There’s a saying:
be careful when you stare into the void, lest the void stares back.
Last week I felt the sense of dread that lets me know things are getting unpleasant inside my noggin growing louder, so I made a conscious decision to recalibrate before I got swallowed by it.
Instead of reacting emotionally, I grounded myself in fact, because, yes, while things felt awful, the truth was: nothing was actually on fire.
No, things were not perfect. Everything was fine, and no matter what my inner critic says, “fine” is a solid place to build from.
As difficult as it is for me to practice sometimes, especially when things feel stormy:
I simply need to be willing to stand still long enough to pause, observe what’s actually happening, and respond with intention instead of panic..
And I truly wish someone on the McDonald’s Netherlands marketing team had also thought of that before approving their most recent public facing holiday campaign. 👇🏾
🍟 McDonald’s AI Christmas ad: novelty or nightmare fuel?
…then quietly removed it from public viewing.
To me, this revealed something important about where we are right now, not about AI itself, and not even about creativity, but about how powerful brands are choosing to use AI at a moment when people are already overwhelmed, under pressure, and unsure about the future.
📼 Check out the actual video. No, for real…just…yeah.
I watched that ad at least five times, and as I watched, I kept asking myself:
Why choose this message?
Why choose this tone?
And perhaps most importantly:
Why do all of it using a tool people are already very anxious about?
As a fellow story weaver, I truly think artificial intelligence can support brilliant storytelling when used with intention. To me, the real problem wasn't that they used AI tools, but the story they chose to tell with it.
Which is exactly why I’m unpacking this on a special, holiday edition of Case & Point 👇🏾
🎙️ Case & Point – an investigative storytelling podcast
I'm a real sucker for a good documentary or a true crime drama. Forensic Files? My jam. Dateline? Keith Morrison and I go together. Unknown Number: The High School Catfish story on Netflix? Omg…GOLD. Who saw that ending coming??? I truly didn't want to believe it — like….ma’am…you're a whole mess!😭
My love for telling stories spans all the way back to childhood, and I decided to create a podcast adult me would want to listen to.
That's Case & Point: an investigative storytelling podcast that blends thoughtful analysis, humor, and real-life happenings into a listen-worthy experience.
I’m curating some of the most salacious stories; diving into the facts, examining the chaos, and asking the only question that matters when humans behave badly:
So… what did we learn?
If you love smart storytelling and philosophical lessons hidden inside real-world moments, this is just might be your new favorite binge.
🔎 Case & Point Season 1: Stupid | Smart premieres on December 31, and will be available on Buzzsprout, YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.
A special holiday edition of Case & Point: “I’m (NOT) loving it: How McDonald’s almost stole Christmas” is also coming soon. I’m really excited to run the full court press on this one. 🎁
🤗 You know what else I’m excited about? 👇🏾
🤶🏾 12 Days of Cheer is here!
Starting today, December 16, I’m sharing stories, tools, and quiet insights, from daily rituals to long-form strategy to help you find clarity, calm, and creative direction.
This is an advent calendar for anyone who wants to slow down a little and reflect on the year gone by and thoughtfully make plans before launching into what’s ahead.
New gifts unlock daily for 12 days . Come back to asamarizee.com each day to open the next one! 👇🏽
Be sure to check out Day 1’s gift - Future You will thank you! ✨
The Takeaway: Cut through chaos with clarity
I can't say it's always been easy for me to grab a hold of my darkest emotions and turn it around with precision. I've had years to practice mastering my energy. If you're having a really bad, no-good week, here are 3 seemingly small things that give me the biggest gains:
1. Observe
My body starts sending signals long before it starts shutting things off so I can pay attention.
When you're accidentally missing meals, sleeping too much or too little, losing your temper at others or losing patience with yourself easily, those are your cues. Cut yourself some slack and listen to the signal.
What do you actually need?
A break? Take one.
A hug? Ask for one.
A million dollars? Me too, babe. Me too.
2. Reframe
Whatever “the shitty committee” in your head is saying is not true, no matter how loud it gets.
Ground yourself in the facts of the matter. If this is difficult to do on your own, find a friend, relative, mentor, or community safe space to air out what's happening inside of you. No matter how bad it seems, there's relief waiting for you on the other side of your fear, always.
3. Act
This might be the hardest one because executive function shutting off can make simple activities of daily living feel like Herculean tasks.
Here are some easy things you can do:
Get outside — even if it's just for a few minutes. Get some fresh air and some sunshine, especially these days when sunlight is in short supply! Your brain needs the Vitamin D!
Talk to someone — whether it's face to face or on a phone or video call. Have a conversation with someone who is NOT you. I know this sounds weird especially if you're an introvert like me: talking to people when you don't want to feels counterproductive…and it works!
Give back — volunteer some time, even if it's just fifteen minutes, to doing something for someone else. It will feel better than you think. They'll thank you, and YOU will thank you!
Be kind to yourself — give yourself the grace and affection you would give to anyone else because you, more than anyone else, deserve your own kindness! 💛
That’s all for this edition of The Takeaway. Thanks so much for subscribing; as always, I appreciate you.
Are you creating something? Hit the “Reply” button, send me an email and tell me all about it. I'd love to learn more about you and how I could support you, too. I’m cheering for you!
🎄 Remember to tune in for 12 Days of Cheer and let’s jumpstart our plans for next year together.
🌐Connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Bluesky and on asamarizee.com.
Warmly,
Asa-Mari Z.