The holidays are here… and while this season is often painted as joyful and magical, the reality for many moms is far more complex. In today’s episode of The Becoming You Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most emotionally charged experiences of the holiday season: the pressure to be merry — even when you’re not.

This episode comes at a deeply personal moment. My grandma recently passed away, and I’ve been navigating grief in a season that’s supposed to be filled with cheer. I share openly about what this feels like, how emotional pressure shows up for moms, and why so many women feel obligated to be “happy” during the holidays even when life is heavy.

If you’ve ever found yourself smiling through stress, pushing down your feelings to keep the peace, or pretending you’re fine just because it’s Christmas…this episode is for you.

Mentioned in this episode: 🩷 Join The Joyful Mom Collective, a supportive space for moms to reconnect with themselves, find joy, and live with balance and self-love. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for you. 👉 Learning more about the Collective HERE

Reflection for this week: Where have I been forcing myself to be “merry,” and what do I actually need emotionally right now?

Challenge: Allow yourself to feel one emotion fully without judging it or pushing it down. Name it. Acknowledge it. Let it exist without apologizing for it.

Connect with Lisa:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/selflovecoachingco

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thelisahardie

Website → www.selflovecoachingco.com

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little reminder: You are worth showing up for. Always.