On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about the power of stopping before you start - especially when it comes to how we communicate with others. 

I share a little story about catching myself as I was about to fire off a sarcastic response (classic Masshole move!) and realizing that just because something comes easy or is a habit, doesn’t mean it’s always the best way to show up.

Sometimes, it’s worth pausing and asking ourselves, “Is this really how I want to respond?” 

I dive into how our brains get wired over time for certain automatic reactions, like sarcasm or quick replies, and how the speed of today’s world makes it even harder to slow down. 

We’re all so used to “instant” responses and moving at the pace of technology, but that doesn’t always serve us - or the people we’re talking to. 

I talk about checking in with yourself before you hit send -or- how I like to pause before I open my big fat mouth! 😆

It’s good to get a grip on where you and your nervous system are at: How’s your mood? Are you tired, angry, hungry, or stressed? 

Because that stuff totally colors the words, tone, and temperature of how we come across.

I also share some of my favorite tricks for being a clearer, more thoughtful communicator - like numbering info in emails, using bold text, and breaking things up with a little more space - so people can actually take it in.  

It’s all about making things easier for the person on the other end -and- saving yourself from a bunch of back-and-forth later. 

And, if we all took a second to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, and how it might feel to be on the receiving end of things, the world would be a much kinder, more compassionate place. 

So, the big takeaway? 

Slow down, check in with yourself, and be intentional with your words and actions.

Whether you’re writing, talking, or interacting with others in your life, you’ve got the power to choose a new or different way in every moment.

Sending you lots of love and encouragement to leave everything and everyone a little better than you found them! ❤️

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Stop before you start running your mouth or reacting from conditioning, habits, or patterns. 

• Pausing before you respond helps you communicate more intentionally and avoid knee-jerk reactions.

• Checking in with your mood and mindset before replying to people, emails, and messages can prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict.

•​ Using clear formatting in written communication - like numbering, bold text, and short paragraphs - makes your communication easier for others to understand.

• Taking the time to consider how your words will land shows compassion and helps build better relationships.

• Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and imagine being on the receiving end.

• You can always choose a new way to respond, no matter how ingrained your habits have been.

• Slowing down and being thoughtful with your words and actions can make a positive difference for you and others. Win-Win!

BIO:

Spiritual mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development.

Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality.  

Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatics, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.

A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she coaches individuals and groups. 

With The Karen Kenney Podcast, she encourages listeners to shift from a thought system of fear to one of love, compassion, and personal responsibility. 

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Website: http://karenkenney.com/

Podcast: https://www.karenkenney.com/podcast

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenKenney