I’m writing this as I’m stepping into something that makes a lot of ambitious business owners uncomfortable just thinking about it.

I’m taking the entire month of December off.

Not just working reduced hours or checking emails less frequently. I mean completely stepping away from my business for four full weeks.

My business will keep running for the first two weeks—my incredible team has everything handled—and then they’ll take the last two weeks off as well. The whole operation goes completely offline.

And honestly? Giving myself permission to fully step away like this is one of the most radical—and necessary—things I do for my business and my life.

I know this might sound completely backwards in a culture that glorifies the “holiday hustle” and tells us December is the perfect time to “finish strong” and “set yourself up for January success.”

But here’s what I’ve learned after years of doing this: The pause IS the power.

December is naturally a month of going inward, of slowing down, of reflecting on what’s been and dreaming into what’s next. When I fight against that natural rhythm and try to maintain summer-level energy and productivity, I burn out. My creativity suffers. My relationships suffer. My business actually suffers.

But when I lean INTO December’s invitation to rest, to reflect, to BE rather than DO? Magic happens.

I come back to my work in January with clarity I didn’t have before. Fresh perspectives. New ideas that could only emerge in the spaciousness of true pause and rest. Energy that’s sustainable for the long haul instead of just the next sprint.

My team comes back renewed too. More creative, more connected, more excited about the work we’re doing together.

This isn’t just about me having the privilege to take time off (though I recognize that privilege). It’s about modeling a different way of relating to work, to productivity, to success itself.

Maybe you can’t take a full month off right now. But what if you could:

• Take one full week offline?
• Close your business for the week between Christmas and New Year’s?
• Give yourself permission to work shorter days in December?
• Stop checking email after 5pm during the holidays?
• Say no to that project that would require you to work through your vacation?

What would become possible if you trusted that rest is productive too?

That slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind—it means coming back stronger, clearer, more aligned with what actually matters?

I’m not suggesting this because I think you should do what I do. I’m sharing it because I want you to know that you have permission to honor your own rhythms, even when they go against the cultural grain.

Your business can thrive AND you can rest deeply. In fact, one might just be the key to the other.

What does your heart need this December?

P.S. If you’re feeling guilty about even considering slowing down, that’s probably a sign you need it most. Trust the wisdom of the season. Trust the wisdom of your body. Trust that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

P.P.S. One last thing—I’ve pre-scheduled a few seasonal reflections to land in your inbox while I’m away. Even though I’m offline, I wanted to make sure you had some gentle reminders about honoring your own rhythms during this liminal time of year. Think of them as little love notes from my heart to yours.