The festive season is meant to feel joyful, but what if instead it feels like you’re behind frosted glass? You can see the lights, hear the laughter, even play the part — but inside you feel numb, separate and alone.

In this episode of Fly to Freedom, I talk about the hidden loneliness and emotional disconnection that can show up during Christmas and how eating disorder recovery can amplify these feelings. I’ll share why your nervous system creates this “glass box,” how numbness is a form of protection rather than failure, and why people-pleasing and perfectionism often feel louder at this time of year.

You’ll also learn how to spot the unspoken “rules” you’ve absorbed about how to show up, how to begin gently rewriting them, and what real self-compassion looks like in the moments you feel most disconnected.

This episode is a gentle reminder that you are not broken, you are not failing, and you are not alone.

✨ Inside you’ll hear:

• Why numbness is a protective response, not a personal flaw.

• The role of perfectionism and performance in festive stress.

• How to dismantle the hidden “rules” that keep you stuck.

• Simple, honest ways to reconnect with yourself and others.

• A practice of self-compassion that helps you feel safe in your own body.

💛 And if you're looking for real support from people who’ve been there and truly get it, The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle is here for you. It’s a unique community of people at all stages of recovery, supporting each other through the mess, the milestones, and everything in between.

Inside, you’ll also find the Feelings Navigator to guide you through hard emotions, monthly coaching calls, live workshops, on-demand recovery courses, and of course—me, Julia, here with you every step of the way.

Come be part of something that actually helps. You don’t have to do this alone: https://www.edrecoverycircle.com/join