Goodbye Burnout, Hello Balance
Embracing winter’s quiet rhythm to rest, reflect, and recharge for the year ahead.
I’ve come to cherish this time of year — not for the more obvious reasons, though those twinkling lights and cheerful gatherings certainly have their place — but for the quiet that winter welcomes into my life. While the world outside seems to buzz with holiday chaos, I find a sanctuary in the “wintering” of my being, embracing the season’s inherent invitation to slow down.
I find quiet satisfaction in retreating inward, a hibernation of sorts that lets me savor the simple pleasures of a slower pace. Nourishing stews and soups that feel like hugs from the inside out, the softness of cozy blankets as I curl up at home with my husband and pups by the fire. It’s in these moments of stillness, where I allow myself the gift of being “lazy”, that can feel so profoundly relaxed and content. A very stark difference from the feelings of “FOMO” I once had.
This season brings a natural quiet to my business of teaching private Pilates and yoga, as clients are swept up in holiday currents — from family trips to festive traditions. Early in my career, this lull was anything but peaceful. It filled me with anxiety, a gnawing worry about bills and gaps in my schedule. In a career where hours worked equal income, 'no work' meant 'no pay' and, let’s be honest, that’s stressful. 😳
BUT, over time, I softened into the understanding that this rhythm wasn’t a threat — it was a gift. A natural ebb to balance the flow of my work life. This shift in mindset transformed my winters. I learned to plan for the quiet, to lean into it, and to be receptive to its rewards. By accepting this gift of time, these last weeks of the year have become an opportunity for me to find rest and renewal, a chance to step back and replenish my mind, body, and soul.
As the year winds down, I teach my final few sessions with a sense of lightness and gratitude, knowing that I’ve poured my heart into well over a thousand hours of teaching this year. 😅 While I deeply love my work, it’s both physically and mentally demanding — and I’ve learned that I, too, need space to recover.
So, rather than getting swept up in the frantic energy of “doing all the things,” I make a conscious choice to stay grounded. I say no to some of the holiday invitations (regretfully) and yes to something even more important — balance.
The result? I show up fully present for the holiday moments I do choose, enjoying the laughter and connection without the weight of burnout. And in those quiet nights at home, I feel the joy of stillness — a kind of rest that goes beyond my body and nourishes deep into my soul.
It’s in these moments of pause that I find the time to reflect, to contemplate, and to ultimately, find inspiration for the new year. Feeling beyond grateful for my life, my husband, my dogs, my family, friends, clients, the roof over my head and the food in my fridge, and most importantly, my good health.
I close out the year with intention and welcome the next with open arms. I don’t make rigid resolutions. Instead, I hold a vision, a loose map of the experiences I hope to create in 2025. I dream, I imagine, and I prepare, knowing full well that plans can change. And that’s okay. I’m ready to adapt, to flow with what comes, as much as I can be. More on the topic here.
I’m excited to share some of the fresh, fun things I’ve been dreaming up for the year ahead. Stay tuned for what’s to come and if this newsletter resonates with you, please share it with someone who might find joy in it too.
You can even gift 🎁 a paid subscription — a little nudge of inspiration to start their new year.
Here’s to finding rest in the quiet and joy in the dreaming. May your holidays be full of warmth, balance, and all the things that truly matter. Happy Holidays! 💛
