Helloooo from up in the air!

I’m headed from Madrid to JFK and finally home to Arizona.

I have no idea what time it is there as I write this to you, but it’s Q+A time, where I take your questions on how to stay sovereign, grounded, and connected to yourself amidst life’s crazy twists and turns.

Want to ask me a question to answer for a future newsletter? Go here.

With Mercury Retrograde starting today (a time when communication, travel-oooye, and tech can get slow and confusing), the holidays quickly upon us, and after spending two straight weeks 24/7 traveling with my mother in small spaces, I thought this question was timely.

Q: Diana, I am an empath and get easily overwhelmed at all the invitations and inevitable questions and small talk that come with the holidays. I guess I’m asking, how do I stay true to myself during this time? Especially seeing family that don’t ‘get’ me. What do you do?

A: OMG, I love this question so much. I’m going to answer in my rapid fire, laser intuition way. Please take what works for you and leave the rest.

• #1-Set your parameters early as your adult self, not your people pleasing self: So often around the holidays, we feel obligated to attend every gathering, every get together, and do it the “way it’s always been done.” But usually this comes from slipping back unintentionally into a younger version of ourselves (ie: little kid) where let’s face it-you didn’t have much say as to where you went or for how long you stayed. But thankfully, you are an adult now and can set parameters around what works for you! Will you piss some people off? Yes, but this is your life and when you are clear on what works for you, everyone wins because you show up fully. That is a gift! In practical terms: Decide-ask yourself if you could have it your way, what feels expansive for you to attend or not attend? If you are for sure going to be around family, how long you want to stay? Make a pact with yourself, and here’s the adult part: communicate that early and often. For example: “Hi Aunt SuzieQ, thank you so much for the invitation for Xmas. I’m actually thrilled to come, but I can only stay for the first hour as I have another engagement. I understand if that doesn’t work for you-just let me know.” BTW your “other engagement” may be with you and your remote. It’s none of anyone’s business!
• #2-Change the channel (aka the subject) This one is for those times when a particularly annoying family member or friend you have to see asks you inappropriate or triggering questions you don’t want to answer like, “So…are you still single or are you seeing someone special?” Change the energy by literally just saying, “Hmmm, (ask them a question OR make a comment about something in front of you.) Example: “Hmmmm…omg, did you bring that apple pie, or was that someone else?” I know it sounds ridiculous, but our brains literally can switch, and you can redirect the energy even if it’s something superficial or random. You may feel ridiculous for 1 second, but it works. Then, if need be, move somewhere else in the room.
• #3-Spread love I know this one sounds very cliche, but bear with me. Consider that when people start yammering away at you with small talk or annoying questions, etc, that they are just as uncomfortable, nervous, unsure, etc. as you are. That’s just simply their way of diffusing potential awkwardness; it may have nothing to do with you at all or be a personal attack. When this happens, I always suggest going Sasha Fierce a.k.a. Beyonce with myself. I ask, “What would the most loving, grounded, authentic, confident, and secure version of me do right now/say right now/carry myself right now?” And most often, the answer that comes up is…love. Be love. Be loving to yourself. Love them. Love the weird convo. Even if they don’t ‘get’ you. Even if you’re on different planets. Find the gifts in the moment. What could they or the situation teach you about yourself? When you can come from that neutral space of just being “love” and not needing anything from anyone, you may actually surprise yourself and have fun. After all, it’s just a moment in time. Be love or be frustrated. The choice is always yours.

Wow. That was way more than I planned to share, but asi es la vida (such is life!)

Your Invitations:
Have an AMAZING week, and let me know if you made it this far down, Q: Which tip are you going to adopt this holiday season: 1,2, or 3? Leave me a comment below!

And if you’re ready to make 2025 the year you manifest your soul mate partner or dream business, I’d love to support you as your intuitive coach! Comment “2025” below, and let’s talk.