Welcome to 2026!
This first full week of January can bring up a lot for people – relief, pressure, chaos, ease, slowness, and more.
If you’re a parent you may feel relieved that school/daycare is back in, routine is returning.
If you’re a parent to a child with additional needs or challenges around school, this week might bring more stress, chaos, and navigating extra transitions and supports.
If you’re someone who is returning to regular work this week that can bring it’s own grief, relief, or challenges as well.
However you’re feeling today, I want you to know that it’s valid. There is no “should be” here in this space today. Wherever you are, this is your invitation to take a moment to honor that.
I’m here to invite you to welcome 2026 slowly. There is no need for big goals and resolutions right now; nature is still in a state of stillness, and while society is constantly demanding of us, this time of year we can continue to rebel and embrace stillness in the ways that we can.
My two newest podcast episodes (one on my podcast and another with myself as a guest) can help you connect with this, if you wish.
S2E12: The Power of Boredom: Unlocking Creativity and Clarity with Slow-living Witch, Eileen March
In January’s podcast episode, we explore the significance of boredom and unproductive time in fostering creativity and mental well-being. Eileen and I discuss the societal pressures of hyper-independence and the martyr archetype, which often lead to burnout and emotional labor. The importance of scheduling downtime, embracing community support, and recognizing the need for rest are emphasized as essential components for a balanced life.
In this conversation, Eileen and I explore the complexities of navigating relationships, the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of personal growth on connections. We discuss the cyclical nature of life and how attuning to these cycles can enhance self-awareness and well-being. The discussion delves into the significance of understanding inner seasons, celebrating new beginnings, and fostering community connections as essential elements of personal and spiritual growth.
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Is Your Personality a Survival Mechanism? Somatic Healing for Burnout & Chronic Illness
Recently I was a guest on the Ramblings of a Busy Mind podcast. Here is a bit of what Natascha, host of the podcast, had to say about our episode:
“Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of chronic stress, even after trying traditional therapy? In this episode of Ramblings of a Busy Mind, we explore why your “busy mind” might actually be a survival mechanism and how to transition from “pushing through” to aggressive rest.
I’m joined by Denise Elysa, an expert in Somatic Inquiry, Energy Healing, and Chronic Illness support. Denise brings a unique perspective as a practitioner living with late-diagnosed Autism, ADHD, and complex chronic diseases (MCAS and Lyme Disease). We dive deep into why your body might be stuck in a fight-or-flight loop and how to reclaim your internal “Yes” and “No.”
If you’ve been “doing the work”—going to therapy, practicing meditation, and trying every wellness trend—but you still feel exhausted and disconnected, this episode is your permission slip to stop pushing. Most burnout advice focuses on doing more to get better. This conversation flips the script. You will learn the biological reason why your “busy mind” won’t shut off (the MCAS-Amygdala loop) and why your greatest healing tool isn’t a new habit, but Aggressive Rest. Denise and I peel back the layers of the “Good Girl” persona to help you discover if your personality is actually a survival mechanism that is keeping you sick.”
To read more of what Natascha shares about our episode, visit the full podcast episode on her YouTube channel. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Watch on YouTube
