The holiday season is supposed to be magical—twinkling lights, cozy nights, meaningful moments. But let’s be honest: for busy women, it can also feel like chaos wrapped in tinsel. Between family expectations, work deadlines, financial pressure, & emotional labor, it’s no surprise that holiday stress management becomes crucial for keeping your peace intact. At Intentionally Evolve, I believe busy women deserve a season that feels aligned, joyful, & gentle. I mean, isn’t the new thing “living a soft life?” Side note: I think I’m gonna try that for 2026, but right now I’m still a lil roughneck. Here’s how you can create a sense of holiday harmony—without burning out. ⸻ 1 . Set Boundaries Like Your Peace Depends On It (Because It Does!) This is the season when “Can you help with…?” turns into an Olympic sport. Your first line of defense? Clear, compassionate boundaries. The shortest boundary: “NO!” Whether it’s declining an extra event, scaling back gift exchanges, or saying no to last-minute emotional labor, boundaries help you conserve energy & avoid seasonal burnout. And the best part? You don’t owe anyone a dissertation about your decisions. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve improved with my guilt for declining things. I used to beat myself up because I felt bad that I couldn’t do something for/with someone. Now, not nearly as much. I’ll hit myself with an “Aht Aht” real quick & politely decline. Simple boundary script: “Thank you for thinking of me! I’m keeping my schedule light this year to protect my peace.” ⸻ 2. Make Rest a Non-Negotiable Busy women often place themselves last—especially during the holidays. But exhaustion isn’t a requirement of celebration. Build micro-rest into your days: ✨ A 10-minute break ✨ A no-phone hour ✨ A quiet morning ritual ✨ A journaling session with your Intentional Journal Rest helps regulate your nervous system & naturally supports strong holiday stress management. I’m still working on the sleep part of resting, but my morning & nighttime routines aren’t negotiable. They settle me before I begin & end my day. ⸻ 3. Plan Ahead (But Keep It Flexible) Planning reduces mental clutter. Creating a simple weekly plan allows you to see what’s truly essential—& what can wait. Use your Intentionally Evolve journal or planner to: List upcoming events Set realistic goals Reduce overcommitting Block off personal downtime This gives you structure without the pressure of perfection. And honey I CANNOT function without planning unless I’m on vacation. My life just feels like it’s chaotic if I don’t have a feel of what’s “supposed” to happen that day. ⸻ 4. Release the Pressure to Create a “Perfect” Holiday Pinterest-level holiday magic is cute, but not required. Your kids won’t remember if the wrapping paper matched the tree. Your family won’t remember if dinner was store-bought. They will remember the moments you were present. Let the standard be peace, not perfection. Let traditions evolve when needed. Give yourself permission to be human—not a one-woman holiday production team. And remember it’s also ok to break traditions. Hell, I have yet to start any Christmas shopping, That Lil Girl hasn’t given me a PowerPoint presentation this year (& I won’t be reminding her to), & I honestly don’t even care. No guilt zone! ⸻ 5. Lean Into Community Support You don’t have to carry everything alone. Community is a powerful stress buffer, especially during the holidays. Inside Intentionally Evolving Together, our private wellness community, I encourage women to share support, stories, & encouragement—reminding each other that they’re not navigating the season alone. Connection makes the busy season lighter, warmer, & far more manageable. Our group is still developing, but I had big plans for it very soon! ⸻ 6. Journal Through the Chaos Journaling is one of the most effective tools for holiday stress management. It helps you process emotions, release tension, & stay grounded in gratitude instead of overwhelm. Try these holiday-specific prompts: “What do I need more of this season?” “What traditions no longer serve me?” “Where can I protect my peace more intentionally?” “What would a calm holiday look like for me?” Using your Intentional Journal or Soulful Serenity journal keeps your practices consistent & intentional. Every night; you hear me? I bring it out every night to gather my overloaded thoughts & do a brain dump. ⸻ The Bottom Line You deserve a holiday rooted in joy, not exhaustion. Protect your peace, honor your limits, & embrace the support available to you—especially through Intentionally Evolve, Intentionally Evolving Together, & H.E.R.E. Unfiltered (which we have a session this Saturday & on the 27th at 11 am EST… Zoom 204 188 6778 & password = MeTime). This season, choose harmony, not hustle. Choose presence, not pressure. Choose you.

Because evolving alone is overrated Between careers, family, dreams, & endless responsibilities, busy women often feel like they’re giving from an empty cup. You’re balancing everything—but doing it alone can make the load feel even heavier. I think I’m a pro at this; like first round draft pick pro. 😖That’s why community for busy women isn’t just helpful… it’s essential. And it’s exactly what keeps me driven to continue my mission. At Intentionally Evolve, we believe deeply in the power of connection—so much so that we created a private community specifically for women like you: Intentionally Evolving Together, where support, sisterhood, & growth collide. It’s a bit outside of my comfort zone because I’m an introvert, but it’s taught me so much about myself & the women I’ve crossed paths with. Still not sold on the benefits of community? Let’s converse about why you need community just as much as you need self-care… ⸻ Why Community Really Matters for Busy Women 🤔 1. It lowers stress instantly: Nothing hits like hearing someone say, “Girl, same.” Shared experiences ease emotional tension & remind you you’re not alone. There are way more women like you than you think, & many are ones you’d least expect to be so similar. 2. It builds emotional resilience: Being surrounded by women who understand your journey gives you space to process life instead of carrying everything silently. The strength of a woman is unmatched! 3. Accountability becomes encouragement, not pressure: With community, your goals don’t feel like another chore. They become shared milestones. And boy do we hold each other’s feet to the fire in our journaling sessions! 4. You reconnect with the real you: Busy seasons can make you forget your needs, passions, or even your identity. Community brings you back home to yourself. 5. Growth becomes faster—& gentler: When women support each other, evolution happens naturally. Stories, resources, & wisdom become fuel. There’s always something else to learn & something else to teach. This is why community for busy women is a powerful form of self-care, & it’s FREE! ⸻ Inside Intentionally Evolving Together 👀 Our private community, Intentionally Evolving Together, gives busy women a safe space to grow without judgment. Right now, it’s on Facebook, but there are some ideas brewing for a facelift in 2026. I’m thinking things like: ✨ Honest conversations ✨ Goal-setting support ✨ Journaling reflections & sessions ✨ Motivation + accountability ✨ Encouragement through every season ✨ Meet-up events …You catch my drift. It’s real, relatable, & designed for women with full lives who still want to prioritize themselves. ⸻ H.E.R.E. Unfiltered: Your Monthly Moment to Breathe 😮‍💨 To deepen the connection, we host H.E.R.E. Unfiltered, our live journaling sessions held 1–2 times each month. It’s a safe space to express yourself, feel heard, & reciprocate. In each session, we have: 📝 Guided prompts 💬 Honest discussions 🧘‍♀️ A moment to pause 🤝 A chance to connect with other women H.E.R.E. stands for Hope, Exhale, Restore, Empower —& that’s the energy you feel every time we meet. The vibe is always vibing because we know how to mix some seriousness & fun times. These sessions help women release stress, reflect deeply, & strengthen their self-care routines—all within community. In fact, the people have spoken; so we’re hosting 2 sessions this month: December 13th & 17th. ⸻ Why Intentionally Evolve Leads With Connection 👯‍♀️ Self-care is more than face masks & pretty planners. It’s support. It’s community. It’s being seen & understood. It’s intentional (pun intended). Busy women deserve a place to exhale—& that’s the foundation of everything we do. Intentionally Evolving Together gives you the community. H.E.R.E. Unfiltered gives you the connection. Intentionally Evolve gives you the space to grow! ⸻ Final Thoughts You weren’t meant to evolve in isolation. You deserve connection. You deserve support. You deserve community. And now, you have a place to experience all three. If you’re ready to feel seen, supported, & surrounded by like-minded women, join Intentionally Evolving Together on Facebook & subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on important events. What are you waiting for? Take your next step in evolving—intentionally.

If you’re a busy woman, this time of year probably looks like a beautiful mess—full calendars, family expectations, grocery lists, & the pressure to make the holiday “magical” for everyone else. Hell, I’m somehow going to work all day, go through my normal routine, & make mac & cheese to take to the parentals’ house all before the sun goes down. But Thanksgiving wasn’t created for perfection… it was created for gratitude. And gratitude hits differently when you’re in a season of doing the most. That’s why this Thanksgiving, we’re flipping the script & giving you permission to slow down, savor the moment, & reconnect with what matters most — your peace, your joy, & your evolution. 🍂 Why Gratitude Matters Even More When You’re Busy When life is full, gratitude becomes your grounding force. It helps: ✨ Shift your focus from overwhelm to abundance ✨ Interrupt stress with a moment of presence ✨ Boost mood, energy, & emotional resilience ✨ Reconnect you to yourself when you’ve been in “go mode” Gratitude isn’t one more thing to do — it’s the one thing that softens the chaos. That’s exactly why I started a gratitude practice over a 15 years ago: to remind me of what really matters, no matter how bad I may think things are. 🧡 Simple Gratitude Rituals for Thanksgiving Week My gratitude ritual is part of my journaling routine each night. Before I can close my journal, I make sure I write down at least one thing I was thankful for that day. Sometimes it’s easy, while others it’s super hard, but I’m committed to seeing something positive each day. My ritual is incorporated in Intentional Journals , but that’s not the only way to practice gratitude. Here are quick, calm-creating practices you can do even with the busiest schedule: 1. The “Before You Get Out of the Car” Pause Whether you’re arriving at work, the store, or family dinner, take 10 seconds to breathe & whisper: “I’m grateful for being here, right now.” Tiny moment. Big impact. 2. The 3-Item Kitchen Counter Gratitude List Before you start cooking or prepping, pause & jot down three things you’re grateful for today. Put it on a sticky note. Stick it on the cabinet. Instant grounding. 3. The Gratitude Swap at Dinner Instead of a long “What are you thankful for?” circle (that nobody actually enjoys), make it fun: Everyone shares one good thing from this year—big or small. 4. A Thanksgiving Journaling Moment (5 Minutes) Use these prompts: This year, I grew the most when… One person I’m grateful for & why… One thing I want to release before the year ends… One thing I want to welcome in… 🍁 The Busy Woman’s Permission Slip Read this slowly: You don’t have to host perfectly. You don’t have to run the whole holiday. You deserve rest, softness, & gratitude too. Thanksgiving isn’t about doing—it’s about feeling. And you’ve earned a moment to breathe & receive, even though it may not always feel that way. The power of affirmations can change your mindset quick though. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Self-Care Ideas to Evolve Through the Holiday Check some of my favs out: Light a candle before the day starts (or anytime throughout the day because candles are a vibe in themselves) Take a solo gratitude walk after dinner (kill 2 birds with 1 stone) Sit in your car for 60 seconds before going inside (sometimes it’s A LOT longer than that) Do a nighttime reflection using your journal (our journals have space for thay) Ask for help (yes, actually ask!) Small things. Big energy shift. 💛 Final Thoughts: Gratitude Looks Good on You This holiday, choose presence over perfection. Choose peace over pressure. Choose gratitude — the kind that warms your spirit, not your to-do list. And when you’re ready to take your self-care deeper… Your community at Intentionally Evolve is right here evolving with you.

Thank you for subscribing to Intentionally Evolve! Stay tuned for self-care tips, journaling inspiration, & exclusive updates to support your journey to intentional living. You’re In, Beautiful Soul! Endless appreciation for subscribing! You're officially part of the Intentionally Evolve community—& I’m so glad you’re here! Your H.E.R.E. to Thrive accountability tool is just a click away! Hit the button below to receive your download! Get Your Affirmations While You’re Here… Explore the tools that support your journey daily: → Shop Journals & Planners Join us for real-time healing & reflection: → Check out dates for H.E.R.E. Unfiltered Live Sessions You're not just surviving—you’re intentionally evolving! Let’s keep growing—together. With love, Meia Washington Founder, Intentionally Evolve

Find quick answers to your questions about our journals, coaching sessions, shipping, returns, & more. Explore the Intentional Insights FAQ page for guidance & support. Questions, Meet Clarity Is Intentionally Evolve only for women? Our focus is on women, but our products are unisex. Everyone can get some love. What is Intentionally Evolve all about? Intentionally Evolve is a lifestyle & wellness brand created to help busy women prioritize their self-care, mental health, & personal growth. Through intentionally designed journals, planners, apparel, & community spaces, we help you reclaim your peace, power, & purpose—one moment at a time. How do I contact customer support? We’re here for you! Send us an email at info@intentionallyevolve.com & we’ll respond within 48 business hours. Your peace & satisfaction are important to us. What is Intentionally Evolving Together? Intentionally Evolving Together is our free, private Facebook community. We wanted to create a safe space where women to freely express themselves & empower one another. Join us at https://facebook.com/intentionallyevolvingtogether How long does order processing take? All orders are processed within 5-7 business days (Monday–Friday). Once shipped, you'll receive a confirmation email with tracking info. Are returns or exchanges available? Because our products are made with intention & many are made-to-order or digital, all sales are final. However, if you receive a defective or damaged item, please contact us within 7 days of delivery & we’ll make it right. Do you offer international shipping? Currently, we only ship within the United States. However, we’re working on expanding! If you're outside the U.S. & interested in our products, send us a message—we’d love to connect. How will I receive my digital downloads? After checkout, your digital products will be emailed to you with a secure download link. If you don’t see it right away, check your spam or promotions folder—or reach out & we’ll resend it with love! Do you offer wholesale or bulk orders? Yes! If you're interested in carrying Intentionally Evolve products in your shop or need bulk orders for a group, event, or program, please email us at info@intentionallyevolve.com to discuss options. What payment methods do you accept? We accept most major credit cards, PayPal, & secure payment options like Apple Pay & Google Pay—ensuring a smooth checkout experience. Do you personalize orders? Not at this time, but we are open to any suggestions for specific products. What’s included in your email list? When you subscribe, you’ll receive “H.E.R.E. to Thrive: 4 Daily Affirmations to Inspire Hope, Exhale Stress, Restore Energy, & Feel Empowered.” It’s a calming, intentional resource delivered straight to your inbox—a little reminder of the importance of holding yourself accountable by affirming yourself. You’ll get: Bi-Weekly Intentions, such as: Soulful Self-Care Tips: Quick, realistic tips to help you prioritize your well-being—even on your busiest days. Affirmations & Encouragement: A dose of intention & empowerment to uplift your week (or inbox!) with positive energy. Journal Prompts with Purpose: Creative, reflective prompts that support emotional clarity, healing, & personal growth. Product Spotlights Get the inside scoop on how to use our journals, planners, or self-care kits with intention. New Releases & Restocks Be the first to know when new items drop, seasonal collections go live, or favorites return! Monthly Love, such as: Soul Notes: A heart-to-heart message from the creator of Intentionally Evolve, sharing insights, stories, & encouragement from the journey. Subscriber-Only Self-Care Challenges or Downloads Free access to themed prompts, checklists, or 7-day challenges to help you stay consistent in your self-care routine. Intentionally Evolving Together Community News: Updates on events, live journaling sessions, retreats, or special collaborations. Early Access & Exclusive Offers: Special subscriber-only discounts, early access to products, or pre-sale invitations. Seasonal Reflections: Guided questions & intentional themes to help you reset your goals & energy every new season. Quarterly Empowerment, such as: Accountability Challenges: 31-day self-care challenges to remind you to prioritize yourself just as much as you prioritize everything & everyone else. Customer Spotlights or Testimonials: Celebrate women from our community—how they're using the tools to thrive. Mental Health & Self-Care Resources: Helpful articles, podcast links, or expert tips that align with our mission to support emotional wellness. Do you sell or share my personal information? Absolutely not. Your privacy & safety are our priority. We do not sell or share your personal information. Everything is processed securely & used only to support your order or stay connected if you opt in. Is subscribing free? Absolutely! Our email list is completely free & offers perks before the general public.

At Intentionally Evolve, we’re committed to empowering busy women through self-care, mental wellness, & intentional living. Discover the values that guide everything we create. Intentionally Accessible At Intentionally Evolve, we are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to continually improve the user experience for everyone & apply relevant accessibility standards to enhance usability. Our Commitment We aim to make our website & digital content accessible & easy to navigate for everyone, regardless of ability. Our goal is to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA wherever possible. Accessibility Features Text alternatives for non-text content Keyboard navigability for major site functions Clear & consistent layout & navigation Adjustable text size using browser settings Color contrast that meets recommended guidelines Ongoing Efforts We are actively working to increase the accessibility & usability of our website. We regularly audit our website & update our practices to ensure inclusive access. Feedback We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. If you encounter any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us: 📧 Email: info@intentionallyevolve.com 📞 Phone: 704.898.7574 📍 Mailing Address: 1235 East Blvd, Ste. E, Charlotte, NC 28203 We aim to respond to accessibility inquiries within 2–3 business days.