School is out for winter break. Which means… I don’t actually have to get up early for school drop-off this week. Normally, I’m up at 5 am to work out. That routine serves me most of the year. It gives me structure. It helps regulate my nervous system.
So the question came up:
Should I keep it?
Probably.
But this week, my body and nervous system are asking for something different, and I’m choosing to listen.
Instead of forcing the early alarm, I’m sleeping a little later and working out later.
I’m choosing flexibility.
I’m taking a winter break from the schedule.
Why this isn’t “falling off”
So many of us live under the tyranny of the shoulds:
I should always get up early
I should stick to the routine no matter what
If I change something, it has to be permanent
There’s this quiet belief that once we loosen something, we’ll lose all discipline.
But flexibility isn’t quitting.
It’s responding.
Listening to your body doesn’t erase the structure you’ve built; it honors it.
This isn’t me abandoning a routine that works.
It’s me adjusting to what this week actually requires.
Mini vacations (when real ones aren’t possible)
I’ve been thinking about mini vacations, the small ways we let our nervous system step out of “responsible mode” when we can’t actually get away.
For me this week, that looks like:
letting myself stay up a little later
binge-watching familiar shows
scrolling for pleasure, not learning or fixing or improving
Nothing productive.
Nothing that needs to lead anywhere.
Just moments where nothing is being asked of me.
I’m realizing how regulating it is to enjoy something without a purpose.
📝 Journal prompts (optional, no pressure)
If it feels supportive, take a few minutes to write.
One sentence is enough.
You’re not journaling to fix anything, just to notice.
What feels heavy in my body this week?
Where am I holding myself to a “should” that isn’t serving me right now?
If I gave myself permission to flex, what would I adjust, just for this week?
What does my nervous system seem to need more of right now: structure, softness, or space?
No right answers.
This is information, not a plan.
🔥 By the Fireplace (things that caught my eye)
Lately, I’ve been drawn to familiar stories, the kind you don’t have to brace for.
I’m rewatching Robin Hood.
I know… don’t judge me .
The version with Kevin Costner will always be my favorite, but I’ve been enjoying watching the different adaptations too. There’s something comforting about stories where you already know how things turn out.
I’ve also been choosing quieter evenings, low lights, a warm drink, and something familiar instead of something new.
Nothing heavy.
Nothing to analyze.
Just steady.
A reminder as you move through the week
Nothing has to be forever.
Flexibility doesn’t erase discipline.
Rest doesn’t mean you’re off track.
If all you do this week is respond kindly to your own nervous system, that’s more than enough.
I’m really glad you’re here. Happy Holidays from my family to yours.
I’ll be with you again next week. 🤍
— Moya