Issue Three
As Christmas approaches, a lot of people notice a strange mix of emotions showing up at the same time.
There can be warmth and connection.
And also grief, pressure, exhaustion, or a sense of being “off” without knowing why.
This season often asks people to gather, give, and stay connected — even when their nervous system feels stretched thin.
If rest feels uncomfortable, forced cheer feels heavy, or quiet moments feel louder than expected, you’re not doing the holidays wrong.
You’re responding honestly.
This Issue’s Focus
Why Slowing Down Can Feel Unsafe
Fore many people, slowing down isn’t relaxing — it’s activating.
When things get quieter, there’s more room for thoughts, memories, and emotions that usually get pushed aside. For nervous systems that learned safety through staying busy, being needed, or staying alert, rest can feel unfamiliar or even threatening.
This doesn’t mean you don’t deserve rest.
It means your system learned to survive in motion.
There’s nothing wrong with you for finding this time of year complicated.
Holiday Reflection
Boundaries During the Holidays
Around Christmas, boundaries often feel harder to hold.
There are expectations about time, energy, availability, and emotional presence — many of them unspoken. You may notice yourself agreeing to things out of habit, guilt, or a desire to keep the peace.
Instead of asking, “How do I say no better?” try starting here:
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This question helps shift expectations from what should be possible to what is actually sustainable right now.
The holidays often come with layered demands — social gatherings, emotional labor, travel, financial stress. Checking in on your realistic capacity allows you to plan from honesty rather than obligation, reducing resentment and burnout.
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Pressure doesn’t always come from others. Often, it comes from internal rules, old roles, or fear of disappointing people.
This question helps you notice where you’re saying yes automatically, tolerating more than you want to, or pushing past discomfort to keep the peace. Awareness here creates space to respond differently — even in small ways.
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Not all boundaries are visible or verbal.
Sometimes honoring your limits means leaving early, taking breaks, changing the subject, or choosing rest without explanation. This question reframes boundaries as internal acts of self-respect, rather than confrontations or declarations.
Quiet boundaries still count.
Holiday boundaries don’t have to be confrontational or perfect.
Sometimes they’re as simple as leaving earlier, answering fewer questions, or choosing rest over explanation.
Practice Notes
As Embark continues to grow, there are a few exciting things taking shape.
Starting in January, I’ll be launching a therapy-centered podcast, with new episodes released every Sunday. The focus will be on topics people commonly struggle with, offering insight, perspective, and tools in a way that feels accessible and grounding.
Alongside the podcast, I’ll also be starting Embark Healing On Air — a space for both educational and lighter, more conversational content.
At the same time, I’m working on strengthening Embark’s media presence, particularly on Instagram, as a way to increase engagement and reach more people who might benefit from this work.
Everything is being built thoughtfully, with care and intention.
Community Reflection
One of the reflection prompts shared around Christmas:
The holidays can bring pressure to feel a certain way or show up a certain way.
What would a “gentler” version of the holidays look like for you this year — even in one small moment?
You’re welcome to reflect quietly or share when it feels right.
There’s no pressure to engage in any particular way.
Inside Embark Insiders
In addition to archived newsletters and community reflections, Embark Insiders will also include updates and extras related to Embark Healing On Air — including podcast-related content, behind-the-scenes notes, and additional resources connected to upcoming episodes and videos.