Welcome to all my new subscribers and my 5200 loyal readers who have been with me for the past 20 years.

Lost loved ones, broken relationships, unhappy marriages, unrequited love, estranged children, career worries or financial downturns are brought to the fore amid the bright lights and gaiety of the season. Their juggernaut of jollity can be relentless.

So a little shout out this week to those who are feeling the dread, grief or sadness at this time but are putting on a jolly holly brave face.

Here are a few gifts to self to provide you with comfort and, I hope, a little joy if you are facing a blue Christmas:

• It’s entirely OK to say “no” to other people’s needs or demands
• Learn the art of “absquatulation” otherwise know as the French Exit – you can leave when you want and without saying goodbye
• Have detox days of reflection, ducking out, journaling, long baths, reading and restoration
• It’s entirely fine to pare down with preparations and decorations
• Enjoy simple rituals like listening to carols, burning a candle, sipping your tea slowly
• Acknowledge your sadness or loss by writing down your feelings
• Give yourself permission to say “I am sad/worried/missing someone”. All of your emotions are valid
• Don’t feel you have to explain yourself to others
• Ask yourself “what would I like to carry into the New Year and what do I want to leave behind?”
• Being sad at Christmas is not a failing. You are human. It’s not a cheer contest.
• Self-care is the greatest gift you can give to yourself. As you give to yourself you also give to the world.

Want to talk? Email me.

Pure Coaching Academy

Being a conduit of change where you have motivated, inspired and steered a new course for someone’s life is a joy that few believe can also be a career.

Maybe you have what it takes already. You get a genuine kick out of helping others, are a natural problem solver for friends and are the wise one who sees the potential in others. It may seem daunting and you don’t know where to start but there is a very clear and simple path ahead.

Join us at the Introduction to Coaching Workshop

Details:

📅 January 9th or 10th, 2026 (choose which day suits you)

⏰ 10am-12:30pm GMT (11am - 1.30pm CET) via Zoom

💷 £67 if you book by January 2nd (£97 after)

Special bonuses:

If you enroll in our Pure Academy Spring cohort, your workshop fee will be deducted from the course. 

Plus - You'll get an extra special bonus discount if you enroll within 48 hours of the workshop.

This bonus will be revealed at the end of the workshop. 

If you've ever wondered if you have what it takes to become a great coach, this workshop will give you the clarity and confidence you’re looking for. You may want to add new tools and skills to what you are currently doing, would love an added income stream or want to start your own abundant practice - this is the next step for you.

Let’s make 2026 the year you changed your life and career and became the coach you know you can be.

Why not buy someone who is unhappy at work who is looking for a whole new change in 2026 this unique gift? The Introduction to Coaching workshop is a taster of what it’s like to be a coach.

Here coach Natalie Watkins and I tell you more.

About Carole Ann Rice

Carole Ann is an award winning journalist, media consultant and high profile coach, with over 20 years' coaching experience with private clients and major organisations such as the London School of Economics and Play England.

She co-wrote Start Your Dream Business and Find Your Dream Job which are available from Amazon.

She is the winner of 'Best Coach' in the Best Business Women's Awards 2017.

She is also MD of the Pure Coaching Academy which is an accredited (IIC&M) 8 week life coach training course where she trains people to become world class coaches. It includes an inclusive coaching manual which is the handbook of any new life coach when starting out.

As her website boldly states "not just another life coach".

Carole Ann Rice | Real Coaching Co | Pure Coaching Academy 

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