Years ago, Reader, I was lucky enough to have an extra guest bedroom that I'd turned into a craft room.

Over time, however, that room became (to put it kindly) cluttered, leading my mom to appropriately dub it "the crap room."

I haven't really done crafts since.

Until this holiday. 🌲

Now, I don't know whether it's the pressure of the season, a pent-up creative need, or maybe just Facebook's algo feeding me fluid painting reels, but I've been making a bunch of Christmas ornaments:

I have no plan, pattern or palette. I'm mixing as I go, glittering as I see fit.

Some are quite striking. Some are beyond ug. Some will find their way to friends and clients; others will get tucked deep inside the boughs of my own tree (unless they hit the trash first).

But they're all handmade, warts and all, by me, as a way to honor the season. ❤️

So what's the point of my little artsy adventure?

Well, I think it's to remember that parts of us don’t disappear just because they’ve been buried under responsibility, expectations, and other people’s needs.

And for leaders especially, those parts often get sidelined first—the curiosity, the experimentation, the willingness to be perfectly imperfect in public.

Maybe my little ornament experiment is a reminder that we don't have to abandon who we are to be taken seriously. Sometimes all we need to do is to give ourselves permission to be a beginner again, to make a mess 🧹, and to reconnect with the lighter parts of ourselves that make all the heavier parts work better.

So what do YOU think, Reader? Is there something completely impractical, silly, and imperfect that's been calling you? And are you answering--or ignoring? I'd love to hear from you no matter what. Hit REPLY and tell me your story, ask a question, or share anything that's on your mind as the year draws to a close.

Here at Red Cape Revolution HQ, we're shutting down for a few weeks to enjoy family time and sweep up the glitter. I'll be back in your inbox in January, ready to start another year of possibility and progress with you.

In the meantime, enjoy the holiday season, and I wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and peaceful holiday. Thanks for being here with me--you matter, more than ever.

Always, Darcy

P.S. I won't pop into your inbox for a bit, but if you're working on your own professional development this time of year, you're not alone. I've got hundreds of resources here for you 24/7 on our Resources page, including recent articles about writing your own performance review and preparing for a tough conversation. My on-demand classes are also always available for you to start and take anytime. Finally, we added a new search tool to my blog page this year, too, to help navigate my over 200 articles and tools. Whatever you need, I've got you! Happy holidays! 🌲 --D