-
There’s physical weakness and there’s feeling emotionally weak. You guessed it, I’m talking about emotionally feeling weak. I’m in that club of people who feel like I need to be strong all the time. However, I learning to embrace my perceived weaknesses in a way that emphasizes my strengths. Oh boy. Here we go!
First, let me say that feeling weak from time to time doesn’t define you as a weak person. (Note to self.) Perhaps it is an invitation to deepen a relationship by reaching out for a hand to hold, or a shoulder to cry on. Or maybe it’s an opportunity for me to let the walls fall away and be present in the moment. As corny as it sounds, feeling weak can also be a strength, especially when we can see it, name it, and feel it. When I see it, it helps me figure out the best way to deal with it. Maybe that means taking a nap, going for a walk, or simply holding myself tenderly for a moment.
Continue Reading -
What in the world is xenophobic? I know. An emotion word that starts with x. There are so few of them, but this one is real, too. Yes, I’m aware, I’m still exploring negative emotions, but this one is worth understanding a little better. First, let’s start with a definition of what that means.
Merriam-Webster defines xenophobia as having fear and hatred towards strangers, foreigners, or anything unfamiliar. This certainly has a context as it applies to prejudice and racism. (I found a good article about that here.) I believe, though, that it also has appropriate application as it pertains to our fear of different emotions.
Continue Reading -
It’s time to swim in appreciation magic! Go ahead. Look around. Appreciation is there somewhere. Maybe it’s in that greeting card you set aside to read when you felt swept away by the life happening around you. Oh, here’s one! Imagine scrolling through your social feeds and finding the perfect words of encouragement. Thank you, world, for seeing me and hearing me. (Appreciation magic.)
Appreciated
We all want to feel appreciated. It’s a magic salve that lubricates our hearts and reminds us we’re in this world thing together. Genuinely, folks, I appreciate you! Many times, your ideas and words are just the right magic to turn the lights on in my heart. So thanks for putting your ideas into words. Just sayin’!
Continue Reading -
In the scope of emotions, what on earth does yobbish mean? The classic definition states it this way: rude, noisy, and sometimes aggressive or violent. Doesn’t sound so much like a cheerful topic, but one worthy of more understanding.
I don’t go around looking for this emotion, but it surfaces sometimes when I least expect it. Knowing what it means, it’s easier to see in others than in myself. When I feel yobbish, the energy feels like I’m screaming from the inside out. The root of feeling rude, noisy, or even aggressive leads me to act without thought or courtesy of what’s going on around me. It can be very consuming and blinding. That’s where it becomes destructive.
Continue Reading -
What does it mean to feel like a zombie and what does that have to do with negative emotions? Starting with Z and working my way to A, I’m going to be exploring some negative emotions for a bit. I promise it won’t last forever, but I’m going to do this for myself just to get better acquainted with the different colors of emotions that I feel. Perhaps my exploration will open some ideas and doors for you as well. The next batch, after the negative emotions, will be peaceful emotions. Woo hoo! (Something to look forward to, for sure!)
Okay, back to the idea of feeling zombie-esque. Sometimes when I take part in activities that I feel like I have to do, the concept of enjoying my life eludes me. That triggers my zombie feelings. Why is it so dad gum easy to fall into that trap and forget about the joy that drove you to do things in the first place? I found an interesting article about that from The Guardian.
Continue Reading -
Sweet Spot: Finding Perfect Moments in Life.
Watch out for the sweet spot! Maybe yours is finding the perfect place on the head of a golf club to smack that little white ball into the playing field. Or maybe you’re having a conversation and the perfect timing happens for you to say something. Oh, then there’s a spot in nature that’s just right for hanging a hammock. (If you’re unaware, I live for hammock moments!) The sweet spot!
What is it about finding the right spot on a calendar? It works for you; it works for them, and everyone seems to be happy. Okay. Dinner is at 6:30 on Thursday. Perfect.
Continue Reading -
Now that my memoir, Invisible Wounds: An Inside Story, is published, amazing connections are coming out of the woodwork. It’s scary to write a story about the most horrific thing that happened to me. Some people I know are aware of this story, and others are not. I didn’t know how my friends and family would respond to me after sharing so vulnerably about this trauma.
I often talk about how vulnerability is a vehicle for making deeper connections with people. People are writing and sharing their experiences with me after reading this book. That is so encouraging! The subject of kidnap and rape is a fearful topic for some. Everyone is going to react to such a story differently. It’s a vile topic and one that many people are afraid to talk about. I found, in my experience, that some people responded more favorably than others. That said, I stand firm in realizing this topic is something that needs airtime.
I admire those who stay silent when sharing my story.
Here’s the rub: it’s all good. I admire those who stay silent, find a few disagreements, and open their hearts to share, so we can celebrate our lives. It’s all real, and it’s all good. What? Even the disagreements are good? Yes, those. Each person has a right to feel what they are going to feel. It’s all part of the emotional colors that make up the canvases of our lives. I’m secure enough about who I am that disagreements can be present without affecting my big amazing.
Thank you! For those who’ve read this book, thank you for taking the time to read this story. Thank you for finding your own words, experiences, and especially your will to grow and thrive. The amazing power of our collective human spirits is alive and well. Let’s bravely share our stories and find deeper connections with one another. I’m glad you are here.
-
Accepted is not only an emotion about feeling included within a group of people, but it is also about feeling resolute about yourself and who you are—warts and all. As I get familiar with my emotions, I’m exploring the latter right now. When I accept myself, I find it easier to absorb feeling accepted by a group outside of myself.
Picture a warmly received gift, and that’s what feeling accepted looks like to me. I imagine how the earth receives anything that falls upon it. This might be a leaf or a twig that has loosened from a tree branch, or it might be a gum wrapper that gently escaped someone’s grasp. Gravity aside, the earth accepts whatever falls upon it. Some of what falls to the earth is more nourishing than others. The same is true for humans. Our bodies take whatever we give them, and some things are more useful than others.
I feel acceptance in my whole body; my heart warms and my soul lightens. Where do you feel accepted in your body? This is an idea I’ve not explored much until now. Truth be told, I’m finding it hard to wrap words around it to describe it. It’s interesting to play with the idea and get better acquainted with it. My challenge with this exercise reveals an uncertainty that feels uncomfortable. Hmmm.
Acceptance is an emotion that facilitates personal grace. When I think about confident people, I sense they accept their complete selves. It is hard sometimes to accept our personal truths. For example, when I carry more weight than I’d like, I struggle with self-acceptance. The cold ugly truth! I’m reaping that which I’ve sown and loving this extra part of me proves challenging. Loving my warts is hard sometimes, but I choose to give it a whirl. I have much to learn!
This is a fascinating emotion. (She breathes in acceptance and lets go of judgment.) I accept you, who you are, and all the ways being you which facilitate your uniqueness.
In the sea of all her emotions, she finds acceptance…
Explore more feelings in the Stayin’ in Touch – Positive Emotions book. You can play with them when or wherever you like.
-
Give yourself permission to hug yourself.
Have you ever felt the weight of the day settle heavily until your own touch feels foreign? I certainly have. Yet everything softens once I grant myself permission to wrap my arms around my body with tender intention instead of rushing past the need.
This simple act nurtures deep self-compassion and restores emotional balance. Moreover, it activates calming sensations that ease tension held deep within. For instance, a warm self-hug can quiet racing thoughts and invite a profound sense of safety in moments of overwhelm.
Additionally, embracing yourself reinforces worthiness and strengthens inner connection. Consequently, you navigate life with greater kindness toward your own heart.
Give yourself permission for a self-hug.
- It cultivates self-love through gentle self-hug practices and mindful touch
- It supports emotional wellness while reducing anxiety with self-compassion
- It boosts self-compassion and enhances feelings of safety and security
- It promotes mental health benefits of self-soothing and loving touch
Furthermore, these intentional embraces weave nurturing into everyday routines. Meanwhile, harsh self-criticism gently releases its grip. Therefore, you begin to trust your body as a source of comfort and strength.
Recent research shows that self-hugging significantly reduces anxiety levels and creates measurable calm. Discover the powerful benefits here.
However, many pause thinking it seems silly. Nevertheless, this physical expression of care delivers real physiological shifts. In the end, giving yourself permission feels beautifully affirming because it honors your need for immediate love and presence.
You deserve this warm embrace today. Start small by crossing your arms gently over your chest and breathing deeply for thirty seconds. Watch how self-love expands when hugging yourself becomes a cherished ritual.
Give yourself permission to hug yourself and feel the comfort unfold.
-
Pause for a moment, and take a breath. That’s nice. I’m spilling a few thoughts about the art of pause today. There are so many pauses in life. Sometimes they happen without us ever even realizing it. This pace of life we have in our world seems to press forward, sometimes with no notice of pause. I think, though, the pauses are there if we can pause just a moment to realize.
Continue Reading -
I’m jumping into bliss today. Yes, extreme happiness is worth celebrating. I was just writing in my journal about how happy I feel now that I’m spending dedicated hours each day to follow my dream of being a writer. This is bliss! After so many years of pouring my energy into the dreams of my employer, it feels liberating to spin that energy on my passion. Why did I wait so long? That’s another topic entirely!
Now, back to bliss. Think for a moment about a time when you felt so much happiness inside you thought your bellybutton was going to bust. Well, okay, that might be a little extreme, but it’s a fun image. Do you suppose a bee feels that way when there is an abundance of pollen to be had? Or, what about a cat getting all crazy on the catnip or a bear finding the perfect tree to help with that back scratch? These are all great examples of what bliss looks like to me.
Continue Reading
No Results Found
Life Gifts
- I send you delicious caring and big love.
- Sending you tasty inspiration.
- I send you energetic bursts of joy.
- I send you peaces to resolve the conflicts you’re experiencing right now.
- I send you virtual blankets to keep you warm, and good thoughts that your electricity is soon restored.
- I send you relaxing moments filled with love and caring.
- Sending you willing, loving hearts and hands to help you.
- Sending you loving hands to cradle your tender heart.
- I send you patience to allow new things to unfold positively for your life.
- I send you chortles, giggles and warm hugs.
- I send you showers of strength as you walk your journey.
- I send you delicious moments to remove clutter from your life.
- I send you glorious freedom to move your body and experience joy.
- Sending you joy.
- Sending you quiet mornings to savor nature and listen to the musings of your heart.
- Sending you love and caring.
- I send you a warm, snuggly kitty to comfort your soul and remind you about the power of love.
- I send you healing, detoxifying energy as your body benefits and heals from your weekend massage.
- I send you buckets of smiles to share with everyone you meet.
- I send you the lightest hint of lilac and a handful of petals.
- I send you buckets of bubbling, juicy kindness.
- Sending you nourishing soup for your soul.
- I send you a warm spot of cheer and buckets of love for you to use as you wish.
- Sending you a bubble full of love and healing, to hold you and your heart.
- I send you calm and gentle breezes wafting love and joy around you.
- I send you delightful whimsey, goodness over flowing, and creative deliciousness today.
- Sending you patience while your body heals.
- I send you clocks that indicate there is plenty of time.
- I send you focus and energy as you write today.
- I send you patience and understanding, and a powerful little elf to manage all your worries.
- Sending you the best of birthday wishes and some special binoculars for you to see all the puddles of goodness that follow you around and support you.
- I send you warm nourishing rays of light.
- I send you joy as I think about how delightful you are.
- I send you wide open spaces big enough for all your dreams to materialize.
- Sending you giggles.
- Sending you rain to nourish the earth so that the earth can nourish you.
- I send you a path of petals on which to tread as you navigate life.
- I send you flexibility to allow your writing dream to come to life as you live it.
- Sending you blankets of love to help you feel safe.
- I send you warm, comfortable rest.
- I send you fireworks of inspiration.
- I send you a cuddly blanket of appreciation for the beautiful person you are in this world.
- Sending you a perfect worry doll to manage your worries.
- Sending you perfect laser focus to follow your warm heart.
- Sending you bursts of energy and focus.
