EP. HOLIDAY SPECIAL - Nevena Kalajdzic - "Holding Space for Ourselves"

The holidays can bring so many different experiences to the surface—grief from anniversaries, burnout from expectations, or the exhaustion of hiding parts of yourself just to get through family gatherings. For some, this time of year is filled with joy and gratitude, while for others, it’s a season that feels heavy and isolating.In this special episode, I sit down with Provisional Psychologist Nevena Kalajdzic to explore how we can navigate these complex emotions and realities during the holidays. We talk about:The weight of cultural and family expectations, especially in communities where showing up is everything.The silent struggles—managing loss, feeling unsafe to express your true self, or simply not being able to match the cheerful energy around you.How financial stress and post-holiday exhaustion can take a toll long after the celebrations are over.Nevena shares compassionate insights and practical strategies to help us hold space for ourselves during this season: coping with overwhelm, setting boundaries with kindness, and honoring both our cultural values and our personal well-being.This conversation reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. It allows us to show up more authentically, for both ourselves and the people we love.Whether this is a refresher or your first time joining us, you’re not alone in how you’re feeling this season. Come sit with us as we explore what it means to show up for yourself during the holidays.Support the showIf you like what you hear please click on "subscribe" or "follow" -  It's free and you will get notified when the newest episodes are posted!  Check us out on Instagram, X, and YouTube @mfupodcast. Give feedback, middle finger recommendations as well as random thoughts to [email protected]. Thank you for listening!In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.