Cheryl-Ann discusses the challenges women face in balancing family responsibilities and personal well-being, highlighting the need for self-awareness and intentional self-care practices. The episode encourages listeners to redefine holiday traditions to focus on connection rather than perfection, and to implement small, manageable changes that prioritize personal health and happiness. Through engaging dialogue and personal anecdotes, the hosts and Cheryl-Ann provide listeners with actionable insights to navigate the holiday season with more ease and joy.

Episode Highlights

• 00:02:06 - Introduction to the "Seasonal Serenity" episode focusing on mindfulness and self-care during the holidays.

• 00:04:04 - Cheryl-Ann Weeks introduces herself and shares her background as a high school counselor and touches on the importance of mental health and mindfulness for educators.

• 00:06:05 - Dana Watts shares personal experiences about holiday stress and the need for self-care.

• 00:06:50 - Cheryl-Ann talks about the societal expectations on women during the holidays and the importance of setting boundaries.

• 00:09:31 - Practical steps for setting healthy boundaries with family and friends.

• 00:13:13 - The “responsibility” of being the peacekeeper.

• 00:19:02 - Being open to change/creating new traditions.

• 00:21:01 - Cheryl-Ann shares self-care tips, including mindfulness, breathing techniques, and the role of music in stress relief and emotional regulation.

• 00:25:06 – Self-care looks different for everyone.

• 00:28:02 – The real meaning of peace and planning ahead for possible stressful scenarios.

• 00:32:32 – Rapid fire game

Key Takeaways

• Mindfulness and self-care are essential for managing holiday stress.

• Setting personal boundaries can prevent burnout and resentment.

• Redefining holiday traditions can help focus on connection over perfection.

• Self-awareness and intentional practices are crucial for well-being.

  
  

Important Quotes from Cheryl-Ann

• "You can't pour from an empty cup."

• "We have to first set boundaries with ourselves…what do I need to stop doing, do less of, and do more of?"

• "The tradition should be the connection, not the perfection."

Connect With Mike Pierre

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pierre/⁠⁠

Connect With Dana Specker-Watts

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaspeckerwatts/

Connect With Celiah Bunsie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiah-bunsie-11406a64/

Connect With Katlyn Darling

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katlyn-darling-7019558a/

More Resources:

• • Head over iss.idu to check out ISS website for events and more.
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  • Join the community of professional educators considering the role of inclusion in the classroom culture at seniainternational.org
  • Check out Inspire Citizens who inspire schools to live their mission of global citizenship at inspirecitizens.org