Hello Reader,

I don’t usually write emails like this, but this season has asked a lot of my heart — and based on the responses pouring in from my latest blog, I know I’m not the only one navigating a rough stretch right now.

I wrote a piece called “When November Breaks Your Heart: Holding Grief and Gratitude at the Same Time.”

It’s honest. It’s tender. And it’s very much where I’ve been these past few weeks.

This November brought the loss of a long-time friend and the final chapter of my mom’s long Alzheimer’s journey. She passed away the day after Thanksgiving, at 93.

I’m deeply sad… and I’m also grateful. Grateful that her suffering is over. Grateful she left this world gently. Grateful we had a chance to share memories, tell her we loved her, and say goodbye before she slipped away.

On top of that, there has been grief in my extended family, too. Some days I feel heavy and heartbroken. Some moments I feel strangely relieved that a hard season has finally come to an end. Most days, it’s a confusing mix of both.

What I didn’t expect is how many of you would reach out saying:

“Me too. I’m hurting too.”

Women shared stories of losing partners, parents, siblings, friends… sometimes all within months of each other. They talked about the heaviness of the holidays, the pressure to “be festive,” and the quiet ways grief sneaks into the most ordinary moments — like hearing a song, seeing a favorite ornament, or setting one less place at the table.

And that reminded me why I write these things in the first place:

We heal a little more when we stop carrying everything alone.

If you’re walking through a hard December — or if the holidays bring up more ache than joy — I want you to know this:

You don’t have to pretend.
You don’t have to be cheerful for everyone else.
You don’t have to “power through” like nothing happened.

You can let yourself feel what’s here.
You can simplify your plans.
You can say no, rest more, and care for your heart the way you’d care for someone you love.

If you’d like to read the full reflection, you can find it here:

👉 Read the blog: When November Breaks Your Heart​

And if the blog resonates, I’d love to hear what small thing is helping you make it through the day right now. Sometimes hearing another woman say “same here” is the greatest comfort.

Sending you a breath, a bit of softness, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this season.

With love, 💛​
Andrea

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