Map Your Healing Journey

I probably don’t have point out that it’s stressful out there.

There are a lot of VERY POWERFUL FEELINGS swirling around, inside and outside of us.

Every day, I feel this tight, worried ball of energy ramping up as we get closer to the Election.

Why so much stress?

Because we don’t know what’s going to happen.

And the human brain and nervous system do not appreciate the unknown or the ambiguous or uncertainty.

What You Might Be Feeling

Short-tempered, angry, cranky
Tense and nervous
Hopeless and/or hopeful, sometimes at the same time
Dismissive
TIRED – emotionally and/or physically fatigued
Overwhelmed
Defensive
Scared, terrified
Excited

…and more!

How do these show up? That’s fairly personal, but we’re all human, so there are definitely patterns.

The anger and crankiness might show up while driving or trying to make an appointment or when your internet mysteriously drops (this has all happened to me over the last week).

Overwhelmed might show up by wanting to hermit and avoid people and places.

You might find yourself snapping at your kids or partner or coworkers.

You might be tempted to overindulge.

What’s My Point?

I mostly want people to know that they are not alone. In the past, I felt “like a freak” for so long because I thought I was the only one who felt xyz.

The reality is that, for various reasons, we all feel and experience similar things but don’t talk about them. So I talk about stuff, as much as I can. You are not alone.

The second reason is that I want people to know that they – YOU – have power and choice.

You have the ability to use knowledge and skills to show up for yourself (side note: ability is not the same as capacity. You may be able but simply not have the energy. You know what? That’s perfectly okay. The key is self-compassion).

The third reason is that the more tools you have, the more you can be your own best companion. If you are reading this, there is a very good chance that somebody in your life – for whatever reasons – taught you to not like yourself. For me and many others, it was abuse from primary caregivers or spouses or family members.

You do not have to follow in their footsteps. You can break the cycle.

We Need A Lot of Calming Tools

Just like tools in the toolbox in your garage, there are different kinds of calming tools for what ails ya.

Maybe you need –

– a good distraction that is not a substance.

– to suss out the source of the emotions.

– interrupt the spiral inside your own head.

– increase your window of tolerance.

– calm our nervous systems and get some rest.

Whatever you need, here are some good tools that you can put in your toolbox. Pick one or two or three that resonate with you and give them a try.

And don’t forget – like I tell my clients – reach out if you need to.

(this is a good time, because I’ve got an Election Special right here)