What if the holidays didn’t have to feel so heavy and connection mattered more than getting everything right?

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly reflect on their recent family Christmas gathering and the quiet shifts that made it feel different—in the best way. They talk openly about hosting without carrying the burden of doing everything, the power of delegation, and how simplifying holiday traditions can ease stress without sacrificing connection.

The conversation explores how family dynamics evolve over time, how we often relate to people based on who they used to be, and what happens when we allow room for change. From releasing perfectionism to honoring personal limits, this episode is a gentle reminder that meaningful holidays aren’t built on flawless plans—but on presence, flexibility, and grace.

If the holidays leave you feeling stretched, obligated, or quietly overwhelmed, this episode offers a compassionate reframe: it’s okay to simplify, to miss a gathering, to ask for help, and to choose connection over perfection.

Inside This Conversation:

• I wasn't taking on the burden of everything.
• It's important to delegate and ask for help.
• Family dynamics can be very helpful and grateful.
• People change over time, and so do their relationships.
• We often define family members based on past experiences.
• Simplifying gatherings can reduce stress.
• Connection with family is more important than perfection.
• Children adapt quickly to new environments.
• It's okay to miss family gatherings sometimes.
• Give yourself grace during the holidays.

Chapters

00:00 Family Christmas Reflections

03:29 Navigating Family Dynamics

06:22 Understanding Change in Family Relationships

09:05 The Joy of Hosting

12:00 Simplifying Holiday Gatherings

15:02 Embracing Imperfection in Entertaining

17:54 Finding Balance in Family Commitments

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family, Christmas, dynamics, relationships, gatherings, connection, boundaries, emotional growth, hosting, simplifying

Ever feel like managing your kids’ healthcare is a full-time job you never applied for?

In this honest and relatable conversation, Jessica and Kelly dive into the emotional and logistical load of parenting—starting with the surprisingly stressful world of pediatric dental care. From sticker shock and feeling like “just another number” to the exhausting process of finding providers who actually feel supportive, they unpack the invisible labor parents carry every day.

Along the way, they remind us of something crucial: you don’t have to earn rest, quitting a provider can be an act of self-respect, and caring for yourself is not optional—it’s essential. This episode is a permission slip for grace, boundaries, and choosing care that truly feels like care.

Inside This Conversation:

• Why parenting often feels like managing a healthcare system alone
• The emotional and financial reality of kids’ dental care
• What it’s like to feel dismissed—or truly supported—by providers
• Why leaving a dentist (or any provider) can be empowering
• The invisible mental load parents carry every day
• How self-care and grace can coexist with family responsibility

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Dental Care for Kids

03:31 Finding the Right Dentist for Yourself

06:28 The Challenges of Scheduling and Insurance

09:17 The Emotional Load of Parental Responsibilities

Connect With Us:

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dental care, parenting, healthcare choices, children's health, dental insurance, pediatric dentist, family health, parenting challenges, self-care, women's health

What if the most powerful way to step into a new year isn’t by setting goals—but by honoring how far you’ve already come?

In this end-of-year reflection, Jessica and Kelly look back on 2025 with honesty, humor, and heart. They celebrate growth, name what felt hard, and introduce the Bright List—a simple but meaningful exercise to help you reflect on what you’re proud of, what you’re ready to release, and what you want more of as you step into 2026.

Inside This Conversation:

• Reflecting on the past year helps in personal growth.
• The Bright List exercise encourages positive reflection.
• Releasing negativity can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Expanding joy and presence is essential for well-being.
• Surprises in life can lead to unexpected growth.
• Healing often comes from acknowledging struggles.
• Life is messy, and that's part of the journey.
• Intentions for the new year should focus on self-improvement.
• Embracing change is crucial as children grow and leave home.
• Living life to the fullest is a key takeaway for 2026.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on Growth and Wins

07:13 Exploring Surprises and Healing Moments

12:43 Finding Alignment and Intentions for 2026

20:05 Embracing Change and the Future

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growth, reflection, intentions, self-improvement, personal development, mindfulness, emotional health, life lessons, 2025 review, 2026 goals

Inside This Conversation:

• Kelly is aiming for 75 books this year, currently at 56.
• Jessica enjoyed the memoir 'Solito' about a boy's journey from El Salvador.
• The discussion includes the impact of memoirs on understanding personal stories.
• They reflect on the sensationalism of media in celebrity narratives.
• Jessica found 'Waiting for Britney' to be a fascinating read about media influence.
• Kelly shares her experience with spooky books and their appeal.
• They discuss the importance of well-written literature and character development.
• Jessica recommends 'The Haunting of Pains Hollow' for spooky book lovers.
• Kelly is currently reading 'Atomic Habits' and finds it insightful.
• The conversation emphasizes the benefits of reading and sharing book recommendations.

Chapters

00:00 Reading Goals and Challenges

03:26 Memoirs That Resonate

06:30 Exploring New Genres

09:09 Book Recommendations and Insights

12:03 Future Reads and Closing Thoughts

Connect With Us:

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reading, books, memoirs, recommendations, personal stories, literary challenges, genres, book clubs, audiobooks, reading goals

What if this holiday didn’t ask you to do more… but invited you to breathe?

In this special Christmas episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly offer listeners a soft place to land in the middle of the holiday season. Whether your home is loud and full of activity or quiet and reflective, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to perform joy or hold it all together.

Together, they guide listeners through a gentle moment of reflection—inviting you to notice what you’re proud of, what brought unexpected joy, and what you were able to release this month. The conversation then slows into a calming, guided pause designed to help you reconnect with your body, your breath, and a sense of safety in the present moment.

This episode acknowledges that the holidays can be both beautiful and triggering, tender and complicated. Most of all, it offers permission: to rest, to breathe, and to receive exactly what you need today.

• Creating a safe place to land during the holidays

• Reflective questions to gently close out the month

• A guided moment of presence to calm your nervous system

• Permission to slow down and release pressure

• A reminder that you are safe, loved, and enough—just as you are

As you listen, see if you can allow this episode to be a pause—not another thing to accomplish. Let your shoulders drop, feel your feet on the ground, and breathe a little deeper than you have all day.

Wishing you warmth, rest, and joy—exactly in the way you need it today. Thank you for spending a few minutes of your holiday with us. You are worthy.

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• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
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holiday reflection, Christmas mindfulness, holidays and mental health, guided breathing exercise, nervous system regulation, permission to rest, emotional wellness, self-compassion, grounding practices, end-of-year reflection, women’s wellness podcast, Chasing Brighter podcast

What if the best holiday moments are the ones you don’t plan?

From festive fails to favorite treats and family traditions, Jessica and Kelly explore the beauty of embracing the season as it unfolds. This episode is a cozy reminder that balance, joy, and connection matter more than getting everything “right.”

Inside This Conversation:

• Holiday fails can lead to funny stories and resilience.
• School holiday activities can be overwhelming for parents.
• Shopping early can help avoid stock issues during the holidays.
• Elf on the Shelf can be a fun tradition, but it can also be stressful.
• It's important to prioritize family traditions that bring joy.
• Advent calendars can be a fun way to celebrate the season.
• Gift expectations can lead to disappointment if not communicated.
• Food and drink play a significant role in holiday celebrations.
• Appetizers can be the highlight of holiday parties.
• Finding joy in the holidays is essential, even amidst stress.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Fails and Festive Disasters

02:35 School Holiday Activities and Traditions

04:37 Holiday Shopping Strategies

06:27 Elf on the Shelf and Holiday Magic

08:22 Advent Calendars and Holiday Treats

10:34 Holiday Food Opinions and Appetizers

17:08 Reflections on the Holiday Season

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
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holiday fails, festive disasters, school activities, holiday shopping, Elf on the Shelf, family traditions, advent calendars, holiday food, appetizers, holiday reflections

What if self-care this season wasn’t about doing more… but choosing what actually restores you?

In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly dive into one of the most important (and misunderstood) topics of the season: holiday self-care that truly nourishes your mind, body, and spirit — not the kind that leaves you feeling overstimulated and depleted.

The holidays pull on every part of us: schedules, emotions, finances, expectations, and family dynamics. With all the lights, noise, crowds, and invisible emotional labor, it’s easy to slip into numbing coping strategies instead of nurturing ones. In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly help you understand the difference — without shame — so you can listen to what your body actually needs.

You’ll explore how over-stimulation impacts your nervous system, why even joyful moments can feel draining when they pile up, and how to gently shift toward self-care practices that leave you calmer, steadier, and more grounded.

Inside This Conversation:

• The difference between nourishing self-care vs. numbing coping
• Why holiday over-stimulation impacts your nervous system
• Common numbing habits (and why they’re human, not failures)
• Examples of nourishing rituals that restore your energy
• Why heat therapy (baths, foot soaks, warm showers) can be especially soothing
• Signs you may be numbing instead of nurturing
• The “Nourish Me Check-In”: a simple 3-part self-care reset
• Boundary scripts that protect your peace during the holidays
• A gentle weekly challenge to support your wellbeing

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Holiday Self-Care

01:17 NEWCHAPTER

03:31 Nourishing vs. Numbing Strategies

06:30 Recognizing Signs of Numbing

09:22 Implementing Self-Care Practices

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Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

holiday self-care, nourishing self-care, numbing coping, emotional well-being, boundaries, mindfulness, stress management, holiday season, mental health, self-care strategies

What if the holiday season feels more like “back-to-school” chaos than winter magic—and how do we change that?

The holiday season comes with excitement… and a whole lot of pressure. Jessica and Kelly dive into the emotional load of December, comparing it to the hectic back-to-school season and exploring why so many of us feel stretched thin. Together, they talk about opting out of unnecessary obligations, finding joy in smaller moments, and giving yourself permission to slow down.

Inside This Conversation:

• December feels like back to school with its busy routines.
• Opting out of obligations can be a form of self-care.
• Gift-giving can be simplified by involving children in the process.
• Community initiatives like Winter Wonderland can ease holiday stress.
• It's okay to say no to events and activities that don't bring joy.
• Prioritizing joy over obligation is essential during the holidays.
• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their holiday priorities.
• The importance of a smaller gift list to reduce stress.
• Finding joy in the holiday season is possible with intention.
• Self-care should be a priority during busy times.

Chapters

00:00 The Holiday Back to School Feeling

03:28 Opting Out of Holiday Obligations

06:36 Finding Joy and Setting Boundaries

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back to school, December, obligations, self-care, joy hierarchy, holiday stress, parenting, gift giving, family traditions, holiday parties

How would your relationships shift if you protected your peace as much as your plans?

The holidays can bring out the best—and the most complicated—in our relationships. In this episode of Chasing Brighter, Jessica and Kelly unpack the emotional landscape of the season: the overstimulation, the resurfacing of old roles, the quiet aches of loneliness or grief, and the pressure to “show up” perfectly. Instead, they offer a grounded, compassionate approach to connection.

Together, they explore how small, intentional moments can nurture deeper relationships, why boundaries are essential for emotional well-being, and how authenticity can transform how we engage with the people we love. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, protect your peace, and reconnect in simple, meaningful ways.

Inside This Conversation:

• December can highlight loneliness, grief, or unresolved tension.
• Our nervous system is overstimulated during the holidays.
• Old family roles can resurface, impacting emotional dynamics.
• Choosing small, meaningful interactions fosters connection.
• Boundaries protect connection and emotional well-being.
• Resentment builds when we overcommit ourselves.
• Five minutes of focused attention can create real connection.
• Connection doesn't have to be big to be meaningful.
• Show up authentically in your relationships.
• Simple practices can support your nervous system during busy times.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Connection During the Holidays

02:27 Understanding Emotional Roles and Family Dynamics

04:57 Building Meaningful Connections

08:01 Establishing Healthy Boundaries

10:49 The Power of Presence and Small Acts

11:43 Conclusion and Next Steps

Connect With Us:

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connection, holidays, emotional dynamics, boundaries, presence, self-care, relationships, meaningful interactions, mental health, family dynamics