In this episode, I discuss the idea of building a legacy. I share how over the past year and a half, through my podcast, social media, and networking, I have been building mine. 
My mission has been to help other single people like me find more joy.  Through my transparency, I hope to help others feel understood and less alone. It takes bravery to be real on this podcast, in photos, etc. I hope I’m known for that too. 
I challenge you to think about what it is you want to be known for. What is it that defines you as a person? I suggest you spend more of your time in 2023 focusing on those values.
As for me, I don’t want to be defined by my relationship status. I don’t want to just be known fir “Man Shopping “. It’s time for me to focus on other interests & pursuits. I’m still here… I just may be a bit quieter. 
Thank you for listening. Thank you for your support & friendship.
XOXO
Stacie

Since I recognize that the holidays are often busy, stressful, and not so holly jolly, I want to remind you of some of the things we singles should be grateful for and also give you all some ideas to bring a bit more joy to your Christmas season.

• We can plan time away without permission or agreement (within reason)
• We can decorate as little or as much and in any fashion we want.
• We don't have to share the goodies and gifts we receive.
• We can get a little extra fluffy (or unshaved) and no one knows the difference or cares.
• We can listen to Christmas music and watch movies without enduring eye rolls or ridicule.
• Some of us have less work to do overall... less food to make, fewer gifts to wrap, one side of the family to visit, etc.

Some ways to make your holidays more jolly:

• Travel with your kids.
• Give to a cause - time or money or both
• Keep things simple and NOT perfect
• Take care of yourself- take a bath, a walk, a nap. 
• Pamper yourself. Get a facial or massage.
• Say a prayer. Meditate. Reflect on things you are grateful for.

Merry Christmas, Friends!
xoxo,
Stacie

'Tis the Damn Season... You can call me babe for the weekend." ~ Taylor Swift

Cuffing season as defined by Merriam Webster:
"Refers to a period of time where single people begin looking for short term partnerships to pass the colder months of the year.' Cuffing season begins in October and lasts until just after Valentine's Day.

Paraphrasing a  recent article from Today.com says that cuffing season is a seasonal phenomenon of single people ramping up their efforts to enter into relationships during the fall and winter months. Cuffing season falls into the category of situationship. For some people it's a serious relationship. For others it is merely someone to come over when you want company on cold winter nights.

Loneliness is the ultimate driver of cuffing season.  The Cleveland Clinic explains that, " When the temperature drops and it gets cold earlier there is often a change of mood connected to the chemicals of serotonin and melatonin in your body. Cold nights can trigger intense feelings of loneliness and a drop in serotonin and there may even be a link between cuffing season and seasonal affective disorder.

During cuffing season, you may inadvertently lock yourself in a relationship you don't really want to be in. If you're feeling sad, lonely, or desperate, it may not be the best way to start a relationship. Hallmark movies, holiday commercials, etc remind us that being with someone makes us feel cozy. There is a natural boost in serotonin when we're feeling romantic.

I share my own experience of being in a "quasi" relationship during 1 of 4 cuffing seasons I've been through since being separated and divorced. I rebounded during my separation with a close friend. We dated through the fall and broke up on New Years Day. We went out on dates during the holidays, we exchanged gifts, and we were cozy. BUT shit got weird too... I was invited and then uninvited to an office Christmas party. The extra time I had during my holiday vacation time also exposed some underlying issues in our relationship. My boyfriend lied to me and declined an opportunity to spend time with me as well as an overnight invitation. He had family obligations that he wasn't truthful about. Because I didn't want to spend NYE alone, I stuck it out but broke up the next day. I don't regret this one cuffing season I participated in.

I think we're way more prone to "submarining" during cuffing season. Be cautious reaching out and being receptive to attention from people you were once romantic with. Maybe it's a great time to reconnect, maybe not. Cuffing doesn't have to be for the whole season. Maybe it can be fun to go as a plus one to a holiday wedding or NYE party. You don't have to lock down. 

Personally, I don't miss getting pulled in many directions to attend a bunch of celebrations and buying gifts for so many people. I enjoy the simplicity of my holidays now when I share my energy and time with my close loved ones. I enjoy being a hermit when it's cold outside. I can cuddle with my puppy. For now, that's good enough for me.