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🎄 The holidays have officially arrived and with this being the last newsletter before Santa arrives, I had to highlight a feel good story out of NC. Raleigh firefighters are lighting up the holidays (literally and figuratively) with a heartwarming competition to crown the city’s best-decorated firehouse. With creativity, personal funds, and plenty of holiday spirit, these everyday heroes have transformed their stations into magical winter wonderlands, complete with sparkling lights, festive wreaths, and joyful displays.

This isn’t just about decorations, it’s about building a stronger connection with the community they serve and creating a bit of holiday magic during a time when many of them spend long hours away from loved ones. The competition has turned into a citywide celebration, with some firehouses even adding QR codes outside their doors, inviting neighbors to vote for their favorite station online. Thousands of votes have poured in, sparking a buzz on social media and turning the streets of Raleigh into a festive wonderland.

Which firehouse will shine the brightest and win the community’s heart? Regardless of the winner, this spirited showdown proves one thing, Raleigh’s firefighters know how to keep the holiday spirit alive while showing just how much they care for their city.

Check out the full article and video here from ABC11 News Raleigh.

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🎤 ANNOUNCEMENT!

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👨‍🍳 New recipes posted weekly - go check it out!

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Fuel

💪 Although a traditional Shakshuka is typically vegetarian, I decided to make my own meaty version and pack in some lean protein to keep me fueled for the day. Coming in at 544 calories and 43g of protein per serving, this healthy, comfort food will win any breakfast, brunch or dinner table you bring it to (ya, all of them). Say hello to Beef Shakshuka.

💙 Beef Shakshuka isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience you share with others. Gather around the family table or enjoy it with your crew, and let this dish bring warmth, energy, and connection. Its bold flavors and nourishing ingredients fuel not just your body but your spirit, proving the power of good food to bring people together. You can watch the recipe video here or check out the full recipe here with a grocery list, instructions, and the ability to edit number of servings.

🔪 Helpful Kitchen Tools For This Recipe:

Grind

Don’t use the holidays as an excuse!

🎄 Holidays have a way of turning us into professional couch potatoes—legs stiff, energy low, and snacks always within reach. Before your legs start to think their main job is just holding up a blanket, it’s time for a solid leg workout! Remind your legs what they’re really made for—moving, jumping, and feeling alive (even if it's just to get to the fridge faster). Let’s get ahead of the holiday leg cobwebs and get them in action before they forget how to be legs!

🔴 Warm-Up: *3 Rounds

• 10 4-count jumping jacks

• 10 4-count high knees

• 10 4-count butt kicks

• 10 4-count mountain climbers

🟢 Main Workout: The Advent Calendar

🔵 Cool Down: 1 min each

• Walk backwards slowly (do this one for 2 mins)

• Couch stretch

• Pigeon stretch

• Child’s pose

Lead

"Vulnerability is about exposing a gap, but leadership is about showing how you’re closing it." — Jacob Morgan

Every week, I get a leadership article delivered to my inbox from an amazing writer named Robert Glazer. This weeks topic discussed vulnerability in leadership and the key it needs to be successful.

Vulnerability has become a celebrated trait in leadership, but it’s only half of the equation. Admitting mistakes or uncertainty is powerful, but it must be paired with confidence to truly inspire trust. Leadership expert Jacob Morgan, author of Leading With Vulnerability, emphasizes that vulnerability alone isn’t enough. Leaders earn respect by showing what they’ve learned and outlining a plan to move forward. Without demonstrating competence, vulnerability risks being seen as weakness instead of strength.

This delicate balance is captured by the Pratfall Effect, which suggests that competent individuals become more likable when they reveal a flaw. However, this only works if people already see you as capable. Consider a leader who admits a mistake: one who takes responsibility and outlines a solution instills confidence, while one who seems uncertain leaves others feeling uneasy. In any role, whether as a manager, parent, or mentor, effective leaders pair vulnerability with action. As Morgan puts it: “Vulnerability is about exposing a gap, but leadership is about showing how you’re closing it.” This combination of humanity and strength inspires trust, calm, and confidence, even in the face of uncertainty.

If you’re interested in growing just a little every single week, subscribe to Robert’s weekly e-mail here.

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