The Calm & Bright Holiday Podcast Trail Ep 4

The holidays can be joyful… and overwhelming.
 Between invitations, expectations, and the pressure to do it all, it’s easy to forget that you get to choose.

In Episode 4 of The Calm & Bright Holiday Podcast Trail, I invite you to slow down, check in with your body, and gently question the commitments pulling at your energy this season.

This episode is a reminder that calm isn’t found by pushing through — it’s created by listening.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Why your body often knows the answer before your mind does
• How to recognize a true “hell yes” versus a drained obligation
• Simple ways to pause before saying yes to holiday plans
• Setting boundaries without guilt, shame, or over-explaining
• Letting go of holiday expectations and the pressure to perform

This is your permission slip to stop overcommitting and start choosing what actually feels good.

The next stop is waiting for you.

Day 1 - Day 19th Intro with me on Inner Spark https://www.buzzsprout.com/2332610/episodes/18382868

Day 2 - Dec 20th  with Kelly Tibbitts be on the Live A Vibrant Life Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1379737/episodes/18387570

Day 3 - Dec 21st with Jacqueline van Bierk on Her Gypsy Rebel: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4b1yjOVObT5AA39JJt4PbF?si=E0xbr6e4RKG3BeiO-l-zEQ

Day 4 - Dec 22nd with me on Inner Spark

Day 5 Dec 23rd will be on Aligned & Abundant

Day 6 Dec 24th will be on Worthy & Abundant

You can find me at:
https://www.instagram.com/cataton/
https://www.facebook.com/casey.taton/

You can find what sparks me at:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AgeRtyojY/
https://www.instagram.com/lmbdcelebrations/

Music by: Jason and Ashley Scheufler
Artwork by:  https://www.instagram.com/graphx_ink/

Transcript

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Hey friend. Welcome to the Calm and Bright Holiday Podcast Trail. I am Casey Taten, your host of the Enter Spark podcast. This is episode four of six of this many series, and I hope you're loving this Common Break Holiday podcast show and having as much fun as I am. This trail includes four other beautiful women who are all sharing how you can make this holiday season the best. We kicked off the first episode right here on Inner Spark, and then we headed to Kelly Tibbits Live a Vibrant Life who helped us calm our nervous system. Then to Jacqueline Van Beer on her Gypsy Rebel podcast. For episode three, all about finding the fun of this holiday season. If you miss an episode, don't worry. I'll leave it in the show notes for you. But today, Fran, we are going to talk about setting boundaries and the choices you get to make. Are you feeling a little overwhelmed this holiday season? Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle? It seems to be a trend. People are kind of going crazy, but guess who gets to say, I'm done with that. You, my friend, you. This holiday season, we are all about releasing expectations, listening to our bodies, and doing what feels good for you. Have you already overcommitted yourself? If so, it's okay because you have the power to now start asking yourself, do I really wanna go to that Christmas party or another gathering? Check in with yourself. What's your body saying? Does it get that feeling of pure ease? And it's a hell yes, I'm excited. Or is it an, oh man, I should have said no. I'm so tired. Does your body feel a little tense even thinking about it, and your mind starts turning and going down that rabbit hole? If it's a yes, then go and have fun. But if your body is telling you no, here is your chance to listen to your body and simply say, I'm not going to make it. We are gonna start setting some boundaries. It's truly that easy just to say no. But when I said that, did that thought just make you feel guilt or shame or even a little FOMO of missing out? That's normal at the beginning, but this is the season to start saying, no, I'm not available for that. Or a simple No, your body will Thank you. Later, I promise start saying it today. We are no longer over committing this holiday season, so it'll be the best one yet. I promise. The power of saying the big no. Welcome, easier and easier. When you start getting outta your head and listening to what your body is telling you and what it truly needs. Let's actually just practice right now. Hey, I have an event tonight. Do you wanna come home? The first thing we are going to do before we say yes. Simply pause, take a breath, and just check in with yourself. It's okay to say, I appreciate the invite. Can I let you know later? Or if you already have that feeling of tension or that tightness in your gut. Then you already know your answer is no, but thanks for the invite. As we get closer to Christmas and start heading into the new year, we are only committing ourselves to what really makes us feel good and lights us up. We are letting go of all the expectations we put on ourselves and doing what really feels fun and matters to you. If you have a Christmas party, you're already dreading. This is your year to set the boundaries and don't go. I don't care if you already said yes, you're listening to your body and staying home. Maybe relaxing feels way more enjoyable to you than going out and celebrating or being around others, or dealing with maybe conflicts or whatever's gonna be there. Your body knows if you trust it and you really listen to it. We are also letting go of the should have. We are saying no and then moving on without guilt or shame. If this episode felt a little uncomfortable to you, it's okay. This is your season to start practicing it. And to listen in to tomorrow's episode on December 23rd, episode five. Of the Calm and Bright Holiday Show on the Aligned and Abundant podcast hosted by the beautiful Christine Marcario, who is going to help you really connect then with some daily things you can do. And don't forget. On December 24th, Linda Brand, host of Worthy and Abundant. We'll wrap this all up and bring you back home to yourself to conclude the trail. Happy Holidays Thank you for tuning into another episode. I hope today's story inspired you to embrace your own journey of growth and change. Remember, transformation isn't always easy, but it's always worth it. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe. Share it with a friend, and leave a review. If you found something that sparked you in this episode and may spark a friend, I encourage you to go share with them. If you have your own story you would like to share, I would love to hear it. So please reach out to me. Until next time, friends, go have some fun and let those sparks lie.