Woah! Last month of the year.
Here's what's been stirring in my heart and mind these days...
Stores I'm Avoiding
Temu & Shein. Their prices may tempt me, but the ongoing investigations into slave labor have my gut saying no. It may or may not be true, but my instincts lean toward caution. Click here to read more and do your own research.
Reflection I'm Sitting With
Guilt vs. Gratitude. As the holidays and socializing continue to increase, I've noticed the topic of guilt coming up within myself and those around me. Here are some of my reflections:
Guilt makes everything about us, while gratitude opens us to connection and trust. Guilt traps us in external validation, driven by "shoulds" that disconnect us from our authentic selves. Gratitude, on the other hand, is freeing—it invites us to receive with love.
When I speak of gratitude, I don’t mean only the easy, joyful moments. Gratitude also invites us to embrace the hard stuff—the times when boundaries aren’t respected or when words wound us. In these moments, gratitude becomes a deeper practice, helping us uncover the valuable lessons hidden within the discomfort.
By shifting from guilt to gratitude, we allow others the joy of giving. And giving isn’t limited to physical gifts; it can also be the gift of awareness, growth, or even soul-elevation. Gratitude trusts that whatever we are receiving, whether pleasant or challenging, comes from an intentional space. It creates room for connection and transformation, moving us beyond self-judgment into a space of mutual understanding and growth.
Here's an approach I use to reframe guilt into purposeful action:
Instead of seeing guilt as a punishment, view it as information: What is the guilt telling me about my values? Is it highlighting a genuine area for personal growth? Or is it just an automatic response to perceived external standards?
Make choices aligned with my values—even when it feels uncomfortable (because that’s where growth happens).
Act with intention rather than fear or external validation—and savor the lightness that follows (pun intended ).
Boom! Thank you, GUILT, for helping me tap into my authentic self even more.
Shows I'm Excited to Watch
Hack Your Heath: Unlocking the secrets of your gut.
Buy Now: The shopping conspiracy revealed.
Questions I'm Exploring
As our students explore self-worth this month, I invite you to reflect with us:
When do you choose a path that differs from societal expectations? What unique strengths or perspectives might that reveal about you?
What are some overlooked or "invisible" aspects of the holidays that you personally cherish or find meaningful?
What holiday-related challenges do you anticipate, and how can you proactively prepare yourself to navigate them with compassion?
Video I'm Loving
Ms. Pinky & Mr. Varun have been co-creating something magical for the show. Sneak peek here: Watch Now.
Gifts I'm Giving this Year
Teddy in Trouble Cards: My 3-year-old is obsessed!
Reiki with Anjali: An annual energy reset I cherish.
Essential Oil Lip Balm: Clean, non-toxic, and moisturizing.
Dance Gift Cards: 1 month of dance for $10!
Awareness by Anthony De Mello: A life-changing short read.
Month of Motivation: A 30-day course at 50% off. Click for full course list.
And don’t miss our Ladies’ Cardio Classes: 1 month FREE with our special promo! See flyer below for details.
With gratitude,
Amna
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