The Gratitude Audit

Why is it that the season meant for peace on earth is usually the one that leaves us feeling the most scattered?

We are officially stepping into that time of year where the world gets loud. The invitations start piling up, the family group chats are buzzing, and there is this unspoken pressure to show up as the perfect, polished version of yourself for everyone else’s holiday table. But before we get swept away in the tinsel and the travel plans, I want us to take a second to breathe.

Lately, I’ve been sitting with the idea of a Gratitude Audit. Usually, we think of gratitude as just a list of things we’re happy about, but a real audit is deeper than that. It’s about looking at your life with total honesty and seeing what is actually nourishing you versus what you’re just keeping around out of habit or obligation.

The Internal Inventory

At 19, I’m realizing that my time is the most expensive thing I own. As we navigate our late teens and early twenties, we are often expected to be the ones who accommodate everyone else’s traditions. This year, I’m challenging us to flip the script.

• The Relationship Review: Take a look at your phone. Who are the people who made you feel safe this year? Who encouraged your growth when things got tough? Gratitude isn’t just for things; it’s for the people who hold space for your spirit. Make sure they know they’re appreciated before the holiday rush hits.
• The Growth Acknowledgment: We are so hard on ourselves. We focus on the goals we didn’t hit or the things we haven’t finished yet. But look at how much you’ve survived. Look at the ways you’ve handled the “unplanned” moments with grace. Be grateful for your own resilience.
• The Permission to Pivot: If a certain holiday tradition or social circle no longer fits the woman you are becoming, you have the right to decline. You are allowed to protect your peace, even if it feels “disruptive” to others. Do something else that matches you!

Navigating the Holiday Noise

Preparing for the holidays shouldn’t feel like preparing for battle. Here are a few ways I’m keeping my center as the calendar fills up:

1. Set Your “Social Battery” Budget: You don’t have to stay until the end of every party. Decide ahead of time how much energy you have to give and stick to it.
2. The Morning Anchor: Before the house gets loud and the guests arrive, give yourself twenty minutes of total silence. Whether it’s journaling, stretching, or just sitting with your thoughts, anchor yourself in your own energy first.
3. Intentional Gifting: Move away from the stress of “stuff” and focus on intentionality. Sometimes a heartfelt letter or a shared experience is worth more than anything you can buy.

This holiday season is about more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a chance to reflect on the foundation you’ve built this year. When you walk into those holiday rooms, walk in as a woman who knows exactly who she is, what she values, and it totally unapologetic about it. You don’t have to perform for anyone. Your existence is already enough of a gift.

Stay feminine, stay focused, and remember: Your peace is the greatest legacy you can offer. You are a Goddess who knows that true abundance starts within, and your joy is your own responsibility. You’re just a woman, but the world finds its harmony in the rhythm of your heart.

With love,