Hello Reader,

But first, I wanted to quickly reach out and say how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being a part of my newsletter community, and for letting me pop into your inbox each week.

I pray that you are able to have some time off over the next few weeks, and that you are able to enjoy some time with your loved ones.

My prayer for you is that you sense God's perfect peace, His great comfort, and joy. Being on your own or away from family during this time of year can be especially difficult and lonely. I've felt that many times before when I lived in Mexico.

So if this has been a hard or lonely season for you, I want you to know that I see you friend. If you feel up to it, hit reply and let me know. I will gladly reach out and keep you company - at least in your inbox. (I know...not the same. But I care.)

And if you have fun things on the go this season, travel plans, not doing a blessed thing plans, or any fun thing you'd like to talk about, hit reply and let me know! I'd love to hear from you, and I promise to write you back!

On the podcast today!

I hide behind things in my life because I'm an introvert.

If you see me in a large group space, for example, you'll likely see me holding a cup of coffee. That cup of coffee is actually not JUST a cup of coffee! It's my hiding spot. (Seriously.)

And if you're an introvert, have you tried using a drink like coffee or tea or whatever you like to drink while you talk, as a small hiding spot? It stands between you and the person you're talking with, and somehow helps quieter people like me (maybe you, too) feel a little safer.

Another thing I hide behind? On my podcast it's my script.

I've hidden behind that thing for over two years as I've published each episode.

Each episode is written out before hand, and I read out pretty much every word when I'm recording. That's 2+ years and 130 episodes all written out.

That was my comfort zone.

But comfort zones don't allow you to grow. They keep you safe. They keep you comfortable, but they keep you pretty much the same don't they?

Two of my podcast goals for 2026:

• Become a more spontaneous speaker.
• Reduce workload, for each episode. (Currently that's about 4 hours per episode between scripting, recording, editing and publishing.)

​In this week's podcast, I share how, and more importantly ,what it means for you and your English speaking skills for everyday life and the CELPIP.

That episode is live today - I hope you'll listen and take the challenge! ​

Over to you: do you struggle with your comfort zone when it comes to using your speaking skills in English?

Have a great week, and Merry Christmas!

Aaron

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