Dear Reader,

Fall invites us to slow down. As plants and trees ready for winter, they enter a dormant phase. Nature provides a model for us to also wind down to rest and reflect.

I recently learned that the Latin translation of carpe diem is not “seize the day” but “pluck the day.” Instead of urging us to forcefully live life to the fullest, the phrase encourages us to gently take in the day—like picking a ripe piece of fruit from a tree and savoring every delicious bite.

As we head into a season filled with to-do lists, plans, hosting, and shopping, find moments to slow down and enjoy what’s right in front of you. Here are some ideas:

• Notice the holiday decorations as you drive around doing errands.
• Leave a note of thanks for your mail carrier or delivery person.
• Smile warmly at the cashier as you check out.
• Sit down with a pumpkin latte at your favorite café and savor each sip.
• Put on a cozy sweater—feel it against your skin and notice how it hugs your body.

When you welcome the season through small, mindful moments, you reconnect with the simple unfolding of life. Slowing down helps you feel grounded, peaceful, and present. I’m writing this from a café, enjoying a warm cup of coffee, taking my own advice.

This season, I bid you carpe diem—pluck the day.

ON MY BLOG

In my coaching work, I often talk about emotional resilience, self-leadership, and inner clarity. What I share less often is the personal healing journey that helped me cultivate those qualities.

In this month’s blog post, I open up about my experience with Internal Family Systems (IFS)—a therapeutic model that helped me understand my inner world in a new and profound way. Created by family therapist Dick Schwartz, IFS highlights the different ‘parts’ within us that shape how we move through daily life. Through this work, I was able to heal from childhood trauma that once left me feeling defensive at the slightest hint of criticism or blame.

If you’re curious about IFS or exploring your own emotional landscape, I think you’ll find this story meaningful. I recently graduated from the Coach Training Program at the Internal Family Systems Institute, and I’ve begun integrating IFS practices into all of my coaching programs. If you’d like to learn more, please visit my website.

INSPIRED THINKING

We’ve all heard about tiny habits—the small actions that anchor lasting change. Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post about how these small, consistent steps can lead to big results over time.

It got me thinking: what if we applied this “tiny” idea to gratitude? What if practicing Tiny Thanks could gradually reshape our mindset?

When things feel hard, or you’re feeling stressed, pause—and find one small thing to appreciate. The warmth of sunlight on your face. A song that lifts your mood. A kind word from a friend.

These micro-moments of gratitude help recalibrate your nervous system and create space for clarity, connection, and perspective. Thanks to neuroplasticity, we know that repeating certain activities—like practicing gratitude—strengthens the neural pathways involved. This is how habits are formed.

As gratitude becomes a habit, our mindset begins to shift. We feel more positive, less stressed, and more resilient. Beyond the emotional benefits, gratitude has been linked to physical boosts like a stronger immune system and better heart health. It also enhances social connection and deepens relationships through improved communication.

Big results from such a small act.

CREATIVE MUSINGS

In my thirties, I found myself disconnected from my creativity. I had spent so much time pushing myself to excel at work that my creative spark dimmed. When I came across The Artist’s Way, I knew instantly that it was meant for me.

​The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is a twelve-week program designed to nurture the inner child within us. Cameron offers powerful insights on releasing old stories about who we think we are—and who we think we’re not—so we can reconnect with our creative selves.

Along with her exercises and daily journaling practice, Cameron invites readers to go on a weekly Artist’s Date. The rules are simple: It must be a solo activity. It must last at least two hours. Its purpose is to nurture your creativity.

When I did this program in my mid-30s, I found it incredibly difficult to carve out two hours to do something purely for myself. At first, it felt uncomfortable to sit alone at a cafe and spend two hours writing for fun. It felt strange to go to the theater to watch a movie by myself in the middle of the day. It felt indulgent to go to the Korean spa to enjoy the sauna and hot tub.

But slowly, I began to appreciate these moments. By the end of the twelve weeks, taking Artist’s Dates no longer felt selfish or unproductive. It felt rejuvenating.

As we head into the busy holiday season, I hope you carve out time to take yourself on an Artist’s Date. This simple act of self-care protects your well-being and keeps your creativity alive.

REFLECTION

As Master Oogway tells Po in Kung Fu Panda:

Here is this newsletter’s reflection prompt: How can you make today a gift?

Your presence is the gift that keeps giving. Your grounded, centered Self at home with your family. Your undivided attention to a guest at a gathering or a colleague in a meeting. Being present might be the best gift you offer yourself—and the people you care about this holiday season.

CLOSING NOTE

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for executives, marketers, or entrepreneurs, consider my book Santa’s Boardroom: A Story of How a Company Built a Beloved Brand. It’s a playful, story-driven way to explore leadership and branding through the world of Santa and his Workshop.

Thanks for reading. If we are not connected on LinkedIn, I'd love to connect here. As the holidays approach, remember to slow down, be present, and enjoy each precious moment.

With appreciation,