This Holiday Season, Savor Connection, Not Guilt

with Mindfulness and Gratitude

Author

Peggy Gleason
December 14, 2024

The holidays are upon us. Twinkling lights, laughter-filled gatherings, and warm hugs from people we love (and yes, sometimes those awkward side-hugs from relatives we see once a year). This is a time when we should be reveling in joy, love, and togetherness. Yet, for so many, it becomes a minefield of guilt over what we eat, how much we eat, or what we shouldn't have eaten.

But what if, just for this holiday season, you gave yourself permission to "just enjoy"?

Enjoy the people, the conversations, and the shared moments. Instead of obsessing over the extra cookie or the second helping of pie, focus on the smiles, the stories, and the love in the room.

Food is just one part of the holiday experience. The heart of this season is connection. And that connection doesn’t come from perfectly portioned plates—it comes from being present with the people around you.

Guilt-Free Memories

Years from now, when you look back, will you remember how many calories were in your aunt’s famous casserole? Or will you remember her face lighting up when you asked for the recipe? Will you regret the dessert you shared with your best friend, or will you cherish the moment of laughing so hard you almost spilled your coffee?

These are the moments that matter. Memories aren’t measured in macros; they’re made in the little moments of joy and connection.

Permission to Enjoy The holidays are brief, but the feelings they generate can last a lifetime. Grant yourself permission to enjoy the season, free from the shackles of guilt. Let go of food rules, and embrace people rules instead: be kind, be present, and be open to joy.

This year, let "just enjoy" be your mantra. Because you deserve to experience the fullness of this season—in every hug, every laugh, and every heartfelt moment.

Happy Holidays — may they be guilt-free and full of love!What’s Next on the Holiday Calendar?


Get ready to envision your most confident, empowered self for the year ahead!

In this workshop, we’ll create your vision that will  inspire action and clarity for 2025.

Whether it’s about identifying your food triggers, boosting self-esteem, or embracing new goals, this is the perfect way to start your new year with purpose.

Keep an eye on your inbox for more details and how to join in.

As we bundle up for the parade and savor the joy of giving and celebrating,

I’m reminded of how grateful I am to have you in this community.

Let’s make this season not just about festivities, but also about envisioning and creating the life we want to live.

Stay warm, stay joyful, and keep celebrating!

Warm wishes,
Dr. Peggy

Subscribe to See All Our Podcast Episodes:

In this powerful episode of the Professional Women’s Wellness Podcast, Dr. Peggy Gleason sits down with Dr. Zelda Okia (Dr. Z), a physician-turned-life coach, who shares her transformative journey from a career in forensic pathology to a life dedicated to wellness, balance, and sustainable weight loss.

"I transitioned from death into life. It was a wake-up call when I realized I wasn’t truly fulfilled despite my success."

"I was overweight and overwhelmed. Even with a great job, I felt something was missing."

"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40, it made me rethink my life. Healing my body became a priority."

"Cancer cells thrive on sugar. I knew I needed to pay attention to what I put into my body."

"I realized it’s not about restriction; it’s about focusing on the lifestyle you want, not what you want to avoid."

"We say things to our bodies that we’d never say to others. Imagine your body hearing those words—you’d treat it differently."

✨ “Self-care is the foundation for caring for others.”

✨ “Sometimes the greatest transformations happen when we realize we need to care for ourselves first.”

✨ “I focus on what I want, not what I don’t want—and that changes everything.”

  • Use smaller plates to avoid overeating.

  • Stay hydrated and reduce sugar intake.

Speak kindly to your body and recognize your progress.

  • Learn to quiet your inner critic and embrace self-compassion.

Dr. Z’s story is a testament to the power of self-awareness, wellness, and finding balance. Tune in to learn how you can transform your life by listening to your body and nurturing your mind.

Dr. Z offers a PDF with weight-loss tips to help you on your journey. Find the link in the show notes. https://www.skool.com/lose-weight-with-dr-z-3588/about

Grab Dr. Peggy’s free assessment tool to help identify your eating habits and patterns.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Professional Women’s Wellness Podcast and leave a 5-star review for a chance to access Dr. Peggy’s $197 course, Goodbye Night Bites.