Self-care toolbox #1: Parenting yourself

14 Mar 2016 | 0 comments

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I saw a tweet from Meena Harris (Kamala's niece) t

I saw a tweet from Meena Harris (Kamala's niece) today: "Being at home this last month and trying to juggle literally everything at once has proven so glaringly that it is humanly impossible for women to just lean in and have it all. I hope no one is ever able to scam us into having that bs debate again."⁠
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Can I get an AMEN!!⁠
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Here's what I'm learning. My kids don't give a rat's ass about whether I'm perfect and do all.the.things. ⁠
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They want hugs, encouragement, attention.⁠
They want my presence.⁠
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It doesn't serve any of us if I'm storming around like a chicken with my head cut off or locking myself in the bathroom for 5 minutes of peace.⁠
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If nothing else, I hope that this period of confinement teaches us that busy isn't better. In fact, busy is bullshit!⁠
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You don't have to do everything and be everything. Be you. Perfectly imperfect you. You're enough exactly as you are. ⁠
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You're unique and important to the people who love you.⁠
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#connectionnotperfection #lockdownlessons #lockdownslowdown #mindset #familytime #coach #yogateacher #mindfulness #beyou #youreenough⁠
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(sorry, not sorry for the profanity. This is real life.)

Looking for some #brainbreaks for your family? Ha

Looking for some #brainbreaks for your family?

Have you checked out my #familyyoga videos?

Each video is less than 10 minutes long with new ones every M-F during this lockdown period.
And, on Saturdays: meditations for parents!

Link in bio!

"Leave the lumps" That's the advice my aspiring 1

"Leave the lumps"

That's the advice my aspiring 12-year-old chef got from his @buzzfeedtasty cookbook.

If you leave the lumps, the pancakes will be more airy and light.
Feels like a good life lesson too.
Our lumps, bumps, and bruises add texture.
They make us 3-dimensional.
They make us unique.
So, here's to your lumps!
Your messy, chaotic, perfectly imperfect lumps!

They, and you, rock!
#lifelessons #momslife #mindfulness #kidchefs #myheartandstomacharefull

I'm not going to lie, the last few days have been

I'm not going to lie, the last few days have been tough mentally.

I have friends who are coming forward and sharing they are sick.

I've been hearing from former classmates and colleagues who work in hospitals and are sharing stories from the front lines. Scary stories. Sad stories.

And, even with my yoga and meditation practices, the mind monkeys are creeping in with their fear- and anxiety-producing thoughts.

Here's the thing I've learned.

Being positive doesn't mean you're devoid of negative thoughts.
It means, you believe that more good will come. Maybe not in this moment. Maybe not in the next hour.
But new, good things will come.
And believing that keeps hope alive.

Like this flower, which fell from a tree in our garden.

As the colors fade, I can choose to be saddened by its loss. I can sweep it up into the compost.

Or I can stop and notice the intricate, delicate veins of color in each unique petal.
And that, in the compost, it will play a new role in the food chain.

And trust that a new one will grow in its place.
I give myself permission to feel all the feelings. The fear, the anxiety, the loss, and the hope, the love, the joy.

We all exist in this moment for a reason. And, whatever you're feeling now, it's ok.

#trust #hope #feelallthefeels #lessonsfromnature #saturdaythoughts

What would you do if I sang out of tune? We've be

What would you do if I sang out of tune?

We've been listening to the Beatles today and, as often happens, the universe teamed up with iTunes to bring me the message I needed to hear. "I get by with a little help from my friends" popped on just as I was finding myself feeling down about the state of the world, yet glued to the news which was pulling me deeper into the abyss of fear and uncertainty.
I needed help.

I looked at the clock and it was 10 minutes before a coaching call with one of my most favorite people/coaches/mentors, @laisscortegagna.

Lais has been helping me find my voice. And, her radiant smile and soothing spirit always makes me feel like I could get through anything.

She's also my visibility coach and it helping me be more consistent on social media.

So, in honor of her, the Beatles, and the universe, I'd love to know... Who helps you get by?

#wereallinthistogether #spreadlove #gratitude #friends

What are your self-care practices during times of

What are your self-care practices during times of uncertainty?
I've just started a 40-day Kundalini challenge with @iambriannarose and, I am loving it!
I've used yoga and mindfulness practices for a while but, I'm finding the Kundalini chanting especially soothing right now as my mind monkeys race around thinking about all.the.things going on in the world right now.

Brianna's practice is helping me feel centered and connected.
And doing it as a challenge is helping me stay accountable.

What are you doing today to take care of yourself?

#selfcare #gratitude

Cat's cradle. I spent hours playing this game wit

Cat's cradle.

I spent hours playing this game with my friends during recess when I was a little girl.
So, when my son asked me to help him fix the waistband string that was pulled out of his pants while he and his brother were fighting, I "fixed it". 😂

And taught him a new game. Which we played together for almost 30 minutes!

I continue to be grateful for this extra time we get to spend as a family. We're learning and sharing so much together!

We're creating so many incredible moments of magic! Memories that will outlast this lockdown!

What moments of magic did you share today?

#familytime #funtime #lockdownslowdown #inthistogether #mindset #gratitude

It's #SuperpowerSunday!! Step into your power and

It's #SuperpowerSunday!! Step into your power and soar!
#loveyourself #trustyourself #beyourself

"Who are you?" Oh my goodness! Even with all the p

"Who are you?" Oh my goodness! Even with all the personal development work I've done, this question still scares the shit out of me.

We've been programmed to define ourselves but what we do. But, what happens when you wear so many hats, when you do so many things, that just answering that question feels overwhelming and exhausting?

That's what happened to me on a call with my incredible friend and intuitive leadership coach @uplevelyouwithml.

I could literally feel the tight knot growing in my stomach as we were talking about how I see myself, my identity.
My response: "I'm a wife, a mom, a daughter, a friend, a business owner, a life coach, a yoga teacher, a genetic counselor, a student...." ML: "And, deeper..." Me: "I'm compassionate, open-minded, eager to please, driven, .... And I'm tired." ML: "and if you could get away. What if you went to a deserted island, by yourself?" I sat for a minute, eyes closed and pictured the scene. Warmth ran thru me. The knot loosened up.

Me: "I'm warm and comfortable. Like a giant hug." And I started laughing.
Because about a month ago, @shihjenny, another incredibly intuitive, inspiring coach I have the honor to call a friend, mentor, and boss, was introducing me to our newest round of clients and she said: "Marisa has a whole bunch of tools to support you and she just feels like she's giving you a giant hug." The two experiences merged into one and the message felt so clear:

I've spent 43 years showing up in the world by leading with my heart. But, with myself, my brain still fights for control.

Sitting on that imaginary beach, my brain just wanted a full-hearted hug too.

Because I AM A HUG. A GIANT HUG. And everything else that makes up my identity, are just branches.

So, I promised Marie-Louise that, during my next creative self-care time, I'd create a visual reminder of my new mantra.
Here it is.

I am beyond grateful that I am on this planet, in this moment of time, with so many beautiful souls who see me, who hear me, who get me, and who inspire me.

Thank you all. And know that, the next time we see each other, I'll have my arms wide open for a real hug! ♥️

Having some serious tech problems - both electroni

Having some serious tech problems - both electronic and mental!⁠
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Here's what's happened so far today....⁠
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I'm recording new videos for my daily #locksdownslowdown Yoga & Mindfulness series (check link in bio if you're interested!) 🎥⁠
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1️⃣ I kept getting tongue-tied. 😜⁠
2️⃣ QuickTime syncing of the audio & video were off. 🐌⁠
3️⃣ I had two perfect takes but forgot to hit record (TWICE!) 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️⁠
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Must be the equinox! 🌞🌙⁠
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How did I beat the frustration? ⁠
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By pausing the video on all the funny faces I could find in between takes. ⁠
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Sometimes, laughter really is great medicine! ⁠
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Do you find it easy to laugh at yourself?⁠
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#laughter #problemsolving #entrepreneurproblems #mindfulness #yoga #coaching #kidsyoga #mindset #everythingisfigureoutable #lifelessons

Self-care is more important than ever!⁠ ⁠ Unce

Self-care is more important than ever!⁠
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Uncertainty and unpredictability are like triple fudge brownies for those pesky mind monsters!⁠
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The monsters feed off them and then go into hyperdrive from all the sugar!⁠
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There is so much information out there to absorb and, rules changing every day. ⁠
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For those of us who like consistency and routine, it can feel so overwhelming.⁠
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And when we're overwhelmed, frustrated, on an emotional rollercoaster, that energy is contagious! Especially to kids. ⁠
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Who then become hyper, anxious, jumpy. ⁠
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And THAT energy is contagious so we become more overwhelmed, frustrated, emotional.⁠
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And the cycle continues.... ⁠
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That's why it's especially important now to prioritize self-care. ⁠
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As my good friend and coach @nurturedmama says: "self-care is not just about pampering. It's about maintenance." (Make sure to check out Dona's incredible podcast!) ⁠
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What if this period of uncertainty and unpredictability has a higher purpose for all of us?⁠
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What if we're living at this moment, now, to learn how to take care of ourselves every single day. So we can learn to maintain our physical, mental, and spiritual health?⁠
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Then we can connect more whole-heartedly with what really matters so we can take care of our children, our community, our world.⁠
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❤️ Are you making time to take care of yourself? ⁠
❤️ What are your go-to self-care practices? ⁠
❤️ What would you like to do more of?⁠
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PM me if I can I help support you! ⁠
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#selfcare #takecareofyourself #lockdown #slowdown #coaching #mindset #mindfulness #parenting #momslife #wereallinthistogether

We just officially entered the next stage of lockd

We just officially entered the next stage of lockdown here in France.
We're being told to stay at home except to go to the supermarket or for necessary exercise.
But no parks.
Only one parent with the kids.
Adults can only go out alone.
And, you must carry ID and paperwork in case you are stopped by a police officer.

It feels so strange to look out the window today. There's no one on the street.
There are very few of our neighbors out in their gardens.

But, I do genuinely believe that this is a necessary, and temporary, approach to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

And, while we're at home, we're making the most of it as a family. We're slowing down. We're doing so many activities together. The kids are getting more attention than they've gotten in a long time.
And you know what? The kids seem to be thriving! I've gotten so many more hugs than usual. And my youngest is quite a hugger so that's saying a lot.
And my husband and I are thriving. We're laughing more than usual. And our kids are jokers so that's saying a lot.

These moments are magical. And, the memories will last much longer than this lockdown.

If you're looking for some fun ways to connect as a family - to laugh, play, AND relax - check out my daily yoga videos!

These 5-10 minute videos contain yoga and mindfulness practices that the whole family will love and are available on my website (link in bio)! Take care of yourself and others!

#slowdown #mindfulness #yoga #familytime #kidsyogateacher #familyyogateacher #yogateacher #lockdownselfcare #weareallinthistogether #leadwithlove #laughandlove❤️

Life can be messy.⁠ ⁠ Today is the first day o

Life can be messy.⁠
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Today is the first day of school/work at home. Everything is closed in France except for supermarkets, hospitals, pharmacies - the essential stuff.⁠
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So, for the first time ever, we had to develop a plan for how to co-exist - to study and work - as a foursome.⁠
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Four different learning styles.⁠
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Four different working styles.⁠
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Four different energies.⁠
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We made a plan as a family. And, this morning, at 8am, we started with breakfast followed by a session of meditation/stretching/journaling.⁠
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At the end of the session, my 3rd grader read what he wrote: "Today, I'm going to follow the plan."⁠
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It felt like a perfect intention to set for the day.⁠
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A big part of the plan is noticing, observing, figuring out what works and what needs to change.⁠
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It's all an experiment. ⁠
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We're all in this together!⁠
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What's your plan?⁠
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#day1ofschoolfromhome #socialisolation #coronavirus #americansinbordeaux #day1 #makingplans #intentions #familytime #mindset #quotesfrommykid #kidtruthbombs #wiserthanhisyears #gratitude

Thank you to all of you who are giving me such ama

Thank you to all of you who are giving me such amazing ideas about what to do over the next 7 weeks (yup, at this point, the Education Nationale's plan is that schools won't reopen until after spring break on May 4th!😱). I was freaking out and you all calmed me down! Yup, you calmed down the yoga and mindfulness teacher!

You are all incredible! I feel so much gratitude to have such an incredible and supportive FB family! 🥰

I was thinking about how I can give back and I've decided to post videos with yoga and mindfulness exercises for the whole family to do together (or alone!) every school day until we go back to our normal routines.

I know things are feeling really chaotic right now but, in my calmer moments, I do honestly believe that, the universe has a higher purpose for everything.

I see how we've become so disconnected from each other and as a global society. We're being asked to move so fast and have so much information being thrown at us, it's overwhelming.

I truly feel like this is our moment to start to reconnect and restore as ourselves, as a family, and as a greater world.
🌎💓💪✨ Comment below or DM me if you're interested and I'll make sure to get you the links when the videos go live- starting on Monday! 🎥

#yoga #mindfulness #homepractice #yogaenanglais #yogaludique #yogaenfamille #familyyoga #coronavirus #stayconnected #lockdown #expat #expat #americaninbordeaux #kidsyogateacher #familyyogateacher #yogateacher #parentingcoach #familycoach #mindset

I totally get it! You've got something to do. Some

I totally get it! You've got something to do. Something that feels a little uncomfortable. Maybe even a little scary. ⁠
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And, all of a sudden, like a tornado, your brain kicks in and it starts spinning out of control with all sorts of self-defeating thoughts. ⁠
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Thoughts that make you want to do anything other than taking action. ⁠
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Biologically, our brain has one job: to keep us safe. ⁠
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And your brain takes its job VERY seriously. ⁠
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And, it's been really successful so far. You're sitting here reading this post, after all. ⁠
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But, every now and then, when you have a big decision to make or are about to make a big change or it feels like the world is about to explode, your brain starts kicking up the wind speed to make you second guess your next steps.⁠
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That was what was happening to a recent client of mine. She was launching a new business, doing something she loved to do. But, she was nervous. ⁠
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How was she going to do ALL.THE.THINGS starting a new business requires and still make time for her family? For herself?⁠
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What if she failed and lost the time and money she invested?⁠
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What if she succeeded and grew so big that she really wouldn't have time for her family?⁠
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We sat down for a 90-minute coaching call and she let it all flow out of her. ⁠
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When she finished, I asked her what she needed. ⁠
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She looked at me and said: "I feel like I'm on a speeding rollercoaster and I need help putting on the brakes."⁠
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Sometimes we need permission to slow down and step back so we can see the big picture. And having a partner along for the ride can really help.⁠
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Can I help you?⁠
Book a FREE mini-session and let's talk!⁠
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#coaching #mindset #familycoaching #parenting #worklifebalance #selfcare #lovemyclients

DID YOU KNOW?⁠ ⁠ You're literally ONE IN 100 B

DID YOU KNOW?⁠
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You're literally ONE IN 100 BILLION! 🦄⁠
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To put that into perspective, astronomers like my husband, Sean, (who's not on IG! 😮), estimate that there are 100 billion stars 🌟🌟🌟 in our Milky Way galaxy! ⁠
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If you've ever stood in a field on a clear night and looked up, you're only looking, at most, at half of the stars in our galaxy. ⁠
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Think about one of those points of light. And that's you! 🙋‍♀️⁠
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Not a single person in all of human history has your share 100% of your DNA. ⁠
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Not a single person has shared your combination of experiences. ⁠
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No one has walked the path 🚶‍♀️that you are on. ⁠
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So, no matter what Karen, Sally, or Jane are wearing, driving, feeding their kids, their choices don't have to be yours. ⁠
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😍 You're unique, your kids are unique, your family is unique. 😍 ⁠
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And, like the stars in the sky, the universe created us to shine! ⁠
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My wish for you is for you to DO YOU! Because you are awesome! You're 1 in 100 billion! 🤩🤩🤩⁠
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📷 Ryan Hutton on @Unsplash⁠
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#beyou #trustyourself #didyouknow #genetics #coaching #youareunique #mindset #mindfulness #parenting #momslife #intuitivecoaching #familycoaching #parentingcoach #beyourself #iseeyou #readytoshine #momentsofmagic

Music is like medicine in our house! Whether it's

Music is like medicine in our house!
Whether it's a migraine, stomach ache, or sad heart, I turn to iTunes whenever I need a pick-me-up.

I also turn on the music to celebrate and dance when I'm already feeling good! 😉 I have playlists for all types of moods. What about you?

What's on your playlist?
What music makes you feel good?

Check my stories for what I'm currently listening to... #musicasmindfulness #musicasmedicine #workingfromhome

Who's in your community? At their very core, comm

Who's in your community?

At their very core, communities are about creating connections. They're about feeling seen and heard so you don't feel alone. ♥️ For the past few months, I have been hosting free monthly workshops online to talk about different ways to create more ease and joy in life.
We've covered topics like:
🗣️ how to create open and healthy communication;
🍹 how to design an unselfish self-care practice
😍 how to develop more self-trust

And, as much as I love sharing my experience and knowledge with the people who show up, what I'm loving more is the sharing that goes on.
I'm surrounded by such amazingly kind, compassionate, supportive, open-hmibded, heart-centered, smart people! 🥰

As I was planning out the March one, it hit me... Unknowingly, I've been creating a community!
And it's filling my heart with gratitude and joy, calm and ease! ♥️ So, this month, for our Moments of Magic Workshop, I'm rebranding it: Welcome to the Moments of Magic Online Community!

I hope you'll join us!
DM me for more information !
Link to join us in bio.

#community #momslife #parenting #onlinecommunity #coaching #strongertogether #calmertogether #mindfulness #easeandjoy #mindset #family

Have you ever noticed how kids can throw a tantrum

Have you ever noticed how kids can throw a tantrum and then, two minutes later, they're jumping for joy?

When I first started digging into personal development, I had this belief that in order to be happier and be the change I wished to see in the word, I had to think more positively.

In order to reduce stress, frustration, overwhelm, I had to "raise my vibration" in any situation that was stressful, frustrating, and overwhelming.

And I had to figure out how to do as quickly as possible because I had a list full of things I wanted and needed to be doing and didn't have time to waste on getting my shit together.

Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?
Because, here's the thing: no matter how good you are at dealing with stressful situations, you're not going to eliminate stressful situations from arising.

No matter how many affirmations you repeat, you're not going to stop negative thoughts from popping up.

And so, more than anything else on my personal development journey, the biggest a-ha that I had was learning to befriend ALL.MY.FEELS instead of trying to push through or push away certain ones.

And that means that, when a stressful, frustrating, overwhelming situation presents itself, sometimes I have to throw my own tantrum before I can get myself into the right space to trouble-shoot and problem-solve.

And, it's true on the yoga mat too. Sometimes I need to shake my shakiness, jump my jumpiness out before I can truly settle into the flow of a practice.

As we're entering into full moon energy, here's your permission to FEEL ALL YOUR FEELS too.

Whatever is coming up for you, know that it's all ok.

Have a great week! Take care of yourself!

#motivationmonday #motivationmonday #feelyourfeelings #itsgoingtobeok #mindset #fullmoon #mindfulness #lifecoaching #intuition #trustyourself #selfawareness #familylife #momslife #kidsyogateacher

One of the best things about living on the #expat

One of the best things about living on the #expat planet in the southwest of France is all the wine festivals!
And this one is celebrating Tahitian culture too with food and dancers!

Plus, as a bonus, the rain is holding off too!

It's #SelfcareSaturday in #Podensac.

Sometimes self-care is a necessity - it's about filling your bucket so you can survive the chaos, sometimes it's just for pure FUN!

What are to up to today?

#lillet #fetedelorange #bordeauxmaville #familyfun #schoolholidays #selfcareasafamilyaffair

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