That Time My Husband Kicked Me Under the Table...

Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!  

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💡Aha! Moment

 This holiday season’s AHA moment? Caring for aging parents is like trying to manage a group project where no one agrees on the deadline or the plan—but everyone has an opinion.

We’re helping family move closer to us, which means juggling real estate listings, packing boxes, and lots (and I mean lots) of emotional conversations. Decisions are made, then reversed—sometimes in the same 24 hours. At one point, I jokingly asked if they would prefer for my husband to move into their house because that felt simpler! Spoiler: they don’t and my husband kicked me under the table.

But here’s what I’ve learned: transitions like this are never just about logistics. It’s about navigating decades of memories, deep emotions, and the occasional “he said, she said” drama that makes you feel like you’re back in high school. Add the holidays into the mix, and let’s just say… self-care is no longer optional—it’s a survival strategy.

Here are my top tips for maintaining sanity (and humor!) during major life transitions:

1️⃣ Treat self-care like a scheduled meeting: A 15-minute “Do Not Disturb” break for coffee, music, or staring out the window works wonders.

2️⃣ Find the humor in the chaos: Like the time we argued for 20 minutes over what to label a box—turns out it was empty. 😂

3️⃣ Lean into your support system: When in doubt, call a friend or family member who isn’t directly involved. Fresh perspectives (and a laugh) can do wonders.

4️⃣ Focus on progress, not perfection: Celebrate the win of finding a new home—even if it takes five tries to settle on a paint color.

5️⃣ Keep a stash of your favorite snacks handy: Let’s face it, a well-timed chocolate break can solve (almost) anything.

Right now, I’m taking it hour by hour, day by day. Once the move is complete (fingers crossed for January!), we’ll start settling into a new routine. I know there will be amazing days ahead—and probably some “you can’t make this up” moments, too—but knowing we’ll all be just minutes apart makes it worth it.

1️⃣One Thing I...

🏫 Learned - The power of community. I joined a virtual holiday party with over 100 women founders through The Entreprenista League. Their energy was contagious and it lifted my spirits when I needed it most.

📖 Read - The first draft of my own book! It’s both thrilling and awkward to read your own words, but it reminded me how far I’ve come. I can't wait to share it with all of you.

👀 Watched - Taylor Swift’s final Eras Tour concert in Vancouver on December 8. Beyond the music and showmanship, I was struck by how she treats the people around her. From her band to her fans, Taylor has cultivated a culture of respect and gratitude. It starts with her example—how her parents interact with others, the kindness she extends to her team, and the generosity she inspires in her fans. Watching the way her audience gives back to her (and to each other) was a reminder of the ripple effect we can create when we lead with empathy and respect.

✔️ Accomplished - An at-home karaoke night! Adult beverages + enthusiastic singing = the perfect stress reliever.

🤔Insight for the Week

It’s not the person with dementia who’s forgetting—it’s the disease stealing moments. Our job is to create new ones. ~unknown

Even as dementia takes away the past, it invites us to be fully present in the now. ~unknown

❓Ask Kristen

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. This one came from the state of Alabama!

Q: I recently got engaged, and I'm looking at two options: a hotel reception in my favorite city or a destination wedding. How should I go about finding a venue and rooms for my guests?

A: Congratulations on your engagement! 🎉 Whether you’re considering a hotel reception in your favorite city or a destination wedding, finding the perfect venue and accommodations for your guests is an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) process. I’d love to help make it easier for you.

Here’s what I can do to assist you—at no cost:

• Research your options: I’ll help you find venues and guest accommodations that align with your vision and budget.
• Work with the hotels for pricing: I can reach out to hotels to get quotes for both the venue and room blocks for your guests.
• Negotiate pricing: I’ll advocate for you to secure the best deals, including discounts for group bookings or added perks.
• Review contracts: I’ll make sure your agreements are fair and protect you from hidden fees or unexpected charges.

If you prefer to handle it on your own, here are five tips to make the process smoother:

1️⃣ Start with your vision: Decide on the vibe you want—intimate, grand, tropical, urban—and create a list of “must-haves” for your venue and accommodations.

2️⃣ Use trusted resources: Websites like The Knot or WeddingWire are great for finding venues, and platforms like Booking.com or Expedia can help you explore group rates for accommodations.

3️⃣ Ask about group discounts and perks: Many hotels offer discounted rates for room blocks, complimentary rooms for the couple, or other extras when booking a wedding package.

4️⃣ Visit in person or request virtual tours: Seeing the space (or viewing it virtually) helps you assess the ambiance, layout, and logistics. Don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions!

5️⃣ Read the fine print: Pay close attention to cancellation policies, minimum guest requirements, and hidden fees. It’s better to clarify any uncertainties before signing.

Planning a wedding should be exciting, not stressful. If you’d like, I’m here to help guide you through this process so you can focus on celebrating your big day. Feel free to schedule a time for us to get started! Just let me know how I can assist! 💍✨

I'd love to hear from you! If you have a question or topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition, comment below or DM me!