Hey there Reader,
Well it is almost mid-December and how are you doing?
In my last newsletter I spoke about the idea of creating a tool kit of steadiness and this has been circling in my mind ever since.
This can be a simple, grounded way to stay calm, centred, resilient, and well especially when life feels heavy.
Here’s what staying rooted looks like for me:
Somatic Awareness
Every morning: check in with the body.
Some days it’s meditation, journalling, breathing, or another quiet mindfulness practice etc.
Every day needs a moment connected to nature.
Every day needs movement — and I’ll be honest, I don’t always have that, even though I know I need it.
But somatic awareness is a big part of steadiness.
Gratitude
Gratitude brings us back into appreciation rather than regret.
It pulls us out of fear, comparison, and self-doubt.
When we place ourselves into appreciation, everything shifts.
Service
Reaching out to others moves us into a better, more grounded space.
Service is steadiness too.
Nurturing
Nurturing looks different for all of us.
In the holidays, I love cooking and baking for my family — but I have to build it in so it’s not stressful and stays affordable.
Nurturing is also beauty. I love being surrounded by beautiful things. And if clutter stresses you out, notice that and make small shifts.
Nurturing matters.
Connection
Steadiness means staying connected to myself and to others.
Honouring friendships. Keeping the relationships strong.
That’s the starting point.
Health
Nothing will take you down faster than ignoring your health.
These are the basics — simple, steadying, and worth protecting:
Sleep
Try to get seven hours.
It’s hard for many people, and I’ll be honest, it’s hard for me too as a night owl.
But when we’re sleep deprived, everything becomes harder — focus, emotional steadiness, presence.
Protect your sleep.
Exercise
Movement will save you under stress.
Commit to something simple and do it daily.
Your body needs it, especially when life feels heavy.
Food
We all reach for comfort foods.
It’s human.
Just try to keep an 80/20 balance:
80% nourishing foods like protein, veggies, and complex carbs,
20% treats.
Gentle, doable.
Water
Most of us are walking around dehydrated.
Water is basic fuel for wellness.
If you don’t love water, warm it, flavour it, or sip it slowly through the day.
Other Health Supports
Keep up with your medical and dental checkups. Prevention matters.
And build in practices that soothe and support your body:
massage, sauna, reflexology, acupuncture, counselling — whatever helps you feel more grounded and well.
Clarity, Values, and Visioning
I’ve been thinking about the importance of acknowledging what’s good in our life and nurturing the relationships that truly matter.
When our family was facing a significant health challenge, everything became crystal clear.
We needed to reassess what mattered.
I said no to anything that didn’t align. I stepped off boards. I stopped showing up for things that drained me.
I wanted to be fully present — for us, and for the moments that were still ours to live.
As things slowly improved, my husband and I found ways to live our values:
morning tea and coffee, lunch dates, slow walks, conversations about what we appreciated in each other, what we were proud of, and the life we were creating.
We talked about our blended family, this beautiful tribe of children and grandchildren. We didn’t take credit for their success, but we were proud. They’re strong, capable, unique, and they navigate life with resilience. That’s meaningful.
I think there’s space to share more openly with the people we love about what they mean to us.
Years ago, after my mother died, we took our kids on a quiet beach trip. I wanted to honour the people who were still here.
So I wrote each of them a list — reasons I loved them, reasons they were special. One reason for every year of their life.
It was the most heart-opening thing I’ve ever done.
On Christmas morning, I gave each child their list. Even now, it makes me emotional.
It was simple but true — something they could keep forever.
We don’t often take the time to tell the people we love why we love them. It doesn’t need to be gushy. It just needs to be real.
If you need steadiness this month, or want to create a meaningful gift, you still have time to do something like this.
Write a list. Handwrite it or type it. Put it in a box with a few memories from the year.
A simple, heartfelt “here’s what you mean to me.”
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 10 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Staying Connected, Staying Strong: Thriving Through the Winter Months
Join me at Empowered Services in Hope for a special in-person workshop for seniors (55+) on social inclusion, community, and connection through the winter season.
Everyone is welcome to attend! Free Event. No registration required.
Empowered Services – 895 3rd Ave. Hope, BC
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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