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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.
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Hello fondness. Thanks for dropping in for a visit. I’m fond of my retirement life, and it’s nice to look upon my day with your presence.
Do recognize when you feel fond of something? Perhaps You’re fond of someone’s creativity to make something out of ordinary things. Do you ever feel fond of someone? Maybe you find yourself feeling fond of your heaters when it’s cold outside.
When I feel fond, I sense a warmness in my heart, and I can feel the corners of my face turning upward into a smile. Writing about fondness is a little challenging because it’s one of those feelings that happens without much notice. It’s worth noticing though. Being aware of fondness highlights things I’m not so fond of. Isn’t it interesting how being aware of something’s opposite can enrich our awareness about it?
What happens when you recall a memory and find yourself feeling fond of it? It’s more colorful and vivid. Fondness immerses us into the experience in our memory and encodes information about a memory that makes it easier to recall.
How about our decision making? Fondness can subtly influence how we make decisions in ways we might not realize. When we’re fond of someone, we might unconsciously prioritize their preferences of opinions. What an amazing thing to realize in any context. In a corporate context, how does this impact your decisions? Hmmm. I certainly did this in my career days (probably more often than I might care to admit).
When we are fond of something in our lives, it probably influences the choices and actions we take. If I want more calm in the chaos around me, I’m inclined to feel fond of feeling calm and lean toward choices that will amplify that calm. Never thought about that one before.
Hello fondness. Thank you for coming to visit. I appreciate getting to know you a little better!
Emotions fill our cells with energy…
If you would like to explore more feelings in the Stayin’ in Touch – Positive Emotions book, click here for more information.
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Hope: The Antidote to Anxiety and Doubt
Ah yes, hope. I hope this message finds you well. Oh, I hope I did well enough to pass the test this time. In my wildest dreams, I hope I get to go to Santorini, Greece one day. I hope everything goes okay during the surgery. I hope someday things won’t feel as awful as they do right now. Does any of this sound familiar? I’m playing in a puddle of hope today, to see what I can learn about this feeling.
The context of hope sometimes has more to do with yearning or anticipation. The hope I’m exploring today is the resolute feeling in my heart that feels peaceful or trusting in a desired outcome. It is anticipation free from anxiety or doubt. Of course, there is an element of yearning in any form of hope, but I like to think of it from a glass-half-full perspective.
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When I think about emotional intelligence, I think about knowledge pertaining to emotions. The ability to name emotions and acknowledge them gives us the power to be attuned to how we feel. That knowledge gives us awareness about what’s going on inside ourselves. It also gives us information about how we feel impacts our interactions with others.
How is emotional intelligence different from emotional maturity? In my mind, emotional maturity has more to do with how we use our emotions in our lives. Ever get a shocking emotional response from someone? For me, this is a display of immature emotional knowledge or sensitivity. It’s okay for someone to feel what they are feeling. When someone reacts quickly without understanding their feelings, it can lead to bad outcomes. The receiving end of that is often undesirable.
In contrast, emotional intelligence has more to do with being knowledgeable about emotions. First, understanding what an emotion is and giving it a name gives us a context for understanding what we feel. That knowledge gives us a foundation to explore more about it.
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Emotional maturity and Understanding Feelings – what does that mean? Our world is full of both goodness and social unrest. My observations of current world issues lead me to believe there is value in conscious emotional awareness – emotional maturity.
Consider events such as politics, corporate well-being, crimes against others, grief, anger, school shootings, and so on. Conscious or unconscious emotional responses have everything to do with the maturity of our leaders, children, families, and individuals.
Understanding

Emotional maturity means understanding how we experience and respond to feelings. For a simple example, imagine someone speaking harshly toward you. What is the first emotion you feel? Shock, anger, misunderstood, defensive, or something similar. When you feel the emotion, is it conscious or unconscious? For a unique example, remember someone who speaks lovingly to you. How is your immediate emotional feeling different from the first example? Caring, open, understanding, and warm. Again, when you feel the emotion, is it conscious or unconscious?
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In my experience, both emotional intelligence and emotional maturity are becoming increasingly crucial in our complex world. I find that positivity and social turmoil coexist. Society today has a deeper understanding of conscious emotional awareness, often referred to as emotional maturity and I think is proving to be invaluable for successful living.
In a world grappling with issues spanning from politics to corporate well-being, the impact of emotions on the decisions and behaviors of leaders, families, and individuals cannot be underestimated. Consider instances such as crimes against others, school shootings, and collective grief – all of which highlight the profound influence of emotional responses on our society’s fabric.

When taking a step back and viewing holistically, the core of emotional maturity lies in the comprehension of how we react with our emotions. Imagine encountering someone who speaks harshly to you; instinctively, emotions like shock, anger, or defensiveness arise. In contrast, think about a scenario where someone speaks with kindness and affection. The reactionary emotions, such as warmth and understanding, create a different emotional landscape.
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Give yourself permission to cry whenever you feel like crying.
Lately I notice how liberating it feels to simply let the tears flow without judgment. Moreover, this act of allowance creates profound space for emotional release. Consequently, my heart feels lighter each time I honor what arises naturally.
Furthermore, tears carry wisdom that words sometimes cannot express. Instead, they wash away accumulated stress and invite deeper healing. Therefore, I now welcome them as trusted friends rather than something to hide. Additionally, this gentle permission transforms moments of vulnerability into sacred opportunities for renewal.
Give Yourself Permission to Release Tears Freely
Yet society often teaches us to hold everything inside tightly. Nevertheless, true strength emerges when we soften and allow. Meanwhile, I breathe through the waves and trust that each drop serves a beautiful purpose.
- Emotional release techniques like allowing tears help process feelings and restore inner balance effectively.
- Self compassion practices grow stronger when I give myself full permission to cry without shame or apology.
- Healing through tears supports mental wellness and creates room for greater peace and clarity afterward.
Thus, I imagine warm streams of acceptance flowing freely whenever sadness or overwhelm visits. Besides that, they carry away what no longer needs to stay. Similarly, this practice deepens my connection to my authentic self. After all, crying represents courage, not weakness.
Moreover, I discovered powerful perspectives on the healing power of emotional tears that reinforced this truth beautifully. However, the real shift happens in the quiet choice to stop resisting. Ultimately, I feel more whole and grounded simply by granting this kindness to myself.
Give yourself permission to cry whenever you feel like crying.
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I give you permission to yawn when you feel like yawning.
Honoring the body’s natural signals brings a surprising sense of freedom each day. Furthermore, this gentle act of permission reminds me how often we suppress what wants to emerge naturally. I give you permission to yawn when you feel like yawning because it releases built-up tension and invites fresh energy to flow through.
Society sometimes labels such moments as rude or inattentive. However, embracing them instead fosters deeper self-compassion and presence. Moreover, yawning serves as a powerful reset that clears mental fog and supports overall well-being beautifully.
Permission to yawn freely creates space for authentic bodily wisdom.
Consequently, I now notice these cues with curiosity rather than judgment. Additionally, this practice builds greater awareness of other unspoken needs throughout my day. Meanwhile, allowing yawns during quiet moments enhances relaxation and restores balance effortlessly.
Here are transformative ways this permission nurtures daily harmony:
- Permission to yawn empowers natural body signals and reduces unnecessary self-criticism in everyday situations
- Self-compassion through yawning grows when I honor fatigue cues without forcing alertness or productivity
- Natural energy reset emerges as yawns oxygenate the system and support emotional clarity and focus
Thus, integrating this awareness supports profound inner ease over time. Nevertheless, the true gift unfolds when expectations around appearance soften completely. Fortunately, this shift allows genuine vitality to surface more readily.
For deeper insights on listening to your body’s wisdom and embracing rest, explore this helpful resource on the power of natural pauses and self-care.
Ultimately, offering myself this permission leads to richer connections with my inner rhythms. Therefore, I extend the same kindness to you today. I give you permission to yawn when you feel like yawning invites us all to live more attuned and compassionately. What signals is your body offering you right now?
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I Give You Permission to Breathe and Be in This Very Moment—Right Here, Right Now.
Soft morning light touches my shoulders as I settle into this chair. Today, I consciously give myself full permission to simply breathe and exist fully in this present breath. Moreover, this gentle act of allowing creates space where tension once held tight.
I notice how often my mind races ahead or lingers in yesterday. Yet, when I pause and invite myself to arrive here completely, everything softens around the edges. Furthermore, this presence brings a quiet sweetness that nourishes my spirit in unexpected ways.
Permission to Breathe Right Here
However, true presence unfolds when I release the need to fix or achieve something in every moment.
- Present moment permission cultivates deep inner calm and reduces daily overwhelm through mindful awareness.
- Breathe and be now strengthens emotional intelligence while fostering genuine self-compassion in busy lives.
- Right here right now mindfulness enhances clarity, joy, and connection with the beauty already surrounding us.
Consequently, I feel my shoulders drop as air flows freely into my lungs. For instance, worries about tomorrow lose their grip when I anchor myself in this single, precious inhale. Additionally, this practice opens my heart to notice small wonders like the warmth of my tea or the rhythm of birdsong outside.
Discover more ways to cultivate presence by exploring thoughtful guidance on simple mindfulness techniques for everyday calm.
Therefore, I extend this same loving permission to you as well. After all, life feels lighter when we allow ourselves to just be. What does this very moment offer you when you truly arrive in it? Sharing these tender experiences creates beautiful ripples of understanding and support. I give you permission to breathe and be—right here, right now—exactly as you are.
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I love myself today because I’m patient with my Dad, and because I’m loveable. I’m worthy of love.
Today, I woke up with a gentle warmth spreading through my chest. Self-love feels especially real when I choose patience over frustration during moments with my Dad. He moves slower these days, and his stories loop sometimes. Yet, in those quiet pauses, I remind myself how deeply connected we remain.
Consequently, this practice of patience opens doors to greater compassion. Moreover, it teaches me that love flows both ways—giving and receiving.
As I reflect on my journey, I notice how small acts of kindness toward family ripple outward. For instance, holding space for Dad’s memories without rushing him builds my own emotional strength. Furthermore, it reinforces my belief that I am worthy of the same tenderness I extend to others.
Loving Myself Deeply Today
Patience with loved ones transforms ordinary days into sacred ones. In turn, it highlights my inherent lovability.
- Self-love practices like daily patience with aging parents boost emotional resilience and strengthen family bonds.
- I’m worthy of love affirmations help release old doubts, inviting more joy and acceptance into daily life.
- Patient with my Dad moments create opportunities for healing conversations and deeper understanding between generations.
Additionally, embracing my worthiness shifts how I interact with the world. Therefore, I show up more authentically in relationships. However, some days challenge this mindset. When impatience creeps in, I breathe deeply and choose again.
Meanwhile, I explore resources on conscious emotional growth that support this path. Many insightful perspectives await those ready to dive deeper into self-compassion.
Nevertheless, progress comes from consistent small steps rather than perfection. Thus, celebrating tiny victories—like a calm response during a repetitive story—builds momentum. Besides, recognizing my lovable qualities reminds me that worthiness isn’t earned but simply exists.
Ultimately, loving myself today means honoring both my strengths and vulnerabilities. For example, my patience reveals inner peace I once overlooked. Similarly, accepting love from others feels easier when I model it first.
In essence, this self-love journey continues to unfold beautifully. Consequently, I invite you to pause and affirm your own worth. What patient choice could you make today that honors your lovable heart?
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What? How in all the green of the forest does vulnerability and magic get together? It’s like putting strawberries and black pepper together. Let’s play with some ideas.
Our history influences how we experience and understand vulnerability. When I was younger, I fought to keep it hidden. I thought vulnerability equaled weakness, and therefore I was weak. There is a right time and place to share it.
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Life Gifts
- Sending you buckets of patience to spill in all the places that need some—be sure to douse yourself with some.
- I send you delicious moments filled with rare and marvelous accents that grow your heart.
- I send you fresh strawberries to enjoy in a mild, sunny meadow upon a lush spring mountain.
- I send you healing energy as you mend your heart and body.
- I send you light energy to charge your healthy cells and create health.
- I send you calm, to remember love and caring.
- I send you inspiration to put thoughts on paper.
- I send you the deep, rich colors of berries to paint your soul.
- Sending you flashlights for exploring your dark places.
- I send you comfy pillows to cradle you in love and comfort.
- I send you appreciation for caring to make healthy choices for yourself.
- Sending you bright colored paint for your life canvas.
- Sending you giant pails of peace to spill or splash in.
- I send you light to illuminate the places inside you that seem dark.
- I send you tender, loving arms to hold you in care and love.
- I send you billowing bubbles of joy.
- I send you joy.
- Sending you a bubble full of love and healing, to hold you and your heart.
- I send you succulent sweet chocolate kisses and delightfully warm hugs.
- I send you courage and honor.
- Sending you oodles of energy noodles.
- I send you a path of petals on which to tread as you navigate life.
- Sending you nourishing soup for your soul.
- I send you the lightest hint of lilac and a handful of petals.
- Sending you rain to nourish the earth so that the earth can nourish you.
- I send you calm as you step back into work from being off for a few weeks.
- Sending you love and caring.
- I send you focus and energy as you write today.
- I send you chortles, giggles and warm hugs.
- I send you buckets of smiles to share with everyone you meet.
- I send you patience and understanding, and a powerful little elf to manage all your worries.
- I send you showers of grace and peace.
- I send you delicious caring and big love.
- I send you warm, comfortable rest.
- I send you showers of confetti filled with sparkling, renewing energy to keep you fresh and succulent.
- I send you lush green mountain meadows splattered with wildflowers for you to rest and rejuvenate your soul.
- Sending you bursts of energy and focus.
- I send you showers of strength as you walk your journey.
- I send you revolving hours of joy for writing about what you want to write about.
- I send you love.
- I send you honor and respect as you navigate this wave in your life.
- I send you joy as I think about how delightful you are.
- Sending you magical lenses to sharpen your focus.
- I send you pregnant pauses to remember how much you are loved and cared for.
- I send you life rafts for navigating the waters of life.
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