December 2025
Finish the Year Soft*
In this era of examining, unlearning, and trying to do better, perhaps it’s time to rethink the old chestnut, finish strong.
Have you heard my story, If You’re Breathing, You’re Winning? A yoga teacher once gifted this mantra to my class. If you’re breathing, you’re winning left me rolling my eyes. That is, until the mantra turned into soul-saving advice.
This year was a tough one. Let’s give ourselves credit for being here to finish it. Surely, someone you know wasn’t as fortunate.
Instead of punishing ourselves, let’s give each other pep talks.
And chocolate.
And grace.
Let’s build community, and share a big pot of soup while wearing our coziest jammies**.
Let’s laugh and cry, and remind ourselves that feeling feelings is a sign of success in a world that is wearing us down, numbing us.
Let’s remind ourselves that we can do, that we have done, hard things, and celebrate all that we’ve overcome to get to this point.
Let’s start the year with tender hearts, big ideas, and lots of curiosity and creativity.
Let’s hone our ability to find awe in small, mundane things.
And a year from now, let’s give our soft selves a big hug and lots of reasons to be proud of who we are and how far we’ve come.
* Inspired by something with this title that my friend Cindy posted on Facebook.
** OMG, did I just come up with the *best* winter party idea? Invite me--I’ll bring fresh bread!
From laser cut scraps of wood circa 2018 to our current storytelling shows, workshops, rituals, and life coaching, a huge thanks to everyone who has welcomed me and Scrappy Affirmations into their lives. Best wishes for 2026!
More Hot Flashes
Hot Flashes are here again! Join in on Wednesday, December 10 at The Storefront on Main in Skokie. This month’s stories are full of blood, sweat, and tears, which, honestly, are all to be expected during The Change.
You’ll also have the chance to purchase some holiday and hormonal hits via a Secret World Books pop-up shop. Plus, a local potter will be on hand selling her ceramic creations. 100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to the Niles Township Food Pantry.
I’m trying this new thing called planning in advance. This means I can announce that the first Hot Flashes & Fierce Tales show of 2026 will take place February 15 at The Storefront in Skokie.
Because your advance planning skills may not be as, ahem, advanced, as mine, I want to point out the February 15 is a Sunday, and that the show will take place from 3-4:30 PM. Yes, our first afternoon Hot Flashes!
Ready for your turn in the spotlight? Apply for the February show.
Let’s Eat Cookies and Talk About Death
Death talking has been all the rage in recent weeks. In addition to the November Stories of Life and Love Show, I facilitated a private end-of-life discussion with a lovely family (they even provided the cookies), and I co-led an open-ended death conversation with a small group at my synagogue.
A big thank you to Mike Dyer, financial advisor with Edward Jones, and Philip Flores, Jr. of Cremation by Water for sponsoring the November Stories of Life and Love and (probably) the March 11, 2026 show as well.
Other than Life and Love and their close friends Loss and Grief, I haven’t yet narrowed down a theme for the March show. Pitch your story here; maybe I’ll build the night around it.
And, of course, reach out if I can help your family or members of your organization talk about death, end-of-life, disposition options, or grief.
Let’s Get Crafty
Want to craft a vision board?
Word of the Year sign?
Bingo card for 2026?
Join me as I open the basement studio for an End of Year, In-Person Crafternoon on Sunday, December 28. I’ll provide the supplies, a spot of tea, and will manage the clean-up. You just bring your fine self (and maybe a mug). Space is limited. Sign up today.
For Scrappy Affirmations’ far-flung friends, and the ones who think it’s just too dang cold out to leave the house, join me for a Word of the Year Zoom the afternoon of January 4
Until Next Time
You don’t need to buy things to relish in the joy of new seasons. (Related: cheap stuff has a lot of hidden costs. Here is one example.)
Turmeric? Alcohol? Baking soda? Sounds like an achievable art project as long as the sun cooperates.
The Chanukah song of 2025.
Let me know what’s making you laugh or think these days.
Kim
Scrappy Affirmations normalizes being human in a complicated world. We help you build resilience and find your mid-life mojo. We offer creative workshops, heartfelt rituals, and essential end-of-life planning.