We often think of ourselves as one whole person but at the same time we often feel conflicting messages to work hard but not too hard. Lose weight but do it in a healthy way. Don't shout at that driver sitting at the green light in front of you texting.

Sometimes we have big emotionally reactions that seem out of proportion to what is happening. Those are likely younger child parts trying to get our attention.

Sometimes we shut down or get work obsessed or try to make everyone happy or do lots of other things to shut down or otherwise protect ourselves emotionally. Unfortunately, those defenses that protected us when we were young can now get in the way of our emotinonal health, can make relationships difficult and just make it difficult to relax and enjoy life.

Identifying these parts and sending them kindness and compassion, and then being curious how to help them feel heard, allows the traumatized parts to begin to heal and the defense parts to feel less defensive and being to adopt healthier coping mechanisms.

It all begins with curiosity. Relax, breath and just notice what you notice.

I hope this episode will help your parts feel better and of course help you feel better.

Belssings. Alan Pennington, The Curious Counselor.