Finding happiness in the liminal space.
|
Reader, It’s the transitional, dream-like threshold after the holiday frenzy but before the New Year, where I fall asleep at 4:30 pm to awaken at midnight for more 🥧 pie. That in-between space where nothing is required of us yet, and somehow, that can feel unsettling. Anyone else? It can also sometimes feel like a week of leaky happiness — or full-on pressure to commit to a “New You” in 2026. Fix it. I love a good restart, but I’m not interested in reinventing myself every year to prove I’m worthy of rest, joy, or connection, especially not at the expense of my energy or emotional well-being. But I am committed to my happiness. Not as “toxic positivity.” But something more grounded, human, and creative (even when life is hard). I met with an old friend, actress and children’s book author Paula Price, to discuss her new book, Happiness Is For Everyone, and how we can teach this skill (yes, skill!) to our kids. Was happiness something you had to learn on your own? For most of us, it was something we actually had to learn in adulthood. No one sat us down and said, "Your feelings matter, times will be tough, but you don’t have to earn happiness by being perfect." And if you’re here because you want to speak to your kids with more compassion and respect than you experienced growing up (but still struggle to break the cycle), you’re in EXACTLY the right place. Happiness isn't a constant. It's a choice. As the months-long excitement of candy, visiting cousins, and school/work holidays starts to dwindle, and getting on the proper sleep schedule looms, there’s often an unspoken demand to snap back into our disciplined selves. A call to "get back to work” (and do it with enthusiasm, please)! Reclaiming our routines can be helpful. If that pressure isn't making you cranky enough, the clutter, gift return pile, and leftovers might be. And yep, it might be making your kids irritable too. There’s probably nothing “wrong.” We don’t have to force happiness. So check out this mid-break podcast → Most Kids Aren't Taught This One Skill (but we can teach them now), for rituals you can use to bring in the happy. Because happiness isn't a "mood," it's a choice we learn to make, even in the worst of times. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!! 🎁 FINAL DAYS!! Take 20-25% OFF Select Courses & Cards. |
