Ali welcomes her friend Denny Devine - an angel walking this earth - for a conversation about staying calm, connected, and joyful during the festive season. They explore the balance between Christmas celebrations and the natural darkness of winter, how to find light in the dark, and practical tools for managing the overwhelming tornado that Christmas can feel like.Key InsightsThe Cultural Push vs. Natural RhythmChristmas happens at the darkest time of year. Traditionally, winter solstice (December 21st) was about hunkering down and celebrating the return of light. Now, we're dragged into what Denny calls "a bit of a tornado" - the pressure to be glittery and joyful when nature is actually inviting us to rest.The truth: It's okay to find Christmas both lovely AND overwhelming.Finding Light in the DarkBoth Ali and Denny have walked through darkness to get where they are today. Their shared wisdom: Don't avoid the dark. The jewels are found there.When darkness is plunged upon you, there's no choice but to find the light. But it's not always as simple as "turning on the light" - sometimes you can't find the switch. You're feeling around in pitch black.The revelation: The light isn't outside you. It's within you. When you sit IN the darkness instead of avoiding it, you find the jewels that spark your own light.Lifting the Rug: What Are You Afraid to Find?People don't lift the rug because they fear the monsters underneath. They fear the worst-case scenario. But what if instead of monsters, you found diamonds? Ruby slippers? Glass slippers?The practice: Lean into the dark parts of yourself with curiosity, not fear. You have no idea what you're going to find - so don't always assume the worst.The Pause: Your Most Powerful ToolWhen life gets busy and overwhelming (hello, Christmas), the most important practice is THE PAUSE.Before you respond, before you react, before you spiral - pause. Even if it's just 60 seconds. Feel what's coming up. Connect with yourself.As Denny says: "Stop responding to every single thought. Just sit. Let awareness bubble up. Let vulnerability bubble up. See what's there and just let it be there."The Havening PracticeWhen you need to soothe yourself, try this physical self-soothing technique:Cross your arms over your chest (give yourself a hug)Stroke down from your shoulders to your elbows with opposite handsWhile doing this, repeat: "I shed the shame. I give myself grace."Why it works: We're primed from babies to find comfort in this motion. It's deeply soothing.Forgiveness as a Daily PracticeDenny practices forgiveness for herself constantly, especially at Christmas when routines slip and perfection isn't possible.Ali's forgiveness mantra: "I shed the shame. I give myself grace."Repeat it until your shoulders drop. That's you connecting with yourself, giving yourself the hug when no one else is there.The Cacao RitualDenny's daily ritual is making cacao - her "safe place in the day." She even sings to her cacao (Christmas carols at the holidays!).The principle: Find your 5-minute ritual. It might not be cacao, but create sacred time to sit in stillness, reflect on the day, and just BE.You Can't Delegate Your WellbeingJust like you can't delegate your health (from Debbie's episode!), you can't delegate your peace, your joy, or your healing.This is JUST ON YOU. And that's actually empowering, not limiting.Staying Connected Through the ChaosThe most important thing during a crazy season: Stay connected to yourself.Notice whhttps://www.alimortimer.com/

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