Sweet Old Man

Sweet Old Man
I'm at my parent's house right now. We're enjoying time together, but our sweet old husky/lab mix, Cody, is struggling. We're exhausted because he's keeping us up at night. He's 15ish years old. He's been slowing down of late, for sure, but he recently took a turn for the worse a few days ago in a way we didn't expect.

We've been supporting his body with natural options as he has Lyme's and arthritis, and we're so grateful that he's not been limping or in any noticeable discomfort from those issues. He's had a very full, fit life running through the 8-acre organic vegetable farm chasing bunnies and deer, sniffing, and watching us work from his shady favorite places once he's tired himself out. He's also mostly deaf now, so he is harder to console when he does get startled or something. They live in the country, though, so there weren't really any fireworks on the 4th to bother him. But the last few nights, he's been suddenly super anxious. He barks semi-frequently (when normally he's a pretty quiet dog), pacing, panting, and not even napping during the day like usual. He's been clingy and following us all around. At least he's enjoyed his walks in the garden/field like usual!

Last night I was able to use some of our concentrated plants to calm him down throughout the night. Each time I applied them, he would lay down a few minutes later and somewhat sleep, though less deeply. Clearly it was helping him relax... but it only helped for 2ish hours before he'd bark and wake us up again.

I should also add, he refuses (and I mean STUBBORNLY refuses) any treats/meds of any sort, no matter how appetizing they look or smell. Or if we do convince him to take them, it only works for a few days before he completely refuses again. He's a sweetheart though, despite this stubbornness. And overall, he's been in very good health for how old he is. He'll be going to the vet next week, but until then, these are our options. And we honestly don't know what else the vet can recommend at this point for our sweet old man. It could be dog dementia? Or just anxiety? We're not exactly sure. We are sad, knowing he is aging so much, and we aren't sure what the future holds for our first family/farm dog or how much longer we have with him.

As I jump into the future and plan for all that is changing and coming my way, I take some time to feel nostalgic and emotional about my sweet pup, my first furry love, and hope we enjoy as much more time with him as we can. I will keep lovingly massaging him every few hours while I'm here to help him be more comfortable, and I hope he enjoys having me here as much as I enjoy spending time walking him and petting his fluffy floppy husky ears and brushing his thick double coat and whispering love to him, even if he can't hear me anymore.

Jump!

Jump!


So you know that feeling when you were little and you were at the top of a water slide and you'd never been that high up before? Or maybe as an adult at the top of a cliff? I imagine that's the same feeling you'd get when bungee jumping (though I don't know if I'm brave -- or crazy! -- enough to try that...)


I'm just going for the feeling right now. You know that feeling, where you're threatened with feeling overwhelmed? Or you're at a fork in the road?

That's where I'm at now.

I'm standing at a crossroads, at a door, at the precipice of something amazing and wonderful and challenging and awesome all tangled up together.

I have that small knot in my stomach, or butterflies, if you will, but it's not paralyzing me like it used to usually do.

For the first time in a VERY long time (if not ever!), I feel empowered in this uncertain, not-quite-sure-what-is-about-to-happen moment. I used to only make "safe" decisions, even if I was trusting God in them. This decision definitely doesn't feel as "safe" or as predictable. But I feel like I have resources and friends and tools that I've grown to use well, and a network to support me. I feel God's guidance and wisdom in the direction I'm headed, even if it feels scary and new.

I've grown SO MUCH in these past 2 years. And I can't wait to keep growing: emotionally, relationally, musically, physically in wellness, professionally, spiritually...

Who's with me? Ready to jump?

How I Personally Dealt With TMJD Naturally

How I Personally Dealt With TMJD Naturally

Jaw issues can be a tricky thing... Many people (specialists included) don't know exactly what causes it, and for different people there can be different root issues or things that exacerbate it.

I personally believe that the body is inter-connected. We were made to be holistic beings and to care for our body, mind, spirit, and heart as whole beings!


So with that in mind, it took much trial and error for me, but with some changes to lifestyle and positive natural additions, I'm finally in a place of being physically well, emotionally well, relationally well, and spiritually well. There's always room for more growth, but I feel better than I have ever being on this wellness journey of discovery and progress.


5 Things That Have Impacted My TMJ For the Better

1. We cut out all sugar & caffeine, most dairy (esp. husband for his IBS), and most processed foods. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies. And einkorn for grain mostly. Part of our diet change also included some supplements that support joint health and overall wellness including energywhich has even helped my hair and nails grow longer and thicker and be less brittle. Who knew? More positives, I guess when you're going for naturally supporting the body. 

2. We also see a specialized chiropractor, and utilize something that helps us stay in alignment longer. I wear a custom splint on top at night so I slide instead of clench, though I personally think that mostly just protects my teeth than stops clenching.

3. Working on mindset and run-away emotions, as well as balancing hormones. I used to be a really anxious person, worrying about every little thing and blowing smaller worries out of proportion. If I went to a dr for that, maybe I would have been diagnosed, maybe not. But I have consciously worked REALLY hard to help myself focus on affirmations (truths rather than lies) to help me when I feel like it's harder than it should be.

4. Supplement where the body is deficient. This one may seem obvious, but I don't think it is! This includes joints, gut health, and ear/detoxing issues such as tinnitus. We live in a world that is broken, and with bodies that don't always do as they're supposed to -- but it wasn't meant to be this way! By providing our bodies high quality, bioavailable options to support where our bodies are lacking, we can live full lives more as we were created to. I've been able to do that very well, but the body takes TIME to heal. (This process can take months of consistency, so be patient. It didn't get "messed up" in a day, so it won't get "fixed" in a day either.)

5. Get good sleep. Sleep is foundational for so much of our health and wellness.



Curious about the specific things that have worked for me in each of these categories? Check out some of the links above, for starters, or check out the TMJ Strong course. I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all for health & wellness, but I'm happy to be someone you can bounce ideas off of while on this natural wellness journey, or a listening ear to see what I can do to help you thrive rather than barely survive. I wish I'd had someone like that when I first started this journey. Happy to be that for you if you need it! I pray wellness and relief and abundance for you, friend. Be Blessed.

10 Criteria When Choosing Plant-Based, Non-Toxic Products

10 Criteria When Choosing Plant-Based, Non-Toxic Products
When I first started this natural journey, I found the whole world of natural products really overwhelming. How do I know what's actually natural and plant-based? How do I know the ingredients are clean when many things are not regulated and the USA allows MANY more ingredients than Europe does? (Europe bans many ingredients that the USA allows in products.) How do I know that the companies packaging and advertising are telling the truth when they can have "trade secrets" and not share their entire ingredient list (possibly hiding not-so-good ingredients)? What about the expense -- is it really more expensive to go plant-based and non-toxic?

It seemed really overwhelming to me especially since I am sensitive to practically everything and didn't really want to trial and error so many products before finding things that I wasn't sensitive to. It seemed like a huge undertaking... and I just wanted simple.

With that in mind, here are 10 ways I filtered companies and their products to determine where to start.

1) Where does the plant material for their products come from? Can I visit where the plants are grown?

2) What's the process for turning the plant material into products? Do they use synthetic solvents to make the price go down by getting more out of plants than they should (and lowering the quality in the process)? Or do they do it the best way, without any added ingredients?

3) How transparent is the company with their process?

4) Are products available based on growing seasons and plant availability? No one wants items going out of stock, of course, but if a plant is limited in quantity, seeing something go out of stock occasionally is actually a GOOD sign that the company isn't doing anything to stretch plants further to meet supply demands.

5) Are the prices for different items all the same, or are they based on actual plant availability? Prices SHOULD vary based on rarity and availability of plants and the complexity of processing said plants.

6) Does the company put down others in any of their advertising (via comparison), or do they just focus on their own positive impact in the world?

7) Does the company make concentrated products that I can dilute (to save money on packaging and shipping too)? If they have supplements, how bio-available are they?

8) What do testimonials say about the efficacy of the products?

9) Do the plant materials smell "nice" or do they smell earthy and as the plant would? They should smell "earthy" and not be stripped of constituents just to please a customer.

10) Do plants smell different in different batches (say two different times you buy)? Or does it always smell EXACTLY the same? Different batches should smell a bit different, if the company is using pure plant material and processing it in the best possible way.


Well, there you have it. I've done extensive research and always label read my products (be it for cleaning, personal care, soaps, make-up, supplements, etc), and I've landed on one company that passes all of these question tests with flying colors. Some other companies pass some, but not all.

I'm so grateful that my family can trust that the products we use every single day (like bug repellent this time of year!) are pure, high quality non-toxic, and plant-based.

What requirements do you have of the companies you purchase from?

What is Black Garlic?

Black garlic can be found in restaurants everywhere, but the less well-known ingredient isn’t new. It has been used for its unique flavor, for medicinal purposes, and in Asian cuisines for centuries. Black garlic is the product of aging regular hard neck garlic bulbs over the course of weeks or months. It requires strictly regulated temperature and humidity to achieve its sticky blackish-brown consistency.

With a softer, molasses-like, balsamic-like flavor, it is a more delicate option than the raw version. Black garlic, considered a super food, also has added health benefits, including twice the amount of antioxidants than the regular raw bulb. The best part? It is versatile and can be swapped out for regular garlic in most recipes. It is a beautiful addition to any cheese plate, bruschetta, chicken dishes, or even as a pizza topper. I enjoy substituting it for regular garlic in my Garlic Lover's Pasta Salad recipe (pictures below). Many people like to add it to sauces or homemade vinaigrettes. Keep in mind it is milder in flavor but also unique as it is fermented, so I recommend you taste as you add.
   The process of making black garlic is less difficult than it is long. It can be aged for up to 60 days but will be ready to use after three weeks. Some people use a pressure cooker or rice cooker at home, while others use sealed canning jars and a dryer to get to the desired temperature and humidity levels.


Benefits: 
  • An abundance of antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives, and organosulfur compounds, including S-allyl-cysteine and S-allyl-mercaptocysteine
  • The fermentation process enhances the bioactivity.
  • Growing evidence suggests that black garlic's properties potentially include: anticancer, anti-obesity, immuno-modulatory, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects.
  • Black garlic can perhaps scavenge the free radicals in vitro and also activate the antioxidant enzymes in vivo.
  • Some recent reports have suggested black garlic as a prominent agent for treatment of inflammation and septicemia-related diseases.
Have you tried black garlic before? Check out our top 3 tips for organic gardening.




* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How I Chose My Chiropractor as an HSP With TMJD

How I Chose My Chiropractor as an HSP With TMJD
There are SO many chiropractors in the world... SO MANY.

How to choose?!

As a highly sensitive person with TMJD, I really had to take a good, hard look at what I needed from a chiropractor and what my goals were before being able to find someone that would fit my needs and help me achieve my goals.

My goals at the time were: more better sleep, less TMJD discomfort and more range of motion, less anxious thoughts and emotional swings, and stability in health and wellness. And I am reaching all of those goals through the choice I made -- yay!

1) What is their philosophy of wellness and health? Are they going to keep you coming back because they want to keep you, or have you come back at certain check-points or as needed? Do they also offer different nutritional supplements or support? Is that something you want as part of what they offer?

2) What is their actual method(s) of practice? My chiro is a part of NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractors Association) and practice a specific technique that is gentle, non-manipulative to the body, and focuses on specifically the atlas (V1) with the focal idea that most issues stem from there. If the main nerve of our spine is being pinched due to misalignment, many other issues (like TMJD, IBS, aches, etc) result. But each person is different, so the issues can be different. Once that is in alignment, the rest of the body can heal itself in its time usually. This was SO important to me because I'm really sensitive, so "twisting, cracking, and popping" my body was just not gonna happen. I'd been to one of those chiros as a kid and HATED the experience. I'd literally feel like crying in fear/dread.... yep, not happening. Very grateful to find NUCCA!

3) Do they listen and educate? Or do they just adjust and move on without taking time to care? Example: my husband has a rib that once in a while comes out of place and rotates. After adjusting his atlas, our chiro will sometimes gently adjust his wonky rib if needed, but only if it's not doing it's job. He normally doesn't do those things, but a rib out of wack isn't always going to find its way back to staying in alignment without a gentle nudge (literally, haha).

4) Do they adjust automatically if you come in, or just when you need it? Since my chiro is a NUCCA doc, he only adjusts me if I'm actually out of alignment. He has specific ways to tell if my body is in alignment or not, and he does not adjust me if my body does not need it. This allows a more natural body healing process to stay in place rather than outside forces (literally) interrupting that process. My NUCCA doc also charges half as much if he doesn't need to adjust, which is nice! Saving money but still checking on my alignment if I think I might be out.

Interested in NUCCA? They have a website where you can look up a NUCCA doc to find one near you. Their website is found here.

I'm no expert and no doctor, but this has rocked my world, and I hope can help you too, friends. TMJD can be addressed naturally.

I also have a little secret, a "chiropractic assistant" that helps me stay in alignment longer because it supports my body's skeletal and muscular systems in doing their job properly. Learn more about that here!

Why TMJD Can Feel So Lonely... But Doesn't Have to Be

Why TMJD Can Feel So Lonely... But Doesn't Have to Be
Having TMJD (or temporomandibular joint dysfunction/disorder) can be really lonely... 

I know.

I dealt with it for over 5 years. Each day, I would go to class (during college). I would sing for 20 minutes, only to be in intense neck/shoulder, jaw discomfort for the whole rest of the day. On those precious weekend days when I chose not to do any singing for my studies (I was a vocal music major), I relished each hour of less issues (though still using an ice pack on my face to fall asleep), dreading the coming of Monday when my week of tension and aching and pain would return. I sometimes cried just thinking about it. (And at the time, I hated crying... I still don't enjoy it, but now, I've learned it's okay and good to cry.)

I even tried little tiny magnets taped to my face to bring some relief on those worst days. And they helped... a tiny bit. It was worth a try anyway.

Honestly, it was awful.

Why? Not just because of the hurt...

But because I questioned the career I was so passionately pursuing, the career I felt called to with every fiber of my being, the career where I could share the joy of making music with others.

Not just because of the hurt...

But because no one else understood. I was deeply lonely.

Most people didn't even know I was hurting at all! It's not visible... it's not even a disability or something for which you can get accommodations. I felt alone in this.

My closest friends and I named my jaw "Doris," so we could blame the cranky day on Doris. So we could say, 'Doris doesn't like the rainy weather,' or 'Doris went on a roller coaster today...' And I could share a sliver of my experience with those few close friends - without feeling like a big whiner and complainer, because that is just not who I am!

TMJD is not well understood even by most doctors, dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons. Again, I felt alone in seeking help, because they tried to give me shallow bandaids rather than digging to the root of the issues.

How can this be in 2020?

Well, because many different things can cause it or aggravate it or bring it to the surface. Root issues look different for many different people.

So now I sit and watch the conversations in the online support groups happen... how so many people feel jaded and lost and lonely and frustrated and having horrible days, spending thousands of dollars on treatments professionals claim will work, because it is such an evasive issue.

TMJD is much like a snowflake -- a bit different for everyone, and no two manifestations of it look identical.

Truth.

But what I've come to realize as I sit here 4 years later, in my place of privilege regarding what almost feels like a distant nightmare now, from the other side...

Is that people really just need joy. They need light. They need HOPE! They need to know there IS light at the end of the tunnel, that hurting does not have to be the end of the story. They need to know that freedom is possible.

If you, friend, are dealing with this beast, please know you're not alone. If you have a family member fighting this daily battle, they are not alone. You need to know that there ARE other options, there ARE natural, safe, non-invasive options. Will they be guaranteed to work? No. Is it a quick fix? In my experience, no.

Whether you have insurmountable amounts of hurt or just some tightness and a little discomfort...

I want you to feel seen and heard and known. I don't want you to feel alone.

What I do know, is that this journey to wellness, to physical and mental and emotional wellness and change of mindset is WORTH it. If you would have told me 4 years ago that I'd feel better today than I did when I was 17, I'd have laughed at you! Really?!

Really.

There is hope.

If you need a listening ear... if you need to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel.... if you need to hear of other options because you feel jaded and alone and frustrated...

I am here. ❤️ You are not alone.





I cherish the opportunity to be that listening ear and light for those around me. I'd love to be that for you, too, really. Truly! You are welcome here. I've also shared more of my TMJD journey here if that would bless you. That's my goal -- love and blessing!

The Importance of Natural Bug Repellent Around Kids and Pets (and Adults Too!)

The Importance of Natural Bug Repellent Around Kids and Pets (and Adults Too!)
You know those creepy crawlies that are found in the garden, around the home...? The ants and potato beetles, or worse... ticks?


We use a natural plant-based and non-toxic DIY Bugs-B-Gone spray in our home (read to the end for the recipe!) because we know how unpleasant some of those insect friends are.


We initially were concerned about finding natural alternatives because 1) we know ticks in particular but also mosquitoes are a problem, but also 2) we know the dangers of yard sprays and deet in particular. You can read more about the dangers of that here. My family is especially concerned about the environmental impact of sprays on bees, fish, and other wildlife aside from our children and pets.


My mom started using our DIY spray recipe on the family dog because he's always getting ticks. She started using it a few weeks ago. The week before, she'd found 3 on him! Since using the spray, she hasn't found one yet. Pretty good!


We also know that some people are not just irritated by mosquitoes, but actually allergic! That is especially important to be aware of. Finding safe alternatives for people with skin sensitivities is also really important. I (Andrea) have many sensitivities, skin and respiratory being two of them, and the ingredients in our spray and roller recipes pass the tests with flying colors.


Get our free DIY Bugs-B-Gone spray recipes for home and garden here!





DIY Insect Repellent Roller Recipe
10 drops citronella essential oil (this one was free in June for ER orders!)
10 drops lemongrass essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil

Add essential oils above to a 10 ml roller bottle (you can find some here) and fill with a carrier oil of choice (our favorite one is here).



*It is very important to know that not all essential oils are created equal...

You can’t just go out to a big box store (or anywhere online) and trust that you’re getting the good stuff. Lucky for you, I’ve got a source I trust. Contact me for more information.
And learn how to use essential oils safely here!





*Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. All things I love and use, of course!

What Are Essential Oils?

What Are Essential Oils?
What are essential oils?

They are considered the lifeblood, the most powerful part of the plant.

They are distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, fruit, rinds, resins, and herbs.

Oils consist of hundreds of different natural, organic compounds.

In humans, they provide support for every system in the body: your skeletal system, muscular system, circulatory system, endocrine system, hormones, respiratory system, and immune system. They support brain health and a healthy weight. They are used extensively for spiritual support in prayer life, as well as emotional support.

They have been used for thousands of years as beauty aids.

An oil in a diffuser can soothe a child’s tough day at school, and provide a calming effect when you’ve had a stressful day at work. Oils can be used as an alternative to cleaning chemicals in the home.

You can literally start swapping out every single toxic chemical in your home to live a purer lifestyle; and you can do it without breaking the bank!

I used to buy my Lavender online, at farmer’s markets, or at bulk foods stores.

In the United States, there is no rating system for essential oils. It would be wonderful if there were because then you’d know exactly what you were buying!

If you walk into a grocery store and look at a box of cereal, you’ll see nutrition facts on the side. There are no “nutrition facts” on the side of oils. That means you have to trust the source. You have to know the company you are purchasing from. How oils impact our emotions and bodies is a really important reason to get the purest, since not all oils are created equal. You can learn more about that here in this blog post.

Thankfully, you do not need to be an aromatherapist to use them. Not sure where to get started?
Check out this free guide for using oils made easy!

It's Not Just Okay to Cry, It's Good to Cry

It's Not Just Okay to Cry, It's Good to Cry
The last two weeks have been emotional and a big deal for our whole world, not to mention specifically my state and city of Minneapolis, MN right now. I'd be lying if I didn't acknowledge the hurt I'm seeing from ALL sides -- my black brothers and sisters, my friends who are law enforcement or have law enforcement in their families, business owners, my other friends of color, friends who are religiously and culturally different from me....

It's a painful moment to be alive in the world.

But it is also one of the BEST times to be alive, to be part of the change.

NEVER give up hope that positive change is coming, whether that is societal change, health change, mindset change, job change, friend change... Instead of worrying about whether change will come, be active in making that dream a reality. BE the change. ❤️ 

That being said...

It's OKAY to cry. Actually, it's not just okay.

It is GOOD to cry. Why?

4 Reasons It's GOOD to Cry

1) Emotional tears contain higher levels of stress hormones than do reflex tears (when you get something in your eye, for example). What does this mean? Our bodies are naturally regulating and releasing excess stress hormones so that we don't have problems of too much stress. Emotional tears also are said to contain more mood-regulating hormones than other types of tears. Helping our hormones balance naturally is important for these regulations to happen.

2) Crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping restore the body to a state of balance. I don't know about you, but I'm all about balance in the body. Especially during times of change and uncertainty, it's important to strive for balance.

3) Some psychologists even say that we're doing ourselves a disservice by NOT tearing up on a regular basis. Crying in a healthy setting shows we are able to let down our defenses, let down our guard, and in that context, it can be a very healthy thing for our body, a process of opening ourselves up in a different way.

4) Crying shows our humanity. It shows we are connecting with others and relating on a level that we don't always understand (and frankly, we don't have to). I believe crying is a deep part of being human.


I know crying is very uncomfortable for some (goodness, it's taken me a VERY long time to be okay with crying, regardless of the reason why), but I think it brings so much healing when we're able to learn to be real with ourselves, to be open and honest, to let our guard down and cry when we feel we need it (or even if we mentally don't want to, but our bodies need it).

So there you have it! Lean into the tears, dear friends. Lean into the discomfort. Change is coming... I pray real, lasting change. I'm here for you.



Need someone to lean on and listen, like I described above? I cherish the opportunity to do that for those around me. I'd love to be that for you, too, really. Truly! And I have a group of like-minded people who love to do this for me and one another, too. You're welcome to join us here. I also have a 30 Days to Balance & Clarity growth group digging deep and leaning into one another for support and growth on this mindset/emotions journey as we learn to balance our hormones naturally and support all of our body systems. Learn more about that here.

Benefits of the Bay Leaf

Benefits of the Bay Leaf
Bay leaves (laurus nobilis) have been used for centuries to season food, but how else are they beneficial?

  • Bay leaves may be beneficial when dealing with dandruff.
  • Bay leaves might help with gas.
  • Bay leaves can be good for skin.
  • Bay leaves may good for our joints.
Fun facts about bay leaves:
  • Don't ingest the actual leaf. It provides lots of flavor just by soaking in the liquids such as soup.
  • Ground bay leaf is safe to consume.
  • Oregano or thyme could be a substitute if you don't have any bay leaves.
  • Laurus nobilis comes in essential oil form! It has powerful properties in this form as well.
  • Bay leaf contains powerful antioxidants.
  • Bay leaf supports a healthy immune system.




*It is very important to know that not all essential oils are created equal...

You can’t just go out to a big box store (or anywhere online) and trust that you’re getting the good stuff. Lucky for you, I’ve got a source I trust.


How to Face Change With Grace Rather Than Overwhelm

How to Face Change With Grace Rather Than Overwhelm
Have you ever looked into the future and saw the changes ahead and felt paralyzed with overwhelm?

As a highly sensitive person, this threatens to happen to me to the extreme.

I thrive in routine, but being able to do lots of different things. I love variety, but set within the context of routine and some predictability. With all that is happening in the world right now and so many ever-occurring changes, I've needed to adapt and learn to become well-versed in how to handle the uncertainty and potential future changes. I'm sure many of you can relate...

So how do I face change and uncertainty with grace?

1. Stop and breathe.
This may seem too simple or really obvious, but I catch myself almost holding my breath in anticipation, or worry, or I-don't-know-what. Just stop! Consciously tell your mind to pause, breathe slowly and deeply, and notice something with your 5 senses to ground you (the water lapping at the lake edge, the little plane overhead, the smell of lilacs, the warmth of sunshine, etc).

2. Tell yourself that the emotions are okay.
So many of us grew up (intentionally or unintentionally) hearing the message that our feelings were too big or too much. Because big feelings make others uncomfortable, we shouldn't feel. 

Totally not true! But if you're anything like me, I struggle with being fully myself and letting myself be okay with feeling all of it before I move on. It's okay to feel.

3. Switch tasks.
If you get overwhelmed and feel paralyzed with a specific idea or task, it's normal and okay to take a break from that for a bit, do something else, and then come back to it. Today I felt very overwhelmed by something I was trying to figure out. So, I took a 5-minute break to finish loading the dishwasher and start it before coming back to the task at hand. And I came back to it a little more clear-headed than before.

4. Tell someone you trust.
Even just the act of letting someone you trust in on your feelings or how big the task feels can make it seem less weighty or less overwhelming. Tell someone. :) If it's the right person, you won't regret it. For me personally, this also includes consulting God about whatever I'm facing. He is always with me, and He will not let me down.

5. Focus on the positive truths.
Ultimately, what you choose to focus your mind on is where you will go. At the end of all the what-ifs (or even mid-mind rant), I CHOOSE to stop myself, press the mental reset button, and let my body ride the emotions WITHOUT adding run-away thoughts to it. I know that the big emotions will be over in 90 seconds, and I can then process more cognitively after the initial 90-second wave. Even better? Add something like essential oils to the 90-second emotional wave so that they can address  it while you temporarily mentally distract. This trick particularly has served me very, very well.

So there you have it! Lean into it, dear HSP friends. This too shall pass. And I'm here for you.


Need someone to lean on and listen, like I described above? I cherish the opportunity to do that for those around me. I'd love to be that for you, too, really. Truly! And I have a group of like-minded people who love to do this for me and one another, too. You're welcome to join us here to learn more about supporting big emotions, especially how they affect the voice.

 
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