A few days ago I extended an invitation to pause and reflect.
And I myself have slept very little since. LOL.
The Reclaim Marathon I've been recording has been amazing—truly connecting, having great conversations with incredible women. But here's what happens after: all those conversations have to be edited, polished, and wrapped up with all the digital ribbon and bows.
Which is a whole different ballgame.
I've simplified the process in the almost two years I've been doing Ordinary Talks with Extraordinary Women. And yet. It still takes time, effort, good thoughts, and lots of strong coffee.
What Fills Me Up (And What Doesn't)
I truly enjoy the process of connecting. I enjoy the conversations themselves. I even enjoy the editing—getting it just right, the way I like it. And I appreciate the conversations even more when I'm in the thick of editing them.
But what I love most? The moment someone comes into alignment with themselves, sometimes for the first time in their entire life.
That sharp intake of breath when a limiting belief they've carried for decades suddenly dissolves. The tears when they realize the thing they've been searching for has been sitting inside them all along. The quiet, almost disbelieving voice that says, "Wait. I can do this?"
I love seeing people grow. I love watching them discover (or re-discover!) something that brings them unbridled joy and fulfillment—something they'd forgotten existed or never knew they were allowed to want or experience.
Witnessing someone find their own alignment? That's when my energy is up, my creativity is flowing, my ideas won't stop coming. That's when I remember why I do what I do.
But then there's the other work. The drudgery of automations and tech. The necessity to learn things from scratch when every fiber of me is screaming to write, or create, or craft, or put ideas together. When I have to do the "stuff" that just needs to get done.
My energy is down. My motivation has joined the energy.
And at the end of the day, the depth of those sacred conversations—those transformation moments—fades behind the work they require after.
Which breaks my heart a little.
But it also makes me ask the question I've been asking all these beautiful people during reclaim season: Does it align with your values, energy, and time?
The Balancing Act
I think a lot of us burn out when the balance is off. When what we "need" to do overpowers what we "can" do. When the "should's" take over. When we cannot remember the last time we read a book, played our favorite game, or just quietly enjoyed a favorite beverage.
As I released my third Reclaim Marathon episode—with the beautiful Rev. Jenn Latham—I couldn't help but think about my own life and the pause I so desperately need.
Rev. Jenn talked about the "sacred pause." Pausing and listening to your inner sacred voice can sometimes be the most powerful—and effective—thing we can do for ourselves.
So I'm taking my own advice. Starting Christmas Day.
Join Me
While it hasn't arrived yet and many pots are still on my metaphorical (and literal!) stove, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the year. On your energy, values, and time. On finding the pauses in your own life.
A couple invitations:
Listen to the Reclaim Marathon — short, applicable conversations with incredible women on reclaiming pieces of yourself. (And you don't have to be a woman to appreciate the depth!) or watch it the episodes that are already available here.
Send me a story that warms your heart — one with a positive "reclaim" aspect. About the season. About a "Paris" in your life. About people who made a difference. Share it in the comments below or reach out directly. It'll warm my heart and become fuel for more stories in 2026.
Much Aloha,
Olga