You Belong Here

Holiday Countdown

Ah, the season finale of the holidays is finally here. It’s been a year full of highs and lows, and for some of you, this might feel like a time year when things feel extra challenging. Whether you are counting down the days to be reunited with loved ones or you’re dreading the impending days ahead, you are not alone.

For as long as I can remember, this time of year has always had a lot of “supposed to’s” involved:

• You’re supposed to feel joyful.

• You’re supposed to enjoy being around your family.

• You’re supposed to cram as many activities as possible into a small amount of time.

• And so on.

With all of these supposed to’s, it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re not meeting internal or external expectations. It’s no surprise that we start to hear our inner voice begin to criticize us.

But let's face it: 2024 has presented a variety of challenges for millions of people.

So I think it’s important to say that, regardless of how you might be feeling right now, whether that is flying high or riding low, how you feel is valid.

In reality, you don’t need me to tell you that, but sometimes it’s worth saying because you never know who might need to hear it. So in case you need to hear it:

• It’s OK to still feel unsure about the future.

• It’s OK to not be feeling joyful this time of year.

• It’s OK to prioritize self-care and peace right now.

• It’s OK to set boundaries with loved ones and honor them.

• It’s OK to struggle with the state of the world and wonder where we’re headed.

All of it is OK because it is your lived experience.

During this time, I hope you’ll consider how to protect your peace and honor your needs too. There is no prescriptive path for this and there are many avenues to get there. One of my favorite images to use in my coaching practice is the Circle of Control.

Below is a holiday version of this tool that I hope you consider using.

I hope by using this tool, you’re able to create grace and space for yourself.

And however you choose to celebrate or not celebrate the holiday season, know that in this tiny corner of the Internet that I’ve carved out, you will always belong.

Always,

Jaya

Final newsletter of 2024! What’s next?

This will be my last newsletter for 2024, and I am so grateful to you for being part of the You Belong Here community. I’m excited for what next year will bring. Most of it has been heavily influenced by you! Based on completed surveys that you were invited to complete when you subscribed, here is what the community is asking for:

• How to build a community

• Updates on the state of DEI (who, what, where, why)

• Recovering from traumatic workplace experiences

• Methods of allyship

• Engaging in meaningful DEI work

• Disrupting racism

• Practicing inclusive leadership

I am so excited to dive into these topics when You Belong Here returns in 2025. If you have any additional topics that you don’t see on this list, send them my way!

Last call for Rising Leaders early bird discount!

Rising Leaders is still enrolling for 2025 and I am offering $300 off enrollment until the end of this month.

If you are an underrepresented woman who:

• Is navigating a community or organizational culture where you feel unseen or less than because of your identities.

• Feel like your career has reached a standstill or are facing a lack of support in your career development.

• Trying to address feelings of imposter syndrome or find clarity in the next steps of your professional journey.

• Feel unsure of how to strategically advance your career and want support.

• Want to build a community of other high-achieving women that you can navigate the highs and lows of your career journey with.

Then this program is 100% for you. I will be offering five cohorts in 2025 and space is limited. If you are interested in joining us or want to chat, just reply to this email and we’ll get started on the journey together!

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