Weekend Wisdom: Less isn’t nothing. You get to decide what matters to you.

There’s a smile under there.

It’s heart-breaking to think about the difficult conversations going on right now. Big holiday gatherings are dangerous this year and may even be deadly so we are all talking about hard things. If you are having any trouble saying no, I recommend heading over to this Instagram post about what you can say.

As the saying goes, you can be a kind person and still say no.

It’s ok to feel sad and disappointed but it’s not ok to pressure or shame friends and family. If we stay apart for a little while longer, we are going to get lots of time to gather, travel and do other things that just aren’t safe right now.

If you are trying to hold a boundary, I’m proud of you. And if you are honoring one you don’t agree with, I’m proud of you too.

We’ve got enough stress this year. Let’s just love each other and be well.

Ok … onto the favorites:

The most relaxing sounds.

I’ve been making you the best gifts. 31 of them.

The placebo effect is fascinating.

This time last year, I wrote this.

How to say no to holiday events. I really like the no guilt recommendation.

I love when kids sing my favorite song.

A chat about simplicity and how to be more with less.

Declutter before the holidays starting with these 50 items.

How to start your own holiday traditions.

Still totally obsessed with this song.

How to donate food to a food bank for Thanksgiving.

A cat named Panda was lost and now he’s found. Here’s how he got home.

My next audiobook listen is Radical Compassion.

Over the weekend, I’ll be listening to this interview with Dolly Parton.

I could watch this over and over again.

If I wasn’t making a pie on Thursday, I’d be making this.

This week’s Instagram favorite is this image from @hellosunshine because we need laughter more than ever.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Weekend Favorites and have a beautiful, safe, healthy, loving weekend.

xo,

Courtney

P.S. 31 Days of Gifts is open! For only $3.10, you can send these gifts to yourself, family, friends, bookclub, co-workers and anyone who could use a little more delight this December.