In this episode, I shared a phrase that we are all familiar with: "The little things are the big things." I first heard this advice as a young mom. Older parents often reminded me to cherish the small moments with my kids, not just the big vacations for birthday parties. I listened, even when life was busy. I paid more attention to conversation in the car, going out for pancakes, taking a walk together with the dogs. These smaller moments made up my life as a mom. The same can be true in marriage or friendship – the kind text message or note by the coffee pot – those small acts of kindness build a better life. So as we enter the holiday season – however you celebrate – it's a powerful lesson to hold onto. It is easy to get run over by big commitments, travel, parties or other obligations. Let's ground ourselves with some of the simple, small things that we enjoy – enjoying coffee by the fireplace and stockings, listening to your favorite holiday music on a walk, sitting down to do a puzzle or a game as a family, or making a special recipe that you love.

"I challenge you to think of a couple of the little things that you've always enjoyed around the holidays, maybe some things that have been forgotten.…What are the little things that you want to do, or you want to get back to that maybe you've lost sight of." - Trina

• Why small moments often create the biggest impact in relationships

• How revisiting simple holiday traditions can bring peace and joy

• Ways to stay grounded during busy seasons of work and life

• How small acts of kindness can strengthen personal and professional connections

• Why the "little things" mindset applies far beyond the holidays

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In this episode, I shared a recent Instagram post called: "Awards that you're trying to win that simply don't exist." My daughter shared this with me from @womenwhotype. I loved the concept and dove deeper into each of these false awards, as well as how to avoid the temptation to earn it, and what to do instead. It's a quick, fun listen. You are worthy just as you are. Feeling accomplished feels good. But burnout, and overwhelm are not the right path.

"I guarantee you there is someone in your life that would be willing to help if you'd ask, and be willing to kind of let go of some of the reins and say, I could use help with this piece of it this year, I would love it if you would take on this part of it this year, give it a try, because we've established that there's no award for not asking for help." - Trina

Key points:

• These awards exist in our minds, but not in real life. Going after them will only lead to burnout or let down: Never Said No, Didn't Take Breaks, Didn't Need Help, Didn't Make Mistakes, Most Perfect, Worked the Longest

• Mistakes, imperfection, and reasonable limits are normal; your worth isn't measured by flawless performance or endless hours, but by showing up with conviction, authenticity, and balance.

• Asking for help at home, at work, and especially during the holidays allows you to go farther and feel less overwhelmed.

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In this episode, I shared 12 commitments directly from my 2025 Calm & Confident planner. Let this serve as a road map to a better life. This will feel like a "best of" edition of my favorite, foundational life lessons — some that I've shared in more depth on this podcast and some that I have not. I know that a few of these commitments will resonate with you, and you'll know it when you hear it. Grab onto those lessons and take them in, work them around in your mind, and put them to work. Some of the lessons will not speak to you as much – good. You need to know your own life, thoughts, struggles and strengths. Know what you need to work on. You'll find it here. To get on the list for my upcoming 2026 planner, visit TrinaGray.com

"Learning to live with heart truly caring about other people, putting yourself out to other people, letting other people care about you, letting other people love you, letting other people see you, be willing to put yourself out as your true self, and letting people accept you and love you, knowing that at times, those same people will do something or say something that might hurt you, and we can handle it because we can live with both heart and armor." - Trina

Key points:

• I talk about the importance of personal responsibility—from setting things down that no longer serve me, to taking ownership of my life, to seeking less approval from others.

• I highlight how I manage overwhelm by making small decisions, letting go of perfectionism, and reducing the influence of outside opinions.

• I reflect on the natural swing of life's pendulum, the need for a lighter mind, and the understanding that change can look different and still be right for the season I'm in.

• I end the episode by encouraging myself and others to lean into the commitments that resonate most, embracing the balance of living with both heart and armor.

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