As we move deeper into the season of gatherings, celebrations, and togetherness, many of us feel a mix of emotions. Yes, the holidays can be cozy and heart-warming… but they can also be complicated.

For some of us, reconnecting with family and friends is nourishing.
For others, it can feel heavy — especially when we’re spending time with people we’d rather not be around. People who push our buttons. People who say things we wish they wouldn’t. People who bring out the version of ourselves we’ve worked hard to outgrow.

This is where Empowered Compassion becomes its own kind of practice.

Everyone Has “Stuff”… Including Us

When someone comes at us with an opinion, a comment, or a tone that feels like a punch to the gut or a squeeze in the heart, our first reaction is usually defensiveness. It’s human. It’s instinct.

But here’s the deeper truth:
Those words or actions are often not actually about us.
They stem from the other person’s insecurities, fears, wounds, or unmet needs — the stuff they carry but may not have the tools to face.

And the same goes for us.

When we feel that internal “ugh” — the tightening, the clenching, the urge to snap back — that reaction is coming from our own unhealed layers. The places inside us still tender. The parts of us seeking safety.

Recognizing this isn’t about blame; it’s about awareness. It’s about remembering that everyone you meet is carrying something you can’t see.

Pause. Breathe. Return to Yourself.

When you feel yourself reacting, let that be your cue.

Pause.
Breathe.
Feel your feet on the ground.
Offer compassion to yourself first:
“Wow, that really landed. That didn’t feel good. Let me take a breath.”

And then — only when you’re ready — send compassion outward.
Not because their behavior was acceptable,
but because they, too, are suffering in ways we may never fully understand.

It’s not easy.
But it softens the moment.
It shifts the energy.
It keeps you in your center, rather than losing yourself in someone else’s storm.

Remember: You Always Have a Choice

You are never obligated to put yourself in environments that harm your peace.

You may choose not to attend certain gatherings — and that choice is valid, wise, and loving. And if others don’t understand or judge that decision, well… that’s their “stuff” showing up again. Their reaction is not your responsibility.

But if you do choose to attend — and yes, attending is a choice — then you bring your energy with you. And your energy has power.

If you show up combative, you’ll likely receive the same in return.
If you show up grounded, softened, and present, you create a ripple of calm that others can feel, even if they don’t consciously know why.

Yoga teaches us this so beautifully:
The more centered we are, the less the world can pull us off our axis.

Moving Through Difficult Interactions With Grace

Being around someone you normally avoid doesn’t have to derail your inner peace. With compassion, boundaries, breath, and presence, you can walk through challenging moments with gentle strength.

You get to choose how you show up.
You get to choose your energy.
You get to choose inner steadiness over reactivity.

And in doing so, you create a little more ease — for yourself, and for everyone around you.

A Season to Lead With Heart

This is a season to lead with empowered compassion —
to soften without losing your center,
to hold boundaries without closing your heart,
to stay rooted in presence no matter who stands in front of you.

May this be a time of warmth, clarity, and inner strength as you navigate the weeks ahead.