Black Friday and the Start of a Season: Staying Centered Amidst the Frenzy
Hello, my radiant ladies! 🌟
Are you ready for the most magical (and let’s admit it, busiest) time of the year? Black Friday has officially kicked off the Christmas shopping season, and with it comes the hustle, the excitement, and, yes, the stress. I don’t know about you, but it seems like every year the season starts just a little earlier, and with it comes a flurry of lists, obligations, and emotions.
Before we dive into the joys and to-dos, I want to take a moment to connect. For me, this season always feels like a dance between the sheer delight of festive lights and the weight of the endless tasks. Maybe you can relate?
Here's a little reminder to get your 2025 planner to stay organized in this crazy time and get a jump on tracking your new year's zesty plans and resolutions!
Planner Info
I’m Sharon, your 75-year-young holistic weight loss and lifestyle coach, and I’m here to guide women over 50 into their most empowered, joyful, and healthiest selves. Together, we’ll break free from the yo-yo dieting cycle and embrace a natural, sustainable approach to weight management.
With over 25 years of experience helping women transform their lives, I’ve curated a toolbox of simple, yet life-changing solutions. Whether it’s understanding the role of gut health in weight loss, discovering the joys of “rucking” (walking with weights!), or harnessing the incredible health benefits of everyday lemons, I’m here to share the tips and tricks that have helped countless women shed menopausal belly fat and gain confidence.
But weight loss is just one part of the journey. It’s about creating a Zesty Life, a life full of energy, passion, and purpose. That’s where the Zesty Life Planner comes in! This isn’t just a planner; it’s your daily accountability partner, helping you organize your wellness goals, stay focused, and track your progress. With this powerful tool, you’ll feel empowered to:
⏰ Get Up, 💃 Get Dressed, 🏞 Get Out, and truly live the life you deserve.
A Peek Into My Life Right Now
This week, I found myself sitting by the fire, surrounded by half-wrapped presents, my planner open beside me, and a cup of spiced tea in hand. As I stared at my list of to-dos, I felt a wave of overwhelm creep in. How will I manage it all? Will I truly be able to enjoy this season amidst the chaos?
But then, I took a breath. I looked at my planner and reminded myself why I do all of this.
The shopping, the wrapping, the cooking, and the planning they’re all acts of love. And when I shift my perspective, they feel less like chores and more like opportunities to create joy for myself and those I care about.
This is the lesson I want to share with you today: we can choose how we navigate this season.
Let the Frenzy Begin, but Keep Your Peace
Black Friday is the ultimate kickoff to a season of excess. It’s exciting and thrilling, but it can also leave us feeling like we’re being swept away by a tidal wave of consumerism and commitments. So how do we stay grounded? For me, it’s all about gratitude and planning two simple tools that bring so much clarity to the chaos.
As it is Thanksgiving, what better time to focus on gratitude fir all the abundance we have in our lives?
Here’s what I’ve been focusing on to stay centered:
Gratitude as My Anchor
This season is busy, but it’s also a time to pause and appreciate. Each morning, I start with a simple practice: writing down three things I’m grateful for. It could be the smell of fresh pine in the house, the sound of holiday music on the radio, or even the fact that I managed to grab a coveted deal online without crashing my cart!
This practice grounds me and shifts my perspective. When I feel gratitude, the stressors of the season feel smaller, and the joys feel brighter.
Breaking Down the Big Picture into Manageable Pieces
My planner is my lifesaver right now. Instead of staring at one giant to-do list that seems impossible to conquer, I break it down into smaller, more manageable segments. Here’s how I do it:
- Weekly Goals: Focus on one major area each week shopping, decorating, or meal planning.
- Daily To-Dos: Write down just 2–3 priorities for each day. This keeps me from feeling overwhelmed and allows me to actually enjoy crossing things off.
- Joyful Extras: Schedule time for the things that bring me happiness like watching a holiday movie or baking cookies with my grandkids.
Finding Connection in the Chaos
The holidays can feel isolating at times, even with all the activity. I’ve been making a conscious effort to reach out to friends and family, whether it’s a quick phone call or a simple text to check in. Those moments of connection remind me what this season is really about: love, togetherness, and creating memories.
How My Planner Helps Me Navigate the Season
The Zesty Life Planner isn’t just a tool for organizing my life, it's a guide for keeping me sane. I use it to balance the festive and the practical, the must-dos and the want-to-dos.
Here’s how it’s helping me right now:
- Segmented Lists: I’ve divided my planner into sections for gifts, meal prep, holiday cards, and events. This helps me keep everything in one place and reduces the mental clutter.
- Gratitude Section: Every day, I jot down what I’m thankful for. It’s a small act, but it makes a huge difference in how I approach my day.
- Self-Care Reminders: Amidst all the giving, I schedule time for myself. Whether it’s a quiet walk or a few minutes to sip tea by the fire, these moments recharge me.
The Beauty of Lists and Joyous Connections
This season, I’ve found that lists aren’t just about organization, they're about intention. When I write down what needs to be done, I also make a note of why it matters.
For example:
- “Buy Aunt Susan’s favorite tea” becomes a reminder of how much I value her.
- “Decorate the tree” turns into an opportunity to create a magical evening with my loved ones.
Each item on my list is tied to a moment of connection, a chance to show love, or an opportunity to create joy.
Staying Centered in the Month Ahead
As we move through the next few weeks, let’s commit to staying present. Here are some things I’m focusing on:
- Pausing to Reflect: Amidst the busy days, I take a moment each evening to reflect on what went well. It’s a simple practice that helps me end the day with a grateful heart.
- Celebrating the Small Wins: Whether it’s finding the perfect gift or simply making it through a tough day, I remind myself to celebrate progress over perfection.
- Prioritizing What Truly Matters: Not everything has to be perfect. What matters is the love and intention behind our actions.
Your Turn: How Will You Navigate the Season?
As you read this, I’d love to know: How are you staying centered during this busy time? What tools, practices, or mindsets are helping you?
Feel free to hit “reply” and share your thoughts. Your stories inspire me and remind me that we’re all in this together, navigating the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience.
An Affirmation for You
As we step into this season, here’s an affirmation to carry with you:
“I am present at this moment. I embrace the joys and challenges of the season with gratitude, grace, and love.”
Let’s move through this month with intention, choosing to focus on what truly matters. And when the frenzy feels overwhelming, let’s remind ourselves to pause, breathe, and find joy in the small, beautiful moments.
Here’s to a holiday season filled with connection, gratitude, and just the right amount of sparkle.
With love and hope,
Your Zesty Friend & Mentor,
Sharon North Pohl 🌸🌟
P.S. If you’re looking for a planner designed to support not just your productivity but your mental and emotional well-being, check out [Our Zesty Planner]. It’s more than a tool, it's your partner in resilience
