahead of time what you’re willing to engage in and what you’re not. How long will you stay? How far will you travel? What topics are off limits? Once you make a decision and commit to it, try to show up with as much openness as you can. Boundaries aren’t about control. They’re about preserving your energy so you can be present where you choose to be.