Bonus Episode: When The Holidays Feel Heavy

We’re taught that the holidays are supposed to feel joyful—but for many people, they don’t.This bonus episode of The Sync’d Self is an honest, grounded conversation about seasonal depression, grief, and the quiet stress that often shows up during the holidays—especially for those who are used to holding it together.Joining me is Cesar Pacheco, LMFT, founder of Warrior Path Therapy. Together, we talk about why this season can feel heavier than expected, how seasonal affective disorder and emotional fatigue actually show up in real life, and why feeling more tired, numb, or “off” doesn’t mean something is wrong with you.I also share personally about navigating the holidays for the first time after losing my mother—and how grief can change the way this season feels in ways that aren’t always visible to others.This isn’t an episode about forcing positivity or fixing the holidays. It’s about naming what many people are feeling, normalizing it, and offering permission to move through this season with honesty, compassion, and care.If the holidays feel different this year…If your joy feels quieter…If you’re just trying to get through it — this conversation is for you.