Episode 53 - Happy Holidays

Welcome back! In Episode 53, Denise and Jackie return after the holiday whirlwind (Christmas, New Year's, and Thanksgiving) to process the "lot" that was the previous year. They kick things off with a high-energy memory of a Florence and the Machine concert before diving into how they are navigating the current emotional landscape—finding hope in the message of "Wicked," using "Changed for Good" as a form of protest, and staying focused on truth amidst global distractions.The conversation centers on grounding practices for the new year. Denise shares how the Serenity Prayer helps her center herself between acceptance and courage, while also exploring new "woo-woo" territories like the I-Ching and mediumship. Jackie re-frames the concept of New Year's resolutions into "decisions" for how to live, emphasizing that there is no arbitrary timeline for personal growth.From "The Gem" and "The Queen" archetype card pulls to stories of ancestral bravery, the duo finds strength in looking backward to move forward. They discuss the palpable sense of hope many are feeling for 2026, the importance of "clean energy" when setting goals, and Jackie's personal commitment to adding more "whimsy" to her life (and not burning her tongue on hot food).Key Times:00:01:43 Remembering the Florence and the Machine concert (sprinting up the rows) 00:03:16 Post-holiday reflection: "This year was a lot" 00:04:41 "Wicked" and being "Changed for Good" as a form of protest 00:05:57 Staying focused on the real issues (Epstein) despite distractions 00:07:26 The Serenity Prayer and the importance of meetings 00:12:38 Planning tools: Wall calendars and Shinola notebooks 00:13:25 Re-framing resolutions as "Decisions to live my life by"00:15:30 Diving into the I-Ching and throwing coins 00:17:22 Annual Card Pulls: The Gem and The Queen 00:21:37 Ancestral bravery: Traveling alone with nothing but wits00:30:34 "There is no timeline": Bringing clean energy into your goals 00:32:41 Jackie's resolution: Adding "Whimsy" and not burning her tongue 00:33:30 The underlying current of hope for 2026 00:35:33 Reminder: Mercury "Gatorade" (Retrograde)Topics Covered:Post-holiday processing and the "Yin and Yang" of joy and grief"Wicked" as a source of hope and protestThe Serenity Prayer: Acceptance vs. CourageThe energy of in-person meetings vs. ZoomPlanning for the future: Wall calendars, notebooks, and "Decisions"Spiritual practices: I-Ching, Archetype Card pulls, and MediumsAncestral strength and gratitude for those who came beforeReleasing the pressure of January 1st timelinesThe "Mercury Gatorade" (Retrograde) warningJoin our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting on Sunday at 10am PST, the meeting is password-protected so please fill out the form to receive the link and password!)Follow Us:Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.laFollow Denise: @denise.freedFollow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryoneFollow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone