Author: Joanna Rawbone

It’s your personal energy recharging station. I don’t know an introvert who doesn’t need that!

This space doesn’t just offer physical comfort; it’s a place to reset mentally. When the social buzz gets too loud or the demands of the season leave you drained, retreating to your quiet corner can bring instant relief. Breathe deeply, immerse yourself in a soothing activity, or simply sit in stillness. Even a few minutes in your haven can help you recalibrate, ensuring you show up authentically for the moments that truly matter.

Guard this space fiercely and visit it as often as you need as it is your key to flourishing on your own terms this season.

Tomorrow we journey with the letter ‘R’. What word beginning with R would you add to your festive sanity kit? Do you think your and my R will match?

Quietly, and peacefully yours,
-Joanna

But here’s the paradoxical thing – as Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” What this means is the very process of planning allows you to understand the real nature of what needs doing, so that you know where there is room for flex, if and when needed.

It’s extremely rare for us to be able to stick rigidly to our plans and actually, that’s not the point.

Whether it’s the big family meal prep plan, or the complex arrangements, or being clear about who needs to be where and when, transparent plans offer a potential lifeline to harmonious authenticity.

Consider your options carefully if someone tries to disrupt your carefully curated plan with last-minute demands or invitations. Your consideration should include the power of a gracious no or an authentic yes – your choice. And that choice is made easier because you understand the implications.

Dare I say, start planning now and let the season dance to your rhythm.

Tomorrow we conquer Q – and spoiler alert, as much as some of you may say it is Queen of Introversion, it is not. What word beginning with Q would you crown as your sanity tool? Can’t wait to see if we match!

Quietly, and intentionally yours,
-Joanna

Fret not though because this isn’t about forcing cheerfulness or ignoring challenges – in fact, quite the opposite. And there’s a really good, scientific reason for adopting this attitude.

As humans, we are energy and our energy vibrates at different frequencies according to our thoughts and beliefs. That may sound a bit woo to you, but stay with me again.

There is a school of thought that I not only believe in but have experience of which is that we attract what we put out into the world.

So, here’s an experiment for you to conduct over this festive season. Expect things to turn out well and give them your all. Thoughts become things remember. You see, whatever approach we take, our behaviour aligns with our expectations.

Optimism is about being discerning about what deserves your energy and attention. Let it guide you towards activities and people that nourish you, rather than drain you. And, know that you are resourced and capable even when in draining situations.

I’m pretty sure that some of the tools I shared prior to this will come handy too.

WOW, time is flying. We are moving towards the letter P tomorrow. What word starting with P would you pick for your festive sanity kit? Let’s see if we agree!

Quietly, and optimistically yours,
Joanna

Block out some downtime for a nap without guilt. Shut the door, dim the lights, and let yourself drift off, for as much time as you can manage. It’ll take a while to get used to if you’re not in the habit of taking naps, but that’s okay because new habits take a while to embed.

And when napping isn’t an option, try a restful pause, a meditation moment (yesterday’s letter M) to find a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let your thoughts settle.

It is time that you honour your need for restoration. It will make it much easier to embrace the season authentically.

Tomorrow brings us to O! What word beginning with O would you add to your sanity kit? Have a guess, and let your imagination run free!

Quietly, and restfully yours,
-Joanna

And here is beautiful poem from my favourite, Donna Ashworth –

“Joy Chose You”

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare

on a red carpet strewn

with the flowers of a perfect life

joy sneaks in

as you pour a cup of coffee

watching the sun

hit your favourite tree

just right

and you usher joy away

because you are not ready for her

your house is not as it should be

for such a distinguished guest

but joy, you see

cares nothing for your messy home,

or your bank balance

or your waistline

joy is supposed to slither through

the cracks of your imperfect life

that’s how joy works

you cannot truly invite her

you can only be ready

when she appears

and hug her with meaning

because in this very moment

joy chose you.

Quietly, and joyfully yours,
-Joanna

Tomorrow’s letter is K, any guesses? If you had to pick a positive word starting with K to add to your own festive sanity kit, what would it be? Let’s keep flourishing, one joyful step at a time.