Feeling a 'lil grinchy or scrambled on this darkest day of the year? You're normal.

This time of year (big exhale), we all experience a host of endless emotions... they can ruin an otherwise good day and your mental and financial wherewithal.

The holidays.

Winter.

The year's end.

The solstice.

On this darkest day of the year, I know it well; we're likely all racing around, maxing our daylight opportunities (outside if possible), closing down 2023, trying to time our last financial decisions of the year, counting the remaining business hours in the year to transact effectively, all while trying not to panic about market predictions, and we're also possibly blindly purchasing proof of our financial means or our love for others like our lives depend on it, as if Monopoly money is this week's currency.

And as if that's not enough, we're stealing away in secrecy somewhere hidden, orchestrating fanciful coverings on these proof points of love and capability, adorning ribbons and bows to solidify the effect that we had our sh*t together all along, figuring we'll deal with the blow back of our checkbook balance later on.

Wipe your brow. Take a moment and rest.

Whether we're racing around, hibernating, withdrawing, compensating, overrating, indulging, disappearing, grinching, grimacing, relishing, reflecting, hoping, remembering, remorsing, grasping, hunkering, celebrating, mourning, reminiscing, jeering, cheering, or simply internally coping one hour at a time... We can do this.

And this too shall pass.

The feels' spectrum is indefinite.

I encourage you to know intuitively in you that it's all normal. Whatever it is you're feeling, you're not alone.

If money is adding to your feels, here's my tip:

Make a list. Check it twice. You'll find out whether your budget can stretch or is too tight.

With a list, you've carefully thought out who you already have covered or who else you really need (read want) to buy presents for still and exactly what these gifts should be, so you won't be online tonight massively overcompensating by filtering for more items in excess that can still arrive in time for your gathering(s). And you won't be behind a wheel freewheeling with your credit cards tapping and swiping them like Zorro up and down Main Street either. I hope not.

Let it all go.

The gift is YOU. Not something you raced to purchase to stuff a stocking or a shoe.

Relax.

They want to spend time with you.

So instead? Try out making your gift, or writing a thoughtful note that describes a daydream you hold in your heart of how you'll spend time with that special and lucky recipient of your time in the New Year. Tell them what you appreciate about them. Tell them what they mean to you. Be present. Be the present.

Life can be cut short.

The gift of time is in fact priceless.

I'm thinking of a lovely co-worker who was instantly killed and robbed of his fatherhood one fateful Christmas Eve by a stranger who hastily ran a red light rushing to get home.

I'm thinking of the people, some are friends, and some are family, some I don't even know, who are receiving layoff notices this week. Of all weeks. Maybe you?

I'm thinking of the people in my life who are facing myriad challenges from life-changing events, news, and losses they too hadn't seen coming.

On this darkest day of the year, Winter Solstice, December 21, 2023, I'm reaching out to you to tell you haste, waste, overcompensation, and purchase pressure is just not worth it. Stop where you are and know: YOU ARE ENOUGH.

Once again, the gift of time is in fact priceless. So, I hope you also feel empowered not to spend your money or precious time left with anyone who makes you feel badly about yourself. Ain't no one got time for that. You deserve to live appreciated, peacefully and wholly. Letting only joy in as you design.

All my love to you, if you're still reading this far. I appreciate you for being in The Money Matters Club, a community of friends who are money-minded (in positive ways). If anyone needs a personal, virtual "hang-in-there," from me, do send me a note. Or tap into your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits, the no-cost, confidential counseling services available by phone, which will help you get through the toughest emotions that may creep up heavy this week. If you're not an employee somewhere that has an EAP-like offering, reach out to someone for support. Prioritize self-care. It matters.

Self-care is versatile. Exercise. Crafting. Yoga. Meditation. A trending 'everything shower' (LOL). A nap. A movie. A walk outside. Charitable giving. Preparing a meal for yourself or for someone in need. Taking the lonely away for a moment by connecting. Really, the designs are endless.

Should you be feeling only joy right now, that's wonderful. I try to realize that others may not be so much this week and lend a kind word or perform a random act of humanity. At the moment, I give you this random blog that I hope one of you is reading and finds comforting or motivating. Heart it if you read it. Or share it with the others in your life to tell them they're on your mind and to hang in there this week too. Relating.

Stay safe. Take stock. Connect. Keep welcoming joy and light into your darkest day of 2023 today, and as well this most emotion-filled week-ish perhaps of every year that is upon us once again. It too shall pass--with as much joy and grace as possible, and with the least debt possible, I hope.

Wishing you every best thing, Club Friends.

Yours,

el

PS - a dear friend took me to see a Christmas Carol on stage recently. My first time seeing it performed live. It was remarkable and unforgettable. Way to take stock, Ebenezer; if you can, we all can!

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E.M.Powers ("el") is a regular person with no particular financial credentials or expertise who happens to be a money enthusiast and the founder of The Money Matters Club, a virtual watercooler for like-minded individuals with a thirst for building their own financial health. Since 2006, she's helped thousands of co-workers build their financial literacy and wealth by participating in The Money Matters Club, a community she built on her employer's internal network. Since 2023, she's been attempting to scale The Club's reach through its second home on the World Wide Web. Her opinions--as well as the opinions of all participants--are just that: opinions, which are subject to flawed logic, math, typos and correction. She keeps a growth mindset and is also always learning something new or bolstering her own understanding after discussions at The Club. All information shared is done so with the best intent to inspire and empower others to learn more about money considerations toward building their own financial muscles. Nothing shared is meant as individualized advice that anyone should act on without doing their own curious research and personal decision making. There are no dumb questions at The Money Matters Club. Your financial health and literacy are what this Club cares about. All investing involves risk. All results can and will vary.

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