How do you want to end the year? Rushed or grounded?

Where did the time go? I asked myself that exact question as I looked at the calendar shifting from October to November.

It went weirdly fast — like it always does. The days were full. Work, life, vacation, coloring book launch, trivia nights… all the things. And it's only going to get busier from here.

Thanksgiving's around the corner here in the U.S., then comes Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's. Add in travel, family gatherings, gift shopping, year-end work pushes… I'm exhausted just typing it all.

Where in all that will you make time for you? Where will you consciously carve out a little space just to be?

Because the world's about to get faster and more frantic. And if you don't make time now, it'll slip right through your fingers.

We say "I don't have time" like it's just a fact. But is that actually true?

Maybe when you hear yourself say it, that's your signal — you need to show up for yourself.

Not despite the busyness. Because of it.

You're about to enter what can be a demanding season. And if you don't start choosing yourself now — in small, quiet moments — you'll hit January depleted, wondering where you (and the time) went.

Your Invitation This Week

Here are three small shifts that can help you close the year with more calm:

• Block your rest: Look ahead at your calendar and protect a few moments — a half day, a quiet evening, an unplugged morning. Mark it now before everything else fills in. Do this into January!
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• Decide your “enough”: How many events, gifts, cookie baking (or is that just me?) or obligations will actually fill you up — not drain you? Decide that now, and let it guide your yeses (and your no’s).
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• Create your reset ritual: A small thing that brings you back to yourself when things get busy — coloring, lighting a candle, breathing outside, sitting in silence. It doesn’t have to be long; it just has to be yours

The holidays will happen whether you rest or not. The year will end whether you're present for it or not. But you get to choose how you move through it.

You can arrive at January depleted and disconnected. Or you can arrive knowing you chose yourself along the way.

Not perfectly. Not every single day. But enough times to remember: you matter too.

So here's my question: Will you choose you this time?

If this resonated for you, hit reply and tell me one small way you’re choosing yourself this week or this year. Or, share what's getting in your way.
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I read every message — and I love hearing how you’re creating space for you. If something’s standing in the way, I’m happy to help you brainstorm how to move through it.

Sending love and calm year-end vibes, Chris

P.S. "Busy" isn't the legacy you came here to leave. Neither is "always available." What if this season could be different?