“Three Ways to Torch Fat.” 

“Five Tips to Eat Healthy During the Holidays.”

“Why Ordering from Fit Meal Services May Be a Mistake.”

I could keep going. A vast range of ideas, thoughts, and ways for people to reach out to me, but the hard reality is, I don’t care about the above BS. Okay, I do care, but it’s not what I’ll be ending the year with in terms of my concerns. If you want to read about that, then do what everyone else seems to do: go online, read from a random influencer, and then, what’s even better, send it to me in a text as if I didn’t know or think of it first.

For three years, I have written for this magazine. Initially, I aimed to educate and offer practical tips. That turned into something deeper because there are simply things that need to be said that others won’t say or are afraid to say. So, as we wrap up, let’s get real and remember. 

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays can indeed be a very emotional time for many people. They often evoke memories of past celebrations, loved ones, and cherished traditions. For some, this can be a time of joy and togetherness, while for others, it can bring feelings of loneliness or sadness. Some of you are not with the ones you want and should be with, and others are with those you don’t necessarily want to be with. It’s a dark hole in either of those cases.

It’s important to acknowledge and accept your feelings during this time. Here are a few ways to cope with the emotions that holidays might bring:

1. Connect with Others: Reach out to friends, family, or community groups to build meaningful connections. Even a simple phone call or video chat can make a big difference.
2. Create New Traditions: If old traditions bring up painful memories, consider starting new ones that bring you joy and comfort.
3. Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. This may include getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.
4. Reflect and Remember: It’s okay to take some time to reflect on past holidays and remember loved ones who are no longer with you. This can be a way to honor their memory and feel a sense of connection to them.
5. Seek Support: If you’re finding it particularly difficult to cope, don’t hesitate to seek support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with strategies to manage your emotions and navigate the holiday season.

Remember, it’s perfectly normal to experience a range of emotions during the holidays. Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to experience and process these feelings. Moving past pain, whether it’s emotional or physical, can be a challenging journey, but it’s possible with the right approach and support. It’s important to recognize and accept your emotions. Suppressing or ignoring them can make the healing process longer and more difficult. Engaging in activities that bring you happiness can be a great way to distract yourself from the pain and introduce some positivity into your life. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help you stay grounded and manage your emotions more effectively. 

And guess what else??

Working out can be a great way to release pent-up energy and stress. Physical activity can help improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and serve as a healthy outlet for managing your emotions. Physical activity can be an effective way to manage stress and boost your mood. Whether it’s going for a walk, hitting the gym, or practicing yoga, find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.

Bottom line, there are no promises. Healing is a personal journey, and it’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself along the way. People battle with anxiety, depression, and loss. We want these feelings to be faceless, but they burrow their hooks in us. They pull us down and kill our hearts. We softly tell ourselves that it shall pass, that we should be still and know (something I used to believe), but we should always keep in mind that these things will never keep their promise. Don’t let this world tear you apart.

Moving past pain is a gradual process. Setting small, achievable goals can help you make progress and build confidence over time. It’s essential to prioritize both your physical and mental well-being. It’s natural to miss times when you felt more connected to others. Relationships and social dynamics can change over time, but it’s crucial to REMEMBER WHEN you were that person, not buried in self-doubt, insecurities, alone, mistrust, anger, and BROKEN. You can always work towards building new connections and rekindling old ones. Seek and find comfort. Thank you for the last three years, and as always…DARE 2B GREAT. 

For more information on specific training and nutrition, contact Cody directly. He is certified by the National Academy of Medicine as a Professional Fitness Instructor. He is NASM Certified in Nutrition, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Heart Rate Variance, Weight Loss, Hypotrophy, Neuromuscular Flexibility, Supplements, and Mental/Behavior Performance. He incorporates techniques for concentration, focus, motivation, and ways to cope with anxiety. He has been featured in National Fitness Magazines as a model and writer and has spoken on several national Podcasts. Besides numerous certifications, Cody holds a Master’s degree in Instruction. He has first-hand experience with differentiating personalized instruction, planning, and goal setting. He was named the 2022, 2023, 2024, AND 2025 Siouxland Trainer of the Year Award. 2B IMPERIUM was the Siouxland Choice awards 2024 and 2025 Top Favorite in Weight Loss Center. They were also named Top Fitness Facility in 2025. Cody Rininger trains at the Four Seasons Gym in Sioux City and offers professional fitness scans and consultations at the Stifel Building on 4^th Street in Sioux City, Iowa.