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It feels like the holidays are more work than joy

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“It feels like the holidays are more work than joy.”

__________

Jay:

Honor your limits and make space for peace this holiday season. Choose joy over your perfection.

Hey there, friend.

Have you ever said, “Pull up a chair?”

It’s a simple phrase, one we use without much thought—at the table, in meetings, even during casual conversations. In fact, I probably say it all the time when I’m interviewing guests for my podcast without even realizing.

But lately, I’ve been thinking about what it really means.

It’s not just about moving a piece of furniture. It’s an invitation to come closer, to connect, to share in something more meaningful: our space. 

This small, everyday gesture feels especially profound during the holidays, a time often filled with both joy and tension. In a world that can feel so divided, where even holiday gatherings come with the weight of difficult conversations, the idea of “pulling up a chair” reminds me how important it is to find spaces where we truly connect.

Joy isn’t a luxury—it’s a reason to be. Even when life is busy. Even when there’s a thousand things vying for your attention. Taking a moment for yourself to reconnect with that inner spark is one of the most powerful things you can do. 

When I created my GENIUS Membership Program six years ago, it was with this exact feeling in mind. I didn’t want to just coach from afar or communicate through social media alone. I wanted to create a space to "pull up a chair" for people anywhere in the world—people ready to grow, to dream bigger, and to discover what’s possible for their lives. 

And more than that, I wanted to pull my chair closer, too.

That’s what I’ve done every Sunday since. For six years, I’ve met with my GENIUS Members online for intimate meditations and coaching workshops.

Sometimes we talk about the small, everyday things—where I’ve traveled, what’s happening in my family, or challenges I’ve faced. Other times, we tackle the bigger questions—setting boundaries, navigating tough emotions, or finding clarity in moments of uncertainty.

GENIUS has become my version of a holiday table—a global community of people pulling their chairs closer, cutting through the noise, and finding what connects us all.

It’s the only place online where I coach directly each week. And this holiday season, I’m inviting you to join us.

This Week Only: You can join my GENIUS Membership Program with an exclusive 20% discount with the code CYBERWEEK

With hundreds of workshops and meditative exercises, the GENIUS Membership Program helps you find peace and stay centered, no matter how busy life gets.

If deeper conversations and closer connections are what you need—now or always—there’s a seat waiting for you.

With gratitude,

📚 #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
🎧 Host of the On Purpose Podcast
🙏 Creator of the Jay Shetty Certification School

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Community Challenge

We’re building a community, folks! Last week, I challenged you to commit to one creative task just for yourself.

So many people responded. The overwhelming theme was finding creativity in tasks they didn’t even realize were creative – like choosing your outfit, cleaning the apartment, or organizing a closet.

One response I wanted to share with you was from reader Thea.

Thea said, “Lately I’ve been popping into Canva and doing visual designs for things like a list of goals, mantras — just making something visually appealing out of something that deserved a little sparkle. Doesn’t always turn out amazing…but I find it’s really helped me stay inspired.”

I think that’s absolutely brilliant, Thea. And you’re highlighting something I love – which is that flexing our creative muscles doesn’t churn out something perfect in order to leave us feeling fulfilled. Keep up the great work, all of you.

This week’s challenge:

Commit to do one thing every day that brings you joy.

Hit reply and let me know what you did—I might share a list of joyful activities next week!

Poll of the week

What brings you joy during busy times?

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