It's about that time of year again. No, I'm not referring to the holidays, even though they're quickly approaching. I'm referring to that time of year when I need to take a step back, take some time for myself and do a little reflecting. In the almost 8 years that I've been doing this 'online thing' this feeling hasn't ever hit me until after Christmas. That time between Christmas and the New Year when rest feels like a reward (as opposed to a necessity). The excitement of the New Year starts kicking in and you feel like anything is possible (again, I think I really was Pollyanna in a previous life). For some reason though it's hit me much earlier this year. I found myself really overwhelmed, which then lead to frustration, tears and a little bit of a collapse. Fortunately I know I don't stay in that place for very long, even though it feels some what debilitating when you're in it. I'm on the tail end of that now so it's much easier to share this with you (I'm not much of a sharer when I'm in that space). I've gotten much better about making decisions when I'm in that space... as in, I don't make decisions when I'm there. I'm grateful to have my therapist in my life still to turn to when that overwhelm kicks in as well as great friends and family. So before I get into my little 'collapse' and much needed time for reflection, I'm going to start this episode with some gratitude. First, a VERY Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the U.S. I hope you get some quality time with family and loved ones. Even though I adore Christmas, the lack of pressure on Thanksgiving is sooooo appreciated! I want to give a shout out to some of my recent reviewers (listen to the episode) and promise to be better at these acknowledgements in the future. Truly, it means the world to me to hear from you that you like the show and appreciate what I do. I don't know if I've ever mentioned this on the show before, but public speaking (more specifically, motivational speaking) is always something I wanted to do. I was a speech major in college for a little while (long story) and have always loved getting in front of people sharing from the heart. I truly believe podcasting has given me the ideal platform to do this from (and stay tuned because I AM launching another show, #justshowup). I'm so grateful to all of you who continue to read my content, listen to the podcast and attend my webinars. It feels a little hokey to say this but my audience really drives me to create more of what I love doing, so Thank You. Without writing out lengthy, mushy sentences, I'm going to bullet point the things I'm grateful for: My kids My family My dogs My friends My business The quality of my life Baths WordPress Books My mastermind & mentors My clients Noise canceling headphones The Noizio app Laughter Podcasting Green juice Coffee Travel My therapist / mentor My home The rain... that is supposedly coming to California this winter (I'm setting the intention that it does) Seems kind of basic, huh? I am SO all about simplifying my life... seeing that in writing actually makes me really, really happy. Which is part of what has help me move through whatever it is I've been going through the last couple of weeks. Retiring the Hustle I literally put that under my Skype name. I'm SO over the push, the fight, the intensity of "getting shit done". It's not how I move through my life. I've done that and I have to tell you it doesn't work for me anymore. I used to be SO 'type A'. I took pride in being busy and have a ton on my plate. Need something done? I'll do it! I never, ever stopped. When I look back to certain periods in my life after my husband passed away I wonder how on earth I did what I did! In many ways I know that who I was then is exactly how I got through the darkest period in my life. I think if I weren't busy I would have wanted to just check out for a while (and there were times w...