Christmas Countdown Calendar Day 17

The: Making Friends and Maintaining Friendships

The Strength to Say No

Friendship also means setting boundaries to protect your energy, especially during challenging life transitions. It’s okay to say no to invitations or expectations that don’t align with your well-being. True friends will understand and respect your needs.

This Christmas, give yourself permission to prioritize what feels right for you. Saying no isn’t about shutting people out—it’s about making space for the connections and activities that truly matter.

Journaling Prompt: What’s one boundary you need to set this season to protect your energy? How can you communicate it kindly to a friend?

Action Step: Practice saying no today, even if it’s just to a small request that feels overwhelming.

Interactive Comment: Learning to honor your needs? Comment with “I’m choosing me!”

Would you like to find out what type of friend YOU are? How well do you know your friends? If you and a new friend really are compatible? I have created a set of light-hearted quizzes, quotes and questions to help you do just that. Just fill in the form below and you’ll get immediate access to them all. I’ll also add you to my newsletter list, though you can unsubscribe from this list effortlessly and at any time. Included:

How well do you know your Friends? Quiz
What is Your Friendship Style? and Are your Friendship Styles compatible? Quiz
20 of the Most Inspiring Friends and Friendship Quotes and
20 lighthearted Questions you can ask to get to know a new Friend

Discover how to build meaningful, lasting friendships and create a support system that truly has your back—delivered straight to your inbox!

Author Bio: Dr Margaretha Montagu – described as a “game changer”, “gifted healer”, “guiding light” and “life-enriching author” – is an experienced medical doctor, a certified NLP practitioner, a medical hypnotherapist, an equine-assisted psychotherapist (EAGALAcertified) and a transformational retreat leader who guides her clients through life transitions – virtually, or with the assistance of her Friesian and Falabella horses, at their home in the southwest of France.

Hit the pause button and regain your footing during a From Troubled to Triumphant: Find Solid Ground during Life Quakes Retreat. Imagine walking a peaceful stretch of the Camino de Santiago, where every step helps untangle the mental clutter or spending time with gentle Friesian horses who teach you the art of mindfulness. These retreats blend reflection and relaxation in a way that feels more like an exciting adventure than hard work. Whether you choose to make a change or are forced to, this retreat offers the perfect blend of peace, perspective, and playful exploration to help you rise from troubled to triumphant!

All content of this website is copyrighted. You cannot copy the content of this page