Looking Back: Holiday Enabling, What Went Right, What Went Wrong & How to Change It Next Time

The holidays have ended, and now it’s time to take a step back and reflect. Did you find yourself enabling a loved one struggling with addiction or mental illness? Did you keep the peace at the expense of your own well-being? Or maybe you set some boundaries—but wish you had done more? As a mother who has been there, I know how hard it is to balance love, guilt, and the fear of conflict during family gatherings. In this episode, I’m looking back on what went right, what went wrong, and how we can start preparing now for next time. Breaking the cycle of enabling doesn’t happen overnight, but recognizing the patterns is the first step. I’ll share my personal experiences, what I’ve learned, and small but powerful ways to start making real changes. It’s never too late to put yourself first, set boundaries, and take back your peace—because next year, you deserve to feel stronger and more in control.