I write this post with a heavy heart and I imagine you might be reading it with one, too. This past week has been an emotional one—filled with anger, grief, sadness, and deep worry.

Worry for the state of our world. Worry for the vulnerable and marginalized communities who will feel the greatest impact of policies and decisions that lie ahead. Worry for our Earth, for our shared humanity, and for our collective future.

In moments like these, it’s hard not to feel the weight of it all. And if you’re someone with a big heart, as I know you are, that weight can feel even heavier. One thing I know about this community is how deeply, unwaveringly caring we are. We’re the caregivers, the steady presence, the ones who hold space for others to lean on in difficult times.

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Our instinct during times like these is to jump into action, to offer comfort, to try to make things better for others.

And while this desire to support is beautiful, I’m here to remind you to pause and tend to yourself before you tend to others. To give yourself the same care you offer so freely to those around you.

Your well-being is foundational to everything you do.

In a world that constantly demands our attention and action, taking the time to slow down, breathe, and care for yourself is a powerful act of self-love. It’s an acknowledgment of your humanity—a permission slip to feel your own emotions, to grieve, to rage, to feel fully and deeply.

The truth is that you can’t truly hold space for others until you hold space for yourself.

Ground yourself in care and kindness towards your own heart first. Only then can you show up fully for others, bringing light and comfort from a place of true strength and resilience.

In this week’s podcast episode, I’ve included a special guided meditation to support you in navigating these challenging times. Let this be an offering for you to come back to your center, to pause, and to give yourself the care you deserve. We have a long road ahead, and we need you in this for the long haul—strong, whole, and supported.

So remember: take care of you first.

Listen to your heart. Slow down, allow yourself to receive, and tend to your spirit. It’s through this care that your capacity to hold space, offer comfort, and lead change truly flourishes.

If you're interested in becoming a coach, I want to remind you that applications for our February 2025 cohort of the Wholehearted Coaching Certification are open until December 15.

Check out wholeheartedcertification.com for more information.

And if you’re looking to work with a certified Wholehearted Coach, our directory is a great resource to connect with one.

Want to dive deeper through more journal prompts?

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About your host, Shirin Eskandani