You keep telling yourself you should be excited — the holidays are coming, right? But instead of peace or joy, it just feels like one long performance. Like no matter how early you start or how much you cross off the list, you’re still on all the time.

You’re managing a dozen invisible jobs — gifts, kids, deadlines, emotions — while trying to be grateful and present. You want to slow down, but your brain doesn’t know how to stop running ahead. The pressure to make everyone else’s season special is stealing the calm you keep promising yourself.

Strategic Journal Prompts:

1. Who am I trying to be for everyone else right now — and what’s it costing me?
2. What would I actually choose to do if no one expected anything?
3. Where do I stay busy as proof that I’m fine?
4. What does being present look like for me this season — not just in theory, but in practice?

After journaling through these prompts, you'll understand why you can't seem to turn off—and that awareness alone will help you stop going through the motions and start actually being there. Don't forget to DM me on Instagram (samantha.s.says) or email me ([email protected]) and tell me what came up for you — I love hearing what these prompts unlock for you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Calm Mind Blueprint: http://www.samanthapenkoff.com/calm-mind-pod
• Breakthrough Intensives: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/offers/LN9xep94

Work with me:

• Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/samanthasays/clarity-call
• Private coaching: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/privatecoaching

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