Weekly Happiness Note May 15, 2025

Why It’s Okay to Surrender and Stop Trying So Hard

“Surrender isn’t giving up—it’s choosing to let life meet you where you are.”

Happy Thursday,

Are you tired of feeling like you must keep it all together, all the time? If you’ve been running on empty, pushing through, or measuring your worth by your output, this week’s Happiness Note is your invitation to stop. Not to give up, but to breathe, soften, and remember there’s strength in slowing down. We’re talking about surrender—not as a last resort, but as a brave and beautiful way to come home to yourself.

In gratitude, ❤ Emily

This week’s topic and inspiration come from the article: “Why It’s Okay to Surrender and Stop Trying So Hard.”

*To receive the weekly planning prompt and framework to set you up for May 19th - May 25th, consider becoming a paid subscriber. For the rest, read below. 😊

💛 Remember the Good

Some of the most memorable moments in life aren’t the loud or flashy ones. They’re the quiet, delicious moments that feel repetitive but are filled with presence. When we’re not rushing or trying to be somewhere else, we actually feel alive. Surrendering to what is allows us to savor the now, which are the moments we’ll carry with us.

Tip for remembering the good: Let go of the need to be elsewhere. Take five minutes today to sit quietly and simply be.

🌿 Feel Your Best

You live in a body, not a robot or a productivity machine—a body that needs rest, nourishment, and rhythm. We end up burned out and depleted when we ignore our bodies' cues. It’s okay to surrender to rest. It’s OK to unplug. The more we listen and respond with care, the better we feel—and the less we have to push.

Tip to feel your best: Honor your natural rhythm. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight and let your body recharge.

🔄 Reset as Needed

Let life be softer. You don’t need to approach every day with force. When we allow ourselves to be open to play and lightness, we find joy in unexpected places. Setting a gentle intention can help you reset without pressure. Having fun is fun, and life doesn’t have to be hard to be meaningful.

Tip for a reset: Create a playful weekly intention. Something simple that reminds you to enjoy the little things and let go of force.

This Week’s Quote:

Go to these retailers to get your copy of “Fall in Love With Your Life, One Week at a Time.”

Put it into Practice: Planning for Next Week📝:

Use the framework below to plan your upcoming week: May 19th - May 25th.

Some people like to map out their forthcoming week on Friday to ease into the weekend, knowing they are ready to hit the road running on Monday. Others (like myself) have a Sunday planning ritual. Do what works best for you. Over the years, in supporting many people in their planning and goal-setting, it seems to work best to pick a day of the week that’s easy to stick to so that your weekly planning becomes a habit and ritual.

What are your wins? Before you organize the upcoming week, “May 19th - May 25th”, reflect on the week you are wrapping up. What are your wins (big or small)? What is something you are grateful for? What have you learned about yourself this week? Record your reflections in your journal or the Notes section of the Planner Printout. Feel free to comment below (others in this community will also be able to see your comment) or hit reply to this note and share directly with me.

Planner PDF printout: This printout is from the ‘Fall in Love with Your Life, Seasonal Planner’ and will give you the framework and planning system to help you organize your upcoming week: May 19th - May 25th. Click here to access. You will need to enter a password to open the PDF. It’s in all caps: FILWYL

Accountability: If you’d like an accountability check-in to support you in making the weekly planning ritual a regular habit, just hit reply to this email after you’ve organized your week and let me know you’re organized and complete. Feel free to share your weekly intention/power word. I’m always happy to be the check-in support and would love to celebrate your wins.

Instructional Video: Get free access to this mini 20-minute video course. It will show you how to efficiently use the ‘Fall in Love With Your Life, Seasonal Planner’ method of organizing your week. Go here to access the free video course.

Priorities: What are your top three priorities for the upcoming week? What are some of the daily ways you will prioritize yourself? Remember to balance your energy output with energy input. Think: What has been energizing me lately? What has been draining my energy?

Share your intention for the week of May 19th - May 25th.

What are you calling in? What is your power word/phrase?

Disclaimer: This newsletter's advice and strategies are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, we cannot guarantee outcomes or be held liable for any consequences of using or misusing the information provided. We encourage you to seek professional advice or consult with qualified experts for guidance related to your particular needs.