Hey there Reader,
This time of year can feel like a perfect storm.
For some, the calendar fills quickly—school concerts, family gatherings, work events, social obligations, baking, decorating, and the pressure to make everything feel magical.
Life speeds up, expectations rise, and the days can feel relentless.
For others, the calendar stays painfully empty.
There are fewer invitations, fewer gatherings, fewer places to be.
And that quiet can bring its own kind of exhaustion—a loneliness that comes from not feeling included, not feeling connected, not feeling part of the busyness that, for better or worse, often makes us feel like we belong.
Both experiences can leave us running on empty.
We’re often told, “Don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
But that message can feel hollow when self-care is presented as spa days or polished perfection—things that require time, money, and energy many of us don’t have.
Even when we say yes to extra commitments—or when we’re quietly wishing we had somewhere to say yes to—life doesn’t stop. Meals still need to be prepared. Bills still need to be paid. The days still move forward.
Running on Empty
When we keep going without refueling, eventually we hit empty.
Think of yourself like a car. If you keep driving without checking the gas tank, you don’t just slow down—you stop. And once you’re stranded, it takes far more effort to recover: time, help, delays, and sometimes damage.
The same is true when we ignore our own fuel levels.
Pause for a moment and check in:
- Physical fuel: How tired is your body?
- Emotional fuel: How heavy does your heart feel?
- Mental fuel: Are your thoughts scattered or foggy?
- Spiritual fuel: Do you feel grounded or disconnected?
Are you running on fumes—or already past empty?
Slowing Down Is Not Quitting
The question worth asking is this:
What is actually draining me right now—and what am I missing that I need?
When we keep going without refueling, eventually we hit empty. Sometimes that comes from doing too much. Sometimes it comes from feeling alone for too long. Either way, the impact is real.
Slowing down is not quitting. Refueling doesn’t mean stopping forever—it means making intentional pauses so you can continue without breaking down.
This season may be inviting you to move more slowly. As the sloth reminds us: Everything in good time. When you’re running on empty, productivity is not the answer. Rest, simplicity, and presence are.
A word about money, because this matters.
Financial pressure adds another heavy layer of stress at this time of year.
We’re often conditioned to believe that spending more equals a happier holiday.
If you can afford to give generously and that brings you joy, that’s beautiful. I love giving gifts too—and I’ve had to wrestle with how much is truly necessary.
Some of the most meaningful gifts are also the simplest. One year, my dad (Opa to the grandkids) gave one of the boys a jar of dill pickles—because he loved them. His face lit up. That was the magic.
Meaning matters more than money.
Here are a few gentle ways to refuel—without spending more or doing more:
- Take a quiet walk at sunrise or sunset, without headphones or distractions.
- Share a simple, comforting meal with someone you care about—or invite one person to join you.
- Create a daily warm-drink ritual and pause fully while you drink it. Taking tea can be a true art form.
- Do one ordinary task slowly, on purpose.
- Reach out to one person—a text, a call, or a brief visit—connection counts, even in small doses.
Winter is not a season of constant growth—it’s a season of rest and renewal. Nature rests. Trees let go. The ground goes quiet.
You are allowed to do the same.
Refueling is not selfish. Slowing down is not failure. Choosing yourself—whether that means resting or reaching out—is not quitting.
It’s wisdom.
If this season feels especially heavy for you—whether because of loss, loneliness, or change—please know you’re not alone.
I’ll be hosting a gentle, in‑person gathering on Managing Grief Through the Holidays at the Hope Library on December 18th, from 11:00–12:00 noon. You’ll find more details below in the What’s Coming section. You are warmly welcome.
Be gentle with yourself. You don’t need to carry it all alone.
Looking Ahead: A Values-Led Visioning Workshop
In the new year, I’m hosting a workshop on visioning.
We’ve done vision boards before, but this one will be different. We will be guided by values.
When we become clear on what we value, we become clear on what we want to create.
Values show us the life we want to step into. This will be an amazing workshop. Hope you can join us. Date to be announced soon!
With you in Mind!
Now Available:
✨ Radical Clarity Session
Are you in midlife and feeling unsure about what comes next?
Life might look “fine” on the outside, and work might still hold you up — but inside, you know you’re standing at a crossroads. Something is shifting. Something isn’t moving. And you can’t seem to break through on your own.
If you’re tired of the confusion and want real direction, this is for you.
The Radical Clarity Session is a focused 90-minute (up to 2-hour) intensive where we get right to the heart of what’s going on.
Together, we’ll uncover your top priority, understand what’s keeping you stuck, and map out a clear, supportive, doable path forward.
Less doubt.
Less spinning in circles.
More clarity, confidence, and belief in what’s possible for you.
If this resonates, I’d love to talk with you.
➡️ Contact me directly to book your session or learn more.
marianne@mariannepreston.com
Upcoming Events:
December 18 | 1100-1200pm
Fraser Valley Regional Library- Hope Free to all. No registration required.
Managing Grief Through the Holidays —
Come sit with others who understand the weight that grief can carry, especially during the holidays. This free community workshop at the Hope Library is a gentle space to talk, listen, and feel supported. You’re welcome to bring a food bank donation if you’re able.
We’ll share stories, ideas, and the very real challenges that come with this time of year. Most of all, you’ll have a place to connect and learn a few ways to care for yourself if loss is part of your world right now.
Staying Connected
As always Reader, if this has value for you drop me a line and please share this with anyone who you think may be interested.
If you are interested in subscribing to my newsletter and getting updates then hit the link below and you will get a free guide on “The 7 Steps to Banishing Burnout” as my thank you and you will be added to the list. Enjoy!
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