In this episode, I tackle the tough topic of pain--specifically owning our pain. Even when someone else has hurt us, mistreated us, betrayed us, or abused us--our pain from those wounds is 100% ours to deal with. It is our responsibility to figure out what to do with our pain so we don't:

1. Feel stuck in our pain--while pain happily drives us off the proverbial cliff>>>>The Three C's (we didn't cause, we can't control it, and we can't change it)

2. Unconsciously pass it on to those we love the most through our behavior>>>>Coping Mechanisms are normal & how our body keeps us safe

3. Avoid, deny, repress our pain through coping mechanisms that no longer serve us>>>>We all heal differently but healing DOES happen

Bottom line is this: If we don't own our pain, our pain will own us. When tough days hit, it's 100% necessary to have a map out of the wilderness of our emotional pain. When we practice, we can become better at accepting our emotions as they are (and reality too!).

1. Content

Click to follow along with the presentation.

Watch the full LIVE video of today's session

2. Writing Prompts Help Us Access Our Emotions

When we recall/experience high emotional memories/situations (positive OR negative), the "words" part of our brain literally shuts down. Ever heard someone say, "I can't find the words." It's 100% true! That's why I provide writing prompts to help access the words. (Disclaimer: If you are experiencing significant mental health struggles or emotional pain that is impacting your everyday life (going to work, eating, laughing/enjoying friends, etc.), contact a mental health clinician for help. You do not have to do this alone. Contact me and I can provide information.)

(34:18) Tips on writing prompts

(35:23 ) A recent triggering event that felt hard/challenging...

(36:14) In that moment, I recall my body felt like...

(36:30) The part of my body where I felt this...

(36:37) I felt...

(36:49) Those feelings remind me of a time when...

(37:17) The feelings that come up with that right now...

(37:50) What I needed then was...

(38:22) But I didn't get it so...

(38:35) The story that I tell myself about that is...

(38:56) Taking a step back from that story, I see that...

(39:09) I can re-write that story by....

(39:55) I can show up for myself by....

(40:17) One way I can offer myself compassion and kindness...

(40:58) Knowing this, I'm more able to show up for others in my life because...

3. And ya'll, SUPER exciting news. One of my favorite authors/storytellers/real deal people, Glennon Doyle, has a new podcast, "We Can Do Hard Things".

Go and get all the goods on my Linktree. Everything--Writing Prompts, Podcasts and recent Lives--are right there for you!
As always, thanks for listening :)