Navigating Anxiety, Grief, and Other Big Emotions During the Holidays

The holidays can be a mess of emotions, can’t they?

On one hand, there’s all that Santa magic; the lights, the traditions, and that elf that hangs around. But for so many of us, this time of year also brings grief to the surface.

Maybe it’s the loss of someone you love,

a job that gave you purpose,

or noticing that Christmas doesn’t look or feel the same as it did when your kids were little.

Whatever it is, grief doesn’t take time off for the holidays.

If you’re feeling this way, I see you—and I want to help you find peace and joy, even in the messy craziness of the holidays.

You’ll learn so much about dealing with grief from Laura Krauss in this week’s podcast. Be sure to scroll down and check that out tomorrow morning at 5:00 am!

"Grief is that it's not something that you ever get over. It's something that you get through." - Laura Krauss

Grief is tricky. It doesn’t follow a timeline, and the holidays can make big emotions surface, even after a lot of time has passed.

Whether you’re grieving someone who's no longer with you, you’ve lost your job, or just the way things used to be, it’s heavy—especially when you’re trying to do and be everything for everyone else.

Add in the pressure to make everything “perfect,” and it’s no wonder you feel overwhelmed this time of year.

Grief and anxiety don’t just affect your emotions; they can creep into every corner of your life—your relationships, your energy, and even your ability to enjoy the little joys.

That’s why it’s so important to be mindful not to push through the season on autopilot. When you slow down and let yourself feel the grief and sadness, you’re allowing yourself to feel the peace and joy you want to experience, too.

It’s a rotten truth that if you don’t have the rough stuff in life, the good things aren’t as great either.

This is why I love coaching so much: coaching helps you feel and manage emotions, set healthy boundaries, and find space to breathe and move forward.

This isn’t about ignoring what happened or what hurts; it’s about learning how to carry it in a way that feels lighter and more manageable.

It’s about noticing the sparkles of joy that are still there but harder to find.

What if you could feel the grief and anxiety without letting it ruin the events and days you want to enjoy?

Try this with me:

Picture yourself waking up in the morning feeling rested. You’re calm, clear-minded, more grounded, and less emotionally charged—even when life is busy and far from perfect.

Instead of sinking into your grief and anxiety, you recognize it,

Give it a nod and let it be there, and

Know how to refocus in a way that isn’t fake or overwhelming.

I’ve seen it happen so many times: you can change how you see yourself and your life, even when things feel heavy or overwhelming.

You don’t have to navigate this on your own or keep feeling stuck.

With the right support and tools, you can work through the weight of grief and overwhelm, discover your next best steps, and feel calm, confident, and in control.

Let’s work together to make that shift possible for you.

SCHEDULE TIME TO TALK TO ME ABOUT COACHING.

What's Coming Up This Week

MONDAY

I’ve met so many kind, compassionate and fun women online in the past two months. Not on Instagram, Threads, or Facebook but on LinkedIn. Come hang out iwth us. Connect with me on LinkedIn.

TUESDAY

It’s Podcast Day! If you’re worried about the economy, anxious about potential layoffs, or currently picking up the pieces after being laid off, this week’s episode is for you. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Laura Krauss, author of Layoff Cooties: It’s Them, Not You to talk about her experience navigating the grief of not only losing her job, but her identity and relationships.

WEDNESDAY

If you’re near Fort Wayne, IN and dealing with sadness or grief, Columbia City United Methodist Church and Churubusco United Methodist Church will be hosting Blue Christmas tonight at 6:00 pm.

THURSDAY

Need a last minute gift idea for someone who has recently been laid off?

Check out Laura Krauss 's book Layoff Cooties: Its Them, Not You

FRIDAY

Think about your favorite holiday tradition as a kid.

Do that today.

Remember the smells, sounds, people, and the feeling you had.

You’ll time travel and pay tribute to someone you’re missing this holiday.

SATURDAY

Catch the video version of this week’s podcast on You Tube at 2:00 pm EDT Saturday.

Wishing you a joyful week full of peace, joy, and holiday magic.

<3 Megan

P.S. The countdown is on! What are you looking forward to in 2025? If you have big ideas and no clue how to get started, I’m your girl. Message me and lets jump on a call to talk about how you can kick off the new year feeling confident and ready to go.