Kiante Wheatley’s Post

In my 14 years supporting R U OK? one of my biggest takeaways has been to never make assumptions. Katherine Newton CEO of R U OK? reminded me greatly of this last week, when she shared, one of her most valuable lessons has also been to #neverassume — especially when it comes to the holiday season. The holidays can carry a heavy emotional weight for many, and it’s essential to approach this time of year with awareness and empathy. Instead of asking people about their Christmas and holiday plans with the assumption that it’s a joyful time, I practice being aware of the context: 💛 Have they lost someone they loved? 💛 Might they be feeling lonely, perhaps living solo? 💛 Are they having to work while others celebrate? 💛 Is there family friction going on? 💛 Could there be financial pressure, a lost job or without work? 💛 Might a child, partner, family member or friend be sick? 💛 Maybe there is no holiday or time for rest and fun? This year, I challenge us to rethink how we can check in with others. Instead of asking, "What are you doing over the holidays", try “How are you feeling about the holidays?” or "What does Christmas time look like for you?." This allows for a more honest and open conversation, perhaps a less 'tick in the box' chat at a busy time, when we might just forget how impactful our little interactions can be. A simple and small act of care can be more meaningful than we realise. Head to ruok.org.au/holiday for more tips #RUOK #Holidays #Everyday

Permission Granted! When life seems to be expecting one thing, but something else entirely is going on....there is inevitable and obvious conflict, and it shows up in our thoughts, feelings and actions. True story--it's holiday time chock full of expectations, and I am running my business at the same time. Just like you. It's holiday time, and I've got lots to do. Just like you. It's holiday time, and I have things happening around me that are not fun to deal with, or fa la la, and it's making it really hard to enjoy holiday time. Is this you too? One of the four "ingredients" I have for holiday time (that applies all the time) is: Permission. Permission to be yourself. Permission to tell it like it is. Permission to not pretend. And, that is the permission I took this weekend when I had two parties to attend and one to give. I didn't want to bring doom and gloom to these holiday gatherings, so I didn't. But, when someone asked honestly what was up--I told them. I told them how I was really feeling. I told them what was really going on. I told them I wasn't especially happy and fa la la. Then, I got a little perspective on top of my permission. And then I was glad I went to those parties even though I wasn't feeling like it at the time. And then I reminded myself that living "your best life" or your favorite life or your happiest holiday doesn't always look or feel great. Sometimes it just feels like life. Regular life. And, that's really ok. However the month is shaping up for you, I encourage you to let yourself be the way you are...however messy that may be. And, if you need someone to help you through it, you know where to find someone who really gets it. #permissiongranted #holidayexpectations #saynototoxicpositivity

December often feels like a month of endless obligations. Holiday parties, work events, family gatherings—there’s always something demanding our time and energy. For introverts, this whirlwind can quickly become overwhelming. But here’s the truth: saying no is a form of self-care. It’s not about avoiding people or missing out; it’s about prioritising your well-being so you can truly enjoy the moments that matter most. As an introvert who helps others succeed, I’ve learned that saying no isn’t selfish—it’s empowering. Here’s how you can use the power of “no” to create a more peaceful December: Set Boundaries with Confidence: Decide what events align with your energy and values, and politely decline the rest. A clear “no, thank you” can free up time for what truly matters. Remember Your ‘Yes’ Is Powerful: Every time you say no to something that doesn’t serve you, you’re saying yes to rest, reflection, and meaningful experiences. Use Gentle Honesty: You don’t have to explain yourself. A kind but firm response like, “I won’t be able to make it, but thank you for thinking of me,” is enough. Plan Your Own Joyful Moments: Trade obligations for activities that bring you peace—like reading by the fire, baking, or spending time with a small group of loved ones. Protect Your Energy: Saying no to one event might mean you have the energy to fully enjoy the next one. Think of it as an investment in your holiday happiness. This December, give yourself the gift of peace. By embracing the power of saying no, you’re creating space for a holiday season that feels calm, meaningful, and uniquely yours. How do you protect your energy during the busy holiday season? Let’s share strategies in the comments to inspire a more peaceful December for everyone. #IntrovertSuccess #ThePowerOfNo #HolidayBalance #PeacefulDecember

Going Home for Christmas: What Does “Home” Mean to You? As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves planning that cherished return “home” for Christmas. But what does home really mean? Is it the house you grew up in, nestled in your hometown? Is it the city you’ve built a life in as an adult? Or is it simply the place where you feel the most peace, surrounded by the people who matter most? For some, going home means heading back to family traditions—the comfort of familiar faces, the smell of holiday meals, and stories that have been told a hundred times but still make us laugh. For others, home might mean staying in the sanctuary they’ve created in their current life, recharging quietly after a year of hard work. One thing is certain: home—wherever or whatever it is—is a concept deeply tied to rest, connection, and belonging. After a year of relentless work, meeting deadlines, chasing goals, and balancing responsibilities, the holiday season offers us a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and refocus on what truly matters. Whether you’re packing your bags to visit family, hosting loved ones in your own home, or spending the holidays doing absolutely nothing (and loving it), it’s a time to let go of the hustle. It’s about leaning into traditions, creating new ones, and taking the downtime we often overlook in our quest for success. This Christmas, I invite you to redefine what “home” means for you. Maybe it’s with family, maybe it’s in solitude, or maybe it’s wherever you feel at ease. Wherever it is, cherish the chance to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—not just with others but with yourself. So, where is home for you this Christmas? And how do you plan to make the most of it? #christmastime #timetoreflect #workandplay

5 Days to Christmas! 🎄 It's that time of year again! Are you scrambling around in the Christmas rush to get those last-minute things done? With only five days left, the festive chaos is in full swing. 🎁 I get how hard it can be to juggle a busy work schedule with the fun of preparing for the holidays. From finishing up work projects to finding that perfect gift, this season can be both fun and stressful. I try to plan everything carefully to avoid stress, but it's the excitement of last-minute plans that often brings out the real spirit of Christmas. It's important to take a moment to enjoy the weekend even with the holiday rush. Whether you're catching up with family, finishing your shopping, or just taking a break, remember to enjoy these moments. Let's share our weekend plans and how we're getting ready for Christmas in the comments below! If you need any career advice or are looking for the perfect job to start the New Year, visit www.hsquaredtalent.co.uk. Enjoy the weekend and the countdown to Christmas! 🎅✨ #ChristmasCountdown #WeekendVibes #Holidays2024

🎄 Feeling Overwhelmed by Holiday Chaos? 🎄 Ever feel like the holidays are running you instead of the other way around? Between the gift-giving, the parties, the to-do lists, and the constant pull of expectations, it’s easy to lose yourself in the whirlwind of “holiday cheer.” Here’s the thing: not every holiday season feels the same. Some years are harder, and some are easier. Every holiday reflects the life stage we’re in. It’s unrealistic to think we can recreate the same magic of Christmas every year when our circumstances and emotions shift so much. ✨ Maybe you’ve lost a loved one, and the holidays feel a little emptier. ✨ Maybe you’re navigating the end of a relationship or rediscovering yourself. ✨ Maybe your kids have grown, and the once-bustling house feels too quiet. ✨ Or maybe you’re in a more festive stage—new relationships, new family members, or lots of joyful moments to celebrate. Whatever stage you’re in, the magic comes from being present for all of it—the joy, the messiness, and even the fleeting moments. Give yourself permission to feel it all. ✨ Quick Tip to Reclaim Your Holiday Peace: Practice self-care. Say YES to what brings you joy. Say a kind but firm "No, thank you" to what doesn’t serve you. You don’t have to do everything to make the season meaningful. Focus on connection, honor where you are, and create space for the magic—big or small—to find you. What’s one thing you’ll do today to find peace and joy in this stage of life? Share below—I’d love to hear from you. #MindsetMatters #HolidayWellness #OverwhelmToEase #MileOneCoaching #IntentionalLiving

Start Planning Your Summer Holidays Today! Christmas is just around the corner, and before we know it, the festive season will be behind us. Once the New Year begins, what’s next on everyone’s mind? That’s right—summer holidays! For me, this time of year is all about reflecting on the opportunities that have truly changed my life. Thanks to an incredible business opportunity, I’m not just dreaming about my next holiday destination—I’m already planning to visit ALL the places I’ve always wanted to explore. Imagine this: No stressing over saving for months to afford that trip. Having the flexibility to work while exploring the world. The freedom to choose where you go, when you go, and for how long. This isn’t just about earning an income—it’s about building a life full of choices, freedom, and experiences. Whether it’s lounging on a tropical beach, exploring vibrant cities, or reconnecting with nature in serene landscapes, this opportunity has made it all possible for me. And here’s the best part—you can do it too. If you’re tired of being stuck in the same cycle every year—working hard, taking short breaks, and still feeling like you’re missing out—this is your chance to change the game. Ready to turn your dreams into plans? Let me show you how @ join-adam.com Why wait until the summer to make a change? Let’s start now, and by the time the sun’s shining bright, you’ll be basking in the glow of your newfound freedom. Drop a comment or DM me to chat more about this life-changing opportunity!

Is it just me, or is the holiday hustle real? So here’s the deal: Christmas holidays are here, and everyone’s either sipping eggnog or wrapping presents, living their best festive lives... and then there’s me.... On one side, my workaholic brain is whispering: 'Hey, shouldn’t you be emailing that client or scheduling that campaign?' And on the other side, the compassionate me is like: 'Chill, it’s Christmas! Let people enjoy their jingle bell vibes without work interruptions.' But let’s be real, it’s tough! I feel guilty for not working and equally guilty for thinking about working. Is this the holiday dilemma no one warned us about?! What about you? Are you fully unplugging, sneaking in some work, or just vibing with the chaos? Let me know how you’re navigating this season! Also, is it actually okay to hit up clients during Christmas? Or should we all just step away from the laptop and let the auto-replies do their thing? 🤔 Lemme know your thoughts while I overthink this some more. Happy holidays, y’all!  ___ Share it ♻️ and follow me, Fatima B. for more posts and weekly updates. #WorkaholicLife #HolidayHustle #ChristmasConfessions #WorkLifeBalance #HolidayDilemma #WorkModeOnOrOff

ALWAYS...I have enjoyed and reveled in the fact that Christmas Day and New Year's Day were just a week a part - giving an obvious need to demonstrate that time can be taken to reflect, recharge, and gravitate toward family, friends, close colleagues, and family fur balls. So many years I worked through this holiday time so the managers, teams, and staff were able to take off to be with their family and friends. I did not consider this a sacrifice or to deem myself overly gratuitous, however, I did consider this to be a gift I could give back to those managers and staff that had worked so hard and so well throughout the year. As CEO of StellaVersed Consulting Firm LLC, I can actually make that decision for myself now, relinquishing the need to work through the holiday week catching up on and starting new initiatives. To get ahead and make connections with many online now, because not everyone celebrates this time of year. The desire to stay plugged in is strong and we are not given kudos for taking a much needed downtime. I have watched many on LinkedIn "Sign off, Take a couple days, I'm OUT, See ya next year" and many other fabulous ways to say I'm stepping back for a bit to reflect, recharge, and restore physically, mentally, and emotionally. As I take my turn to say this phrase - "Enjoying Some Time Away" - I wish everyone a Happy Holiday and Celebration Time in whatever way you may choose to bring about the joy, relief, and unexpected pleasures of being with those who matter the most to you. Cheers to re-connecting with present colleagues and creating new connections and collaborations with fresh and energizing resources in the New Year! #HappyHolidays 🎄 🎄 🎉 🎉 #StellaVersedConsultingFirm #LeadershipExcellence #HealthcareIT #HealthcareAdministration

I don’t know about you, but the sight of Christmas decorations already popping up is sending my clients into scramble mode. Calendars are filling with invites. Year-end deadlines feel like they’re closing in. And everyone’s trying to cram everything in before things go quiet. For so many, December and January are practically write-offs for work. And depending on where you are, it’s a different kind of marathon: In Australia, the holidays mean summer break—family getaways and quieter business days. In the US, it’s the Thanksgiving-to-New Year whirlwind. In Asia, Christmas leads into the Chinese New Year festivities. So, if you’re balancing multiple time zones or global teams, it can feel like everyone’s gone at some point… just not at the same time. So, how do you keep your head on straight and avoid getting swept away by all the ‘must-do’s? Here’s what I recommend: ✨ Set Boundaries for the Season Decide now what’s a ‘yes’ and what’s a ‘not this year’. Make space for downtime, so you’re not burning out before the New Year even starts. ✨ Time-Box for Efficiency Pick a few blocks of time for those last work goals you want to complete. No distractions, no extra meetings—just focused, productive time. ✨ Define What the Holidays Mean to You What do you want this season to feel like? A blur of obligations or a series of intentional, joyful moments? Align your plans around that. Because the best gift you can give yourself is a little peace—and it’s FREE. What’s one boundary you’re ready to set this season? #PersonalBoundaries #OutOfOffice