The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration—but it can also bring stress, especially for creatives. Whether you’re an actor, writer, artist, or entrepreneur, the season can feel overwhelming when questions about your career or creative projects come up.

Family dinners (or even quick Face-Time calls) often come with well-meaning questions like, “How’s your career going?” or “What have you been working on?” While these questions are intended to connect, they can trigger frustration, self-doubt, or even sadness, especially if you’re in a quiet period or feel like you haven’t yet reached the goals you set.

It’s natural to feel uncomfortable in these moments, especially when the spotlight seems to shine on the places where you feel you haven’t yet achieved enough. You might catch yourself thinking:

• “Why haven’t I reached my goals yet?”
• “Others seem to be thriving—why isn’t my career taking off?”
• “If I haven’t booked anything recently, am I really a creative?”

These thoughts are heavy, and it’s easy to let them define your worth. But here’s the truth: they don’t tell the full story of who you are. The inner critic that brings up these doubts isn’t always based on reality—it’s based on the judgments we carry within ourselves.

No matter what questions you get asked, please remember, you are so much more than your most recent gig or project.

This holiday season, you have an opportunity to shift your perspective, quiet your inner critic, and navigate family gatherings with a sense of calm and confidence, no matter where you are in your creative journey.

To help, I’ve created a free guided meditation, “Peaceful Holiday Gatherings,” designed to center you before these interactions. This simple practice will help you ground yourself in self-acceptance and enjoy gatherings and conversations with more ease.

Click Here to Download “Peaceful Holiday Gatherings”

This simple practice is designed to help you center yourself and find calm (in under 10 minutes) before engaging in family conversations or reflecting on your creative journey during the holidays.

By taking a few moments to ground yourself, you’ll be able to approach questions with more clarity, self-acceptance, and confidence.

Here are 5 Ways to Find Peace This Holiday Season

1. Take a moment before gatherings to quiet your mind.
Spend a few minutes grounding yourself with the “Peaceful Holiday Gatherings” meditation to create inner peace before heading into potentially stressful conversations. You can listen to this audio in under 10 minutes before you enter any holiday gathering.  (Yes, pull over before you arrive at the in-laws house and give this a listen first).
Click Here to Download my gift to you: “Peaceful Holiday Gatherings.”

2. Soften your own judgment.
Remind yourself that your creative journey is unique. There is no “perfect timeline” for success, and it’s okay to be in a season of growth, not just achievement.

3. Respond with vulnerability and love.
When asked, “How’s the acting (or your creative work) going?” try responding from a place of openness, like:

• • “I’m embracing the journey and excited for what’s ahead.”
  • “Right now, I’m focusing on growth and staying ready for the next opportunity.”

4. Redirect with genuine interest.
Instead of focusing on the question, try flipping it with: “What’s been the highlight of your year?” This shows your genuine interest in others and takes the pressure off you.

5. Don’t take it personally.
Remember, most people are genuinely curious and aren’t trying to bring up insecurities—they might just not know the right questions to ask. Show yourself and them compassion.

As creatives, we all know that pursuing your passion takes immense courage. Whether you’re in between projects or reflecting on what’s next, you are still in the arena, doing the work, and that takes bravery.

If you’re looking for more support this holiday season, I invite you to download my free “Peaceful Holiday Gatherings” guided meditation. It’s a powerful tool that can help you transform this season into one of calm, joy, and self-acceptance.

“Wendy’s voice and imagery in this audio gets me into a
peaceful, empowered and loving headspace – where I feel unshakeable. I use it before every holiday gathering.”
– Julie J.

Click Here to Download “Peaceful Holiday Gatherings”

Take a deep breath, center yourself, and find peace during this busy time. You’ve got this!

Comment below and share how you find calm during the holiday season.  I’d love to hear your tips or any practices that help you stay grounded amidst the holiday chaos.
Love + Gratitude,
Wendy

PS: Click Here to Download “Peaceful Holiday Gatherings” and make this holiday season your most peaceful yet.  Enjoy!