How would your life change if you started setting boundaries that honor your well-being, even in the most challenging relationships?

Ah, the holidays! A time for joy, peace, and… massive amounts of stress? If you’re anything like me, the holidays can stir up a wild mix of emotions, from the warm fuzzies to the full-on "how am I going to survive this family gathering?" vibes.

Babe, you are not alone.

This topic was the perfect opportunity to sit down and chat Meghan Olson, a therapist on the Unperfected Team. Meghan is an incredible therapist and coach with over six years experience. She is passionate about helping people get unstuck and see what's possible for them. She gave so much insight on what setting healthy boundaries, especially during the holiday season, looks like.

The holidays are meant to be filled with love and connection, right? But let’s be real: they can also feel like a pressure cooker of obligations, expectations, and—dare I say it?—codependency. Meghan and I opened up about how those familiar family dynamics and unspoken rules can leave us feeling drained, anxious, and maybe even a little resentful. Sound familiar?

We talked about how easy it is to fall into the trap of doing things out of obligation—whether it’s showing up at every holiday event, buying gifts for everyone and their mother, or saying yes to things that we don’t actually want to do. Spoiler alert: this is the quickest way to lose the joy of the season. Meghan shared some golden nuggets about the importance of checking in with your personal values and aligning your holiday choices with what truly matters to you. Because let’s face it, if we’re not being intentional, we’re just going through the motions—and where’s the magic in that?

Of course, we couldn’t talk about the holidays without touching on the heavier stuff—grief and loss. Whether it's missing loved ones who are no longer with us or grieving the way things used to be, the holidays have a sneaky way of bringing all of that to the surface. Meghan and I dove deep into how we can honor our grief without letting it take over, creating space for both sorrow and joy. And trust me, it’s okay to feel all the feelings. In fact, it’s necessary.

Now, let’s talk boundaries—because, honey, if there’s ever a time to practice them, it’s during the holidays! Meghan and I explored the idea of setting boundaries, especially with family. Yes, you love them, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them steamroll over your mental health. We unpacked what it means to set boundaries that are firm, yet compassionate, and how doing so can protect your energy without guilt.

One of my favorite parts of our chat was redefining what the holidays could mean for each of us. Spoiler: it doesn’t have to look like a Hallmark movie. We encouraged listeners to ask themselves, "What do I actually want out of the holiday season?" Do you want more relaxation, more genuine connection, or maybe just some alone time? It’s time to ditch the societal pressure to make everything “perfect” and instead embrace the imperfections of the season.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the upcoming holiday hustle, tune in! Meghan and I are here to remind you that the season doesn’t have to be about stress, people-pleasing, or unrealistic expectations. It can be about you—your values, your boundaries, and reclaiming your joy.

Connect with Meghan!

Schedule a meeting with Meghan

Website: www.brookejeanllc.com/the-unperfected-team

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megholso

Take care of yourselves and therefore each other!

XO, Brooke Jean