Welcome back to "Another Way to Think About It," where we invite you into our real, unfiltered conversations that swap out “right” answers for honest sharing. We're Lynn Kindler and Cynthia Zeito—longtime friends exploring life’s messiest questions with humor, vulnerability, and lots of heart.
We took a break for a little rebranding, but we’re back and kicking off our refreshed show by diving headfirst into the chaotic world of the holiday season—specifically, how we try to keep a grip on our sanity when the “shiitake” hits the fan. We pulled back the curtain on our personal experiences, shared the emotional rollercoaster we both ride as highly empathic women, and most of all, we laughed with each other (and at ourselves!).
We talked about how family histories, expectations, and memories of loss can complicate this time of year, even when you’ve done “all the work.” Both of us revealed tools from years of meditation, therapy, and 12-step programs, but also admitted that sometimes, you just need to hide out in the bathroom, cry, or fake-laugh until it turns real. We explore how personal triggers (hello, money stress!), old wounds, and ever-changing relationships can amp up the stress, but also lead to precious growth if we let them.
Highlights from this episode include:
- Navigating old emotions and expectations during the holidays
- The surprising value of grace, boundaries, and deep breaths (literally!)
- Admitting when we’re resentful or angry—and why naming our feelings out loud shifts everything
- Real talk about spiritual arrogance and self-improvement
- Why it’s okay to take a bathroom break at a family gathering—or laugh until you actually feel better
- How being empathic makes the holiday season even more intense
- The magic of silly animal voices and “orgasmic laughter” as therapy
- Passing on the wisdom of mentors, sponsors, and beloved chosen family
If you’re searching for a space where holiday chaos is met with compassion, where you can learn to laugh at life’s messes, and where you might pick up a new tool (or lipstick shade!), you’re in the right place.
If this episode gave you another way to think about sanity during the holidays, please hit subscribe and join us next time for another honest, curious conversation. We love you, and we’re grateful you’re here.
Lynn & Cynthia