Stress Isn’t the Enemy—It’s the Invitation.

Stress gets a bad rap. And honestly, I get it. It's exhausting. Overwhelming. The kind of thing we often want to step away from, push under the rug, or numb altogether.

But here's something I've come to realize: not all stress is created equal.

Yes, there's the stress that drains us—the kind we all want less of. But there's also stress that has the power to stretch us, to expand our capacity, and to help us grow into the person we're meant to become.

Recently, I came across a National Geographic article that reinforced an idea we've explored before: a life completely devoid of stress isn't actually good for us. Studies show that people with no stress are more likely to experience cognitive decline.

Why?

Because our brains thrive on novelty and challenge. The hippocampus—our brain's hub for memory and learning—loves newness. Every time we lean into something new or uncomfortable, we're feeding it, strengthening it, keeping it sharp as we age.

The question, then, isn't “How do I avoid stress?” but rather, “How do I engage with it in a way that stretches me without breaking me?”

Two Keys to Navigating Stress

Not recklessly, but with curiosity and intention.

Because sometimes, stress is an invitation to grow.

Maybe it's showing up differently with family or in-laws, evolving past those long-standing dynamics that seem stuck at age 15 (or, let's be honest, age 5🤭). Maybe it's challenging yourself to handle a work deadline with clarity rather than chaos or breaking free from that inner dialogue that drains your energy.

This doesn't mean every stressor is worth leaning into. (I'm definitely not asking you to keep your hand on a hot stove!) But discomfort that stretches us—that nudges us toward growth—is worth exploring.

This process, called interoception, takes into account how well you've slept, what you've eaten, and the emotional or physical load you're carrying.

When your “financial” reserves are low, even small stressors can feel like mountains. That's why it's so important—especially in busy seasons—to replenish your internal “bank account.”

For me, that looks like:

• A daily morning meditation to start the day grounded.
• Committing to physical movement, even when it's tempting to skip it.
• Prioritizing 8 hours of sleep to let my body restore itself.

For you, it might mean:

• Limiting inflammatory habits like extra alcohol or sugar.
• Blocking off time in your calendar for rest or meaningful connection.
• Building intentional pauses into your day to recalibrate before stress builds.

What will help you save and replenish your reserves this season?

This Week's Calm & Connect: Cultivating Peace Amid the Swirl

This Sunday at 11 am ET, I'll be diving into these ideas in our Calm & Connect session. Together, we'll explore how to navigate stress with intention and cultivate equanimity in the midst of it all.

👉 Click here to sign up

Whether you're feeling stretched thin or simply want to center yourself for the weeks ahead, I'd love to have you join us.

A Rare Opportunity to Shed the Stress Before 2025 🎉🎊🎈

I've had such a blast facilitating many incredible MCC sessions already, and the transformations have been inspiring. While so many of the sessions have been exactly what I needed, technology hasn't exactly been my friend - and let's be honest, I have had a blast doing these!

That's why I'm keeping a few more spots open. I want to submit the absolute best two sessions for my certification while seeing who else I can support! If this has been calling to you—or if you're ready to offload stress and shed what's no longer worth carrying into 2025—this is your chance to step into clarity and possibility.

These sessions are discounted to $275 (normally $675), will be recorded (audio only!) for evaluation purposes, and securely discarded afterward. You can sign up for 1 or TWO!

👉 Click here to book your session

Let's create the space for you to show up lighter, clearer, and more aligned in the new year.

Let's Step Into Growth Together

This season, let's not just survive stress—let's engage with it in ways that stretch us, evolve us, and prepare us for what's next.

Remember: how we end this year shapes how we begin the next. Let's make it intentional.

P.S. If you're ready to dive deeper into these practices, I'm still offering two discounted MCC coaching sessions for new clients through December. Let's uncover what's possible for you. 👉 Click here to book.

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