Welcome to "Frustrated and Exhausted, a podcast dedicated to empowering women in their careers and leadership journeys without compromising well-being or sanity.

In this heartfelt holiday episode, Resonate Leadership I offer listeners a gentle, much-needed "permission slip" for Christmas Eve—a reminder that self-care is just as important as caring for others. It’s an invitation to pause, rest, and release the weight of perfectionism, especially as the year comes to a close.

Key Themes:

• Permission Granted: You don't have to finish every task or reflect on every goal tonight. The to-do lists and intentions can wait.
• Feel Your Feelings: However you feel right now—whether joyful, tired, overwhelmed, or peaceful—is valid. There are no "shoulds" here.
• Lower the Bar: Good enough is genuinely good enough, especially during the festive season.
• Rest Without Earning It: Rest is a biological need—not something you have to earn through productivity.
• Belong to Yourself First: Amidst taking care of others, remember to show up for yourself, whether that means a quiet moment alone or simply saying no.
• Put Down Responsibility: Especially if you’re the household planner, fixer, or emotional anchor—you’re allowed to set some of that burden down, even just for tonight.
• Slow Your Pace: Pause, breathe, and ask yourself what you truly need right now.

You’ve carried a lot this year—often more than anyone sees or even than you admit to yourself. Tonight, you have full permission to put some of it down, rest, and extend kindness to yourself. Your gift this Christmas Eve is the smallest, most realistic act of care for yourself.

Share your thoughts or stories via LinkedIn or learn more at resonateleadership.co.uk.

Rest well, be gentle with yourself, and remember—you’re not alone in how you feel.

Thank you for listening! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and gentle self-care.

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