Choose Kindness

As the holidays draw near, many of us feel the weight of the season settling onto our shoulders. This time of year can bring joy, but it can also stir up stress, grief, exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm. Old feelings resurface, schedules fill up, travel gets hectic, and rest becomes something we promise ourselves we’ll catch up on “later.”

And in the middle of all of that, it’s easy to become short-tempered, irritated, or impatient. Sometimes that pressure boils over, and the people who end up catching the edge of our frustration aren’t the ones causing it at all. They’re the cashier scanning your groceries, the barista making your coffee, the customer service rep on the phone, a stranger in a crowded aisle, people simply moving through their day, doing the best they can.

This season, I want to gently remind us all (myself included):

Remember your manners. Remember your humanity. Remember your kindness.

We never know what someone else is carrying. Grief, loneliness, financial strain, holiday anxiety, or just a really long day, it all hides behind the same polite smile. A little kindness can shift someone’s entire day. A rude comment can ruin it. So before reacting, before snapping, before letting stress spill out onto an innocent bystander, pause. Breathe. Choose kindness.

A Few Simple Ways to Stay Grounded This Season:

Remember to breathe. A few deep breaths can pull you out of overwhelm and back into your body.

Take five minutes outside. Even five minutes of fresh air, in the backyard, in your car before going inside, during a lunch break, can reset your nervous system.

Keep gratitude close.You don’t have to be grateful for everything , just something. A warm drink. A friendly smile. A soft blanket. A pet curled beside you. Letting gratitude anchor you keeps your heart soft and your reactions kind.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Jody