The Holiday Season Can Be Hard…

for so many people and so many reasons.

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Old family dynamics resurface.

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The roles we’ve worked so hard to grow beyond

suddenly feel like they’re set in stone again.

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And there you are,

a fully-functioning adult

who is suddenly fourteen again.

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Expectations,

ours and others’,

press in from all sides.

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It can be easy to lose sight of who you’ve become

when you’re surrounded with reminders of,

and tethers to, who you used to be.

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So, how can you stay grounded

and connected to the you

that you want to be?

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Find your Touch Tree.

A Touch Tree is a survival tool

that I first heard about in a forgotten podcast and

have since learned is a chapter in Glennon Doyle’s bestseller, Untamed.

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Here’s the concept:

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When you’re lost in the woods,

you choose a single, recognizable tree as a landmark.

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That tree becomes home base.

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You can explore to find food or help, but

the tree serves as the center point

of your exploration radius.

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You always return to the tree.

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It keeps you oriented,

grounded and

safe.

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The idea is simple and powerful

and it can apply just as much

to our internal lives as

it does to a forest.

Be Your Own Touch Tree

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This holiday season, instead of

losing yourself in others’ expectations,

you can create your very own personal Touch Tree.

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Here’s how:

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Step 1: Identify Your Core Strength

Your core strength is

the quality that defines you.

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It’s what stays steady, even in difficult times

and how you show up when

you’re at your best.

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Maybe it’s Adaptability:

You stay calm and flexible when circumstances change,

always finding a way forward no matter the circumstances.

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or it’s Wisdom:

You have a natural ability to see the big picture,

offering thoughtful insights that guide others

toward clarity and confidence.

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or it’s Humor:

Your quick wit and ability to bring lightness

to even the heaviest moments make you

the person everyone looks to for relief.

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or Kindness:

You consistently show up for others,

offering warmth, understanding,

and genuine care when

they need it most.

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or it’s Creativity:

You approach challenges

with fresh ideas and innovative solutions,

seeing possibilities where others see roadblocks.

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or Resilience:

You bounce back

with strength & determination,

always ready to tackle what’s next.

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or Empathy:

You deeply understand and

validate others’ feelings, creating spaces

where people feel truly seen and supported.

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So what is it for you?

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Not quite sure?

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Think about a time when you felt truly proud of how you handled a situation.

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What qualities did you rely on to navigate that moment?

How did they impact the outcome or the people around you?

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Or, ask your best friend:

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What is one quality you see in me that

consistently shows up, no matter the circumstances?

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Take a moment to reflect.

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How does their perspective

align with how you see yourself?

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What truly is your core strength?

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Say it out loud.

Write it down.

Own it.

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Step 2: Activate Your Inner Compass

Just as a Touch Tree in the wilderness keeps you tethered,

your Inner Compass can help you navigate back to

your core strength when you feel disconnected.

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To activate your Inner Compass and tap into your core strength,

use something tangible that reconnects you

to who you are at your best:

A song that stirs your energy and reconnects you to your strength.

A photo that captures a moment of clarity or strength.

A small object, like a charm or keepsake, that

symbolizes and connects you to

the qualities you value most

in yourself.

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It’s not about the tool itself,

it’s about YOUR strength

that the tool evokes.

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Your true North.

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Keep your tool close, especially during challenging times.

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Hold the trinket,

Look at the photo,

Listen to the song,

whenever you need

to reset and reorient.

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Step into your strength.

So, what’s Your Touch Tree?

What’s your core strength?

What reset tool will help you

stay connected to yourself this season?

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I’d love to hear—hit reply and share your thoughts.

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And remember the most important thing you can do

this holiday season is show up for yourself.

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Happy Holidays and

see you back here in the new year!

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xx, Nicole