Hello ,

I want to share a loving reminder with you: don't worry about being perfect this season. 

Forget about that perfect holiday gift, the perfect family gathering, or even the ideal you.

Perfection is an unattainable fantasy that leaves us all feeling like a flop, womp, womp.

What if you could focus on being present rather than on the "presents"?

What if you could enjoy your gatherings, rather than being stressed out about what to say or how to act?

The secret is to be in the moment and treat each exchange like the mysterious gift it truly is. We don't know what will happen, and that uncertainty is the spark of life.

Here are three tips to help you stay more present this season:

• Center Before You Enter: I saw this sign at the entrance of a local care facility, and it was a helpful reminder to pause before my visit. I start each training workshop and private session with a centering breath because when we rush from one appointment to the next, we miss the moment. Take a pause and a deep breath before you enter a new situation.

• Follow the Fun: During conversations, follow the flow of the exchange instead of sticking to predictable questions and answers about work or school. Be curious and share your perspective at meetings. You'll have a much more meaningful conversation if you follow the fun. We use this idea in my musical improvisation group, and it helps us listen more closely and drop any preconceived ideas about a scene.

• Question the Perfection: When I become self-critical, I ask myself what lies beneath the negative self-talk. It's often because I'm disconnected from myself. I'm looking outside of myself for approval, or even falling down the rabbit hole of comparison. When I catch myself doing this spiral, I ask myself what I need right now: a hug, a walk, a nap, a snack, a laugh, a cry, a moment to be. This doesn't mean I never feel doubt; I recognize it, question it, and use it as a clue for what I need right now.

I wish you a meaningful holiday, full of sparks and unexpected gifts.

Stay Calm & Speak On,

Jessica

Voice & Presence Coach

P.S. If you'd like to practice being more present and less focused on perfection in my upcoming Small Group Program this January, be sure to fill out this interest form here: https://forms.gle/3qJru79yzaRyWwZE8