Resetting Your Mental Wellness After the Holidays: Why January and February Feel So Hard
Life can sometimes feel like you’re running on a treadmill—busy, exhausted, and wondering if you’re really moving forward at all. Maybe you’re doing everything "right": managing family, work, and self-care, but still feel a nagging sense of emptiness or overwhelm creeping in. You’re not alone. Many parents find themselves stuck in this paradox of effort without fulfillment, especially when life seems more complicated than expected.
As a wife, mom, licensed therapist, and someone who’s walked through this myself, I get it deeply. That’s why this episode of Fulfillment Therapy is dedicated to introducing some meaningful changes—new ways to approach mental health and wellness for you and your family. It’s about moving past the daily overwhelm and opening doors to real growth and connection, even in the busiest seasons of life.
This post reflects my passion to share these exciting new coaching opportunities, tools, and mindset shifts that my husband and I are embracing together—and now offering to families like yours. Because improvement isn’t about perfect productivity; it’s about creating small, intentional shifts that build lasting wellness and fulfillment.
Shifting from Overwhelm to Intentional Growth
In the podcast, I talked about the importance of slowing down and taking a personal audit—a moment of honest reflection on where you are, what’s working, and what’s not. It can be tempting to push harder when things get tough, but sometimes the best results come from stepping back.
January and February often feel like emotional gray zones for many parents, myself included. The holiday sparkle fades, and you’re left with a quieter, sometimes heavier season. I shared, “January and February are the bane of my personal existence as well... just feeling a bit stuck.” This is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to define your year.
By slowing down the hurry, you create space to notice where complacency has crept in and where small course corrections can have big impact. This kind of reflection sets the stage for meaningful coaching and support, which my husband and I now bring to you in innovative group coaching formats tailored for couples and individuals.
The Power of Coaching Together
One of the biggest lessons my husband and I have learned is how to work through our differences towards a shared goal of personal and relational growth. I described how we’ve come together with “our powers,” combining my type-A instincts with his more relaxed, "smelling the roses" approach, to model how couples can rally around becoming their best selves—both separately and together.
Our new group coaching programs are designed to offer that same kind of transformational experience for couples and parents. These small groups provide invaluable feedback, learning through shared stories, yet maintain anonymity for a safe, supportive space.
Coaching isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about empowering you to clear mental clutter and build your best life. Sometimes you realize, “You learn things in a way you don’t, without feedback from others.” This communal aspect can break the isolation and fuel motivation.
Embracing Real Stories and Compassionate Guidance
Listeners have told me they want more time with my podcast guests—experts, therapists, and coaches who bring deep insights. Starting January 2026, the format will shift to longer, two-part episodes that allow these conversations to breathe and resonate. In addition, I’m inviting listeners to participate in coaching sessions—an opportunity to get personalized feedback with or without showing your face.
This is a safe space where real struggles meet real solutions. If you feel stuck, but don’t know what else to do, sometimes hearing another person’s experience or receiving direct coaching can be the catalyst for change.
As Brené Brown wisely said,
"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome."
This kind of courage is exactly what I see in the parents and couples who reach out for coaching and growth.
Practical Steps to Begin Your Shift
If you’re wondering how to start, here are a few simple steps you can take right now:
Perform a Personal Audit: Take 10 minutes to write out what’s draining your energy, what you want more of, and where you feel stuck. Be honest, compassionate, and curious about yourself.
Slow Down the Hurry: Allow yourself to pause during the busiest moments. A deep breath, a mindful moment, or a ten-minute break can reset your mindset for healthier choices.
Explore Coaching or Support Groups: Whether it’s individual or couples coaching, joining a supportive community can provide the feedback and motivation to keep growing without shame or judgment.
Connect with Your Partner: Share your goals and struggles openly with your spouse or co-parent. Understanding each other’s rhythms and working as a team can transform overwhelm into shared strength.
Reach Out for Help: Our group coaching, and individual coaching programs are available now. Email
or check fulfillmenttherapy.org for more information.
Moving Beyond Perfectionism
Mental health and wellness in parenting isn’t about achieving some perfect ideal. It's about progress, connection, and freedom from unrealistic expectations. As psychologist Carl Rogers reminds us,
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."
This resonates deeply with the mission of Fulfillment Therapy: to help parents just like you accept where you are and take small steps toward a more meaningful, joyful family life.
Our coaching and resources emphasize practicing grace, eliminating harsh self-expectations, and celebrating genuine growth. You don’t have to be perfect to flourish—you just have to start.
What’s Next for Fulfillment Therapy?
With the podcast evolving to new episodes focused on longer, expert conversations, and increased opportunities for coaching, the future is bright for families wanting real mental health and wellness support. I'm thrilled to work with my husband, growing both personally and professionally, to impact more lives with this heartfelt work.
If you’ve felt alone in your parental and personal struggles, remember you’re joining a community that understands and supports you. Our goal is to transform exhaustion into strength and daily survival into a life you love.
Closing Thoughts: Your Best Life Is Closer Than It Seems
When we began this conversation, we talked about feeling stuck despite efforts to do everything right. That grayness, that overwhelm—it’s not where your story ends. The small, intentional changes we make together, whether through coaching, reflection, or community, create ripples that can transform your home and heart.
This journey isn't about giant leaps but about incremental steps toward authenticity and fulfillment. As you lean into these new practices, you’ll find your energy, joy, and connection growing in ways you might not expect.
Remember, improved mental health and family wellness are attainable—not through perfection, but through kindness, courage, and commitment. Let’s keep moving forward together.
With warmth and hope,
Kendra Nielson
If you want to learn more, explore coaching options, or join our supportive community, reach out anytime at
hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org or visit fulfillmenttherapy.org.
This is your space to heal and flourish.
Join us on Fulfillment Therapy, where you'll find healing, wellness, and the tools needed to live a life you can't wait to wake up to. Together, we can create positive ripples of change and help others ignite their lives with lasting joy and fulfillment.
Thanks for reading and listening and shine boldly and brightly, my friends!
Connect with Kendra:🤗
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