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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenneylive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/

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

This episode of The Karen Kenney Show dives into the idea that this whole being human thing is a lot like "operating heavy machinery.” 

Except nobody ever gave us an instruction manual or a warning label! 😆

Inspired by a weird little cold I had and those classic medicine label cautions on the side of the box… 

I talk about how we’re all out here trying to navigate life, relationships, and our own bewildering minds, often with no clue as to what the heck we’re doing or why we do it.  

I share how so many of us beat ourselves up for not having it all figured out - when in reality, most of us were never taught the basics of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, or how our brains and bodies even really work!

I remind us of the fact that a lot of our struggles come from old patterns, habits, and stories we picked up as kids.

And even though that stuff might’ve helped us survive back then, it doesn’t really serve us anymore. 

I remind you (and myself!) that it’s totally normal to feel confused, overwhelmed, or stuck sometimes, especially when we’re trying to change or grow. 

The key ingredient that I think is the game changer when it comes to transformational work? 

Curiosity! 

You’ve got to be willing to get curious about why you do what you do, think what you think, say what you say, and believe what you believe. 

You also have to be open to learning new ways of thinking and being. 

But here’s the thing… wanting change - isn’t the same as - being willing to do what it takes to change.

I could share all the tools, practices, and perspective shifts I know, but I can’t make you curious or willing enough to want to do the work.

That right there, is an inside job. 

The good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out alone -or- do it all on your own.

Whether it’s working with a mentor, joining a supportive community, or just having someone in your corner, the good news is - help is out there!

Remember, you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep operating heavy machinery without a manual​! ❤️

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• We’re all “operating heavy machinery” in life, often without any kind of instruction manual or warning label.

• Most of us were never taught how to understand our feelings -or- how our brains, bodies, or nervous systems work.

• Old habits and survival strategies from childhood can become problematic as adults.

• Self-blame is common, but it’s important to remember we’re not supposed to have it all figured out.

• Shame sometimes arises too, and having an unshaming witness in your corner helps.

• Curiosity about our own patterns and habits is a necessary first step toward real change.

• Wanting things to be different - is not the same as - being willing to do the work.

• True transformation comes from the inside and can’t be forced on you by others.

• Reading books is great - AND - real growth comes from actually putting what you learn into practice.

• Nobody can do the growth work for you – but you don’t have to do it all on your own.

• Support from a mentor, coach, or a community can be wicked helpful along the way.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenneylive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/

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

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the idea that all relationships - whether personal or professional - are really just collaborations at heart. 

Inspired by a chat with my friend Emiline (aka: Emily Aborn – Copywriter and host of the Content with Character Podcast) and a nugget of wisdom from actor Ethan Hawke, I explore who we choose to “collaborate” with in life truly matters. 

It’s not just about what looks good on paper -or- who’s fun to be around for a quick minute.

It's more about finding people who share your values, can communicate well, and genuinely want to see you thrive and shine!

I share some of my own stories, too - both the good and the not-so-soothing – experiences of working with others.  

From college projects and yoga retreats to creative partnerships, the best collaborations always had trust, mutual respect, and a sense of fun at their core!

On the flip side, I’ve also experienced those energy-draining partnerships where someone just isn’t open or willing to trust the process or the other people…

And let me tell you, that shit is a total grind you don’t want to be stuck in. 

A big takeaway from this episode is the importance of knowing yourself before you jump into any kind of relationship or collaboration. 

Be honest about what you bring to the table, what you need, and what you’re willing to give. 

And don’t forget - sometimes the best collaboration you can have is with yourself, your creativity, or even your pets! 😆

So, as you go about your week, I invite you to reflect on your current relationships and collaborations. 

Are they a good fit? Are you both able to shine? Is there room for both of you?

Also, if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out Emily’s “Content with Character” podcast episode on collaboration coming out August 19th.

Thanks so much for tuning in, and may you leave every collaboration - and every place you go - a little better than how you found it!

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• All relationships, whether personal or professional, are a form of collaboration.

• Choose collaborators and partners who share your values, communicate well, and genuinely support your growth.

• Trust and openness to each other’s ideas are essential for successful collaborations.

• Know yourself and be honest about what you bring to the table before entering any relationship or partnership.

• Not every collaboration will be a good fit, and it’s okay to walk away if it isn’t working.

• Great collaborations are built on mutual respect, reliability, and a sense of fun.

• Take time to reflect on your current relationships and collaborations to see if they are truly serving you.

• Sometimes, the most important collaboration you can have is with yourself and your own creative pursuits.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenneylive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/

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

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I'm diving into how life is kinda’ like riding waves in the ocean – unpredictable, sometimes rough, but also a little more manageable if you know how to navigate them. 

I tell a story about a fun day at the beach with my sister, where we got tossed around by waves, and I realized that this is exactly how life works. 

Sometimes you gotta’ go over the wave, sometimes you gotta’ go under, and sometimes you just get completely knocked on your ass - but the key is how you respond to what’s coming at you.  

I ​also break down a favorite mindfulness practice called BR​F​WA (Breathe, Relax, Feel, Watch, Allow) that's basically a spiritual survival guide for handling life's crazy moments.  

The big takeaway?

You can't control the waves (aka life and its challenges), but you can absolutely choose how you want to ride them. 

I share some ocean-inspired wisdom - like not turning your back on challenges, swimming parallel to shore when you're feeling overwhelmed, and remembering to call for help when you need it!

It's about staying curious and compassionate, and not getting stuck in trying to control mode.  

Whether you're dealing with a tough spot in your relationship, some work stress, or just the general “people be people-ing” of being human, this episode is your guide to staying buoyant and resilient. 

I'm all about sharing practical tools to help you not just survive when you’re struggling or suffering, but to actually enjoy the ride - waves, wipeouts, and all!

So, I encourage you to give this sucker a listen and try BRFWA for yourself, and let's ride these life waves together!

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Life Happenings:

• You can't control the waves of life, but you can control your response.

• Suffering often comes from resisting what’s happening.

• Challenges in life are inevitable, but our approach is a choice.

• Fear often drives our need to want to control people and things.

BRFWA - Mindfulness Technique:

• Breathe deeply to help calm your nervous system.

• Relax your muscles, soften your grip, and release physical tension.

• Feel sensations without any judgment or resistance.

• Watch your experiences with compassionate awareness.

• Allow things to unfold without forcing or controlling outcomes.

Practical Ocean/Life Metaphors:

• Don't turn your back on challenges.

• Orient yourself to supportive people and practices.

• Swim parallel to shore when feeling overwhelmed.

• Call for help when you need support.

• Float and rest when you're exhausted.

Mindset Shifts:

• Respond from love, instead of reacting from fear.

• Practice curiosity over judgment.

• Develop non-judgmental self-awareness.

• Remember you are Love, regardless of circumstances.

• Use simple prayers like "Please Help Me" when struggling.

Emotional Resilience Tools:

• Meet difficult feelings with compassion.

• Create space for your emotions.

• Don't abandon yourself during tough times.

• Seek perspective beyond your immediate experience.

• Recognize that your true Self remains unchanged. 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenneylive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/

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

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I'm diving into the concept of "Future You” - and how the choices you're making right now are setting up your future self for success or struggle. 

I break down this super practical idea of reverse engineering your dreams by asking one key question: Are the decisions you're making today something future you will be grateful for? 

Whether it's fitness, career, relationships, or personal growth, I challenge listeners to visualize their ideal future self and then work backwards to figure out what small steps they need to take right now. 

Think of your choices like writing a love letter to the version of you that's coming down the pike! 😆

We also talk about how easy it is to get caught up in ego-driven, short-term thinking that sabotages our long-term goals. 

I share strategies for quieting that loud inner critic and tuning into your deeper wisdom.

With things like developing a Daily Spiritual Practice (DSP) and being wicked honest about whether your current habits are truly serving you or not doing you any favors. 

The big takeaway? 

Stop writing checks that future you can't or won’t want to cash. 

You have the power right now to make choices that soon-to-be versions of you will thank you for later. 

Start investing in yourself, take those small consistent steps, and remember: you don't have to do this all alone!

There are books, resources, mentors, coaches, and communities who are ready to support you in becoming the truest version of yourself​!

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•​ Ask yourself: "Will future me be grateful for the choices I'm making right now?"

•​ Reverse engineer your goals by visualizing your ideal future self and working backwards.

•​ Small, consistent steps can be super powerful.

•​ Your current habits and choices are writing the script for future you's life.

•​ The ego's shrieking voice can drown out your inner wisdom - develop practices to quiet it.

•​ Not every "sacrifice" is truly a sacrifice; sometimes it's an investment in yourself.

•​ We only have limited time on this planet, so let’s make choices that truly matter.

•​ You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone - seek mentors, coaches, and support.

•​ Alignment is key: ensure your actions match the goals and dreams you have for yourself.

•​ Even if you've made mistakes in the past, you can always start making better choices right now!

•​ Imagine the future you looking back and being proud of the decisions you're making today.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenneylive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/

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

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about something we all ​do and sometimes struggle with: judgment.  

You know that voice in your head that's wicked quick to criticize you, make assumptions about others, or have an opinion on things that you may not really know anything about?

I'm sharing why that ego-voice of judgment is full of shit and how it's actually keeps us stuck and separate from real human connection. 

I also drop us all (myself included) a gentle reminder about how we literally have no idea what kind of situations or suffering other people are navigating or going through.  

I share stories about friends who've lost parents, who’ve had to say goodbye to beloved pets, and are dealing with massive life challenges - all while looking totally fine on the outside.

People are sometimes walking around with “open wounds” we can't see, so maybe we could all use a little more compassion and care, and a lot less judgment. 

My big takeaway (and challenge to you) is to get curious instead of critical.

When you catch yourself judging someone - whether it's how they look, what they're doing, or who they are - pause and ask, "What don't I know about their story?" 

Turns out, we're not all-knowing gods after all, and pretending we are is just our ego playing tricks on us. 😆

I wrap this episode up by sharing some spiritual wisdom about self-observation, and how humor can be a powerful tool to interrupt those harsh inner-narratives.  

The thing is, we're all just a bunch of clumsy humans, so let's do our best to reserve judgment, and instead, let’s lead with love, curiosity, and a whole lot of grace!

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•​ Judgment is the ego's default mode, but we can interrupt this pattern with curiosity and compassion.

•​ We just don’t know the full story of what someone is experiencing or going through.

•​ Personal discernment is different from judgment - it's about choosing what's right for you, not condemning others.

•​ “The highest form of spiritual practice is self-observation without judgment.”

•​ Humor can be a powerful tool to break the cycle of self-criticism and judgment.

•​ Most people are walking around with unseen wounds and fighting battles we know nothing about.

•​ Our brains naturally want to categorize and judge to feel safe, but this limits our understanding of others.

•​ We cannot truly judge anything - because we lack an omniscient perspective on the past, present, and future.

•​ Compassion and curiosity are more transformative than criticism and quick assumptions.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenneylive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/

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

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the concept of "bumper rails.”

You know, those metaphorical “guardrails” that keep us from going off track in life, kinda’ like the ones that help little kids bowl without constantly throwing gutter balls. 😆

Drawing from my own childhood memories of time spent at the local bowling alley, I explore how adults need their own grown-up version of bumper rails to stay on course in their own lives. 

I break down what I call the "4 Ps" that can help us maintain our path: People, Practices, Principles, and Protocols! 

The first P is about surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who know your goals and can gently remind and help you course correct you when you're veering off track. 

Practices involve a DSP (Daily Spiritual Practice) and other routines like meditation, yoga, or whatever helps you stay connected to Self, Source, Spirit and your inner wisdom. 

Principles are your core values - the lines you won't cross and the codes that keep you true to yourself. 

The fourth P is about having protocols in place for when you do slip up. Because let's face it, we're human, we’re clumsy, and we're gonna’ make mistakes.  

The key is having a plan in place, to get ourselves back on track, or make amends, and not get stuck in guilt, shame, or blame. 

I also share a powerful passage from Mahatma Gandhi about staying on the path, even when in our clumsiness, we might stumble 1000 times. 

Ultimately, this episode is about loving and respecting yourself enough to create intentional guardrails in your life. 

It's about asking yourself: What do I have in place to keep me on my path?

Whether it's a spiritual community​ like The Nest, a meditation practice, or a set of personal principles, these bumper rails can help us navigate life and its challenges with more grace and purpose!

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Adults need "bumper rails" just like kids do in bowling - systems to keep us from going off track in life.

•​ The 4 Ps of staying on your path are: People, Practices, Principles, and Protocols.

•​ People: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who know your goals and can gently redirect you when needed.

• Practices: Develop a DSP (Daily Spiritual Practice) - like meditation, prayer, A Course in Miracles, yoga, or journaling that keeps you connected to your inner wisdom.

• Principles: Establish core values and a personal code that you won't compromise, even when tempted.

• Protocols: Create a solid plan for getting back on track when you inevitably slip or make mistakes.

• The ego mind is a little sketchy - it speaks first, loudest, and is often wrong.

• An undisciplined mind can accomplish nothing, so training your mind through consistent practices is crucial!

• Forgiveness and self-compassion are essential when you fall off your path.

• Always ask yourself: "What do I have in place to keep me on my path?"

• Slipping is part of being human - the goal is to get back up and continue moving forward with intention.

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:

KK Website: http://karenkenney.com

The Karen Kenney Show Podcast: https://www.karenkenney.com/podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenney.writer/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/

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

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we’re exploring how we're all "meaning-making machines.”

We dive into how basically, our brains are constantly trying to make sense of everything and everyone that happens to us. 

 I break down how we both consciously and subconsciously assign meaning to events, experiences, and environments, and often with a negative spin - thanks to our brain's built-in negativity bias.

I also share some powerful insights from Viktor Frankl, a neurologist, psychologist, and Holocaust survivor who taught and wrote in his book - Man’s Search for Meaning - that finding meaning can help us survive anything. 

Something that I’ve learned over the years?  We actually have a choice in how we choose to interpret our experiences.

We can choose to see things through a lens of love or fear, and that choice can totally transform our perspective. 

But here's the crucial part - while we get to choose the meaning for our own lives…

We can't and shouldn't decide the meaning for other people's experiences. 

Telling someone, "Everything happens for a reason" when they're grieving or suffering isn't helpful - it's dismissive. 

Sometimes things just don't make sense, ​no matter how hard we try to figure it out, or want to make meaning of it. 

So, I encourage us all to be aware of the stories you're telling yourself, choose a perspective that empowers you, and remember that you don't have to or may not be able to understand everything.

Sometimes the mystery is part of the journey.

If we can “work with what happens”, find our joy, and keep moving forward… we can gradually, but inevitable turn our stories into our glory! ❤️

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•​ Humans are naturally wired to assign meaning to their experiences, often subconsciously and with a tendency towards negativity.

•​ We have the power to choose how we interpret the events of our lives.

•​ Viktor Frankl's philosophy teaches that finding meaning can help us survive almost anything, even in the most challenging circumstances.

•​ Our brain's meaning-making process is a survival mechanism that helps us feel safer by trying to make sense of our experiences.

•​ While we can control the meaning we assign to our own life, we cannot and should not dictate meaning for others people’s experiences.

•​ Saying things like "Everything happens for a reason") - can be harmful and dismissive of genuine suffering.

•​ Some experiences will never make sense. Sometimes, acceptance is part of the healing process.

•​ Shifting our perspective from "This happened to me" to "This happened for me" can be helpful and transformative, but this shift must come naturally from within and not be forced.

•​ Our meaning-making ability is a skill we can develop, improve and update, by gaining new insights, experiences, and personal growth.

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. 

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m discussing a topic that's been kinda’ burning a hole in my brain: Why do people feel the need to be such jerks online?  

I was already planning on talking about this - but after hearing about a friend's experience receiving not-so-nice feedback from strangers after her free webinar, I was doubly committed!

I read two specific email examples from people who went out of their way to share their unsolicited opinion about my friend's presentation. 

The kicker? These were for a FREE online event that they didn’t have to pay for and that they could have simply stopped watching at any time.

This episode is a passionate plea for a little more kindness in a world that seems to reward snark, sarcasm, and criticism. 

I’m challenging all of us to hit pause before hitting "send" and to ask ourselves the three ancient gate questions: This thing that I'm about to say/type/send…

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? 

We've somehow normalized being cruel, especially online, and it's time we remember that real strength isn't in cutting others down - it's in lifting them up!

My top messages here?

​W​hy be an asshole, ​when you can just be quiet. 

You always have a choice. Choose kindness. 

Use your words to make people feel seen, supported, and valued. 

In a world that's increasingly divided and violent, we need compassion more than ever.

Let's be part of the "Kind Kids Club" and consciously do our best to leave people, animals, places, and spaces better than we found them. ❤️

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Sharing your work with the world takes courage and vulnerability.

• Before sending a critical message, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

• Social media has convinced everyone they should share their opinion, but not every thought needs to be voiced.

• Kindness is a strength, it doesn’t take much to be mean.

• Your words have power - they can build people up or tear them down. Choose wisely.

• Just because you can comment doesn't mean you should.

• Sometimes staying quiet is the most compassionate action.

• Personal responsibility matters: Consider how your words might impact someone who could be struggling or vulnerable.

• The current cultural climate often rewards being provocative or cruel over being kind, but you can choose to be different.

• Creativity and putting yourself out there is challenging enough without added negativity from others.

• Always ask yourself: "Would I want someone to speak to me this way?" If not, don't say it to someone else.

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. 

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I share a concept that I call, "safe enough" - which is a game-changing approach to working with our nervous system - in a world that can sometimes feel wicked scary. 

I break down how the main question our nervous system is always asking is, "Am I safe?"

And then explore the different ways we often react to perceived physical and/or psychological threats – with trauma responses like fight, flight, freeze and fawn. 

The reality is, perfect safety isn't happening, especially for women and marginalized groups who are constantly having to navigate potential risks. 

Instead of having to wait to feel 100% secure before we go after our dreams, I share how I've learned to create a sense of safety that allows me to take risks, use my voice, and show up authentically. 

For me, it was about gathering tools, understanding my own triggers, and building relationships with people who truly saw me and supported me. 

I also share some practical strategies for feeling “safe enough”, like breathwork techniques that can literally lower your heart rate, body awareness practices, and the importance of knowing yourself. 

The goal here isn't to eliminate fear completely, but to develop a bunch of the “R” words - like regulation, responsiveness, and resources, so that you can move forward even when you're a little scared.  

The good news is you don't have to have a perfectly regulated nervous system to do amazing things!!

Sometimes you just need to feel safe enough to take that leap of faith, trust yourself, and know you've got effective tools to help you navigate - whatever comes your way. 

​I​t also super-duper helps when you and your nervous both know that you're definitely not alone ​on this journey​! 

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•​ Our nervous system's primary question is always​, "Am I safe?" which drives our responses to perceived threats.

• Perfect safety is unrealistic, especially for women and marginalized groups who constantly navigate potential risks.

• Feeling "safe enough" means developing tools to regulate your nervous system rather than waiting for ideal conditions.

• Knowing your personal triggers and having strategies to return to calm is more important than avoiding all ​the stressful situations.

• Breathwork, body awareness techniques, and building supportive relationships are crucial for creating psychological safety.

• We don't have to be completely regulated to pursue our goals - sometimes we need to do things a little scared.

• Self-awareness and curiosity about our patterns ​and habits are essential for personal growth and interrupting reactive behaviors.

• Creating safety isn't about controlling everything, but about developing resilience and trusting yourself and your support system.

•​ The goal is to have a nervous system flexible enough to experience fluctuations but capable of returning to a calm state.

•​ We can't eliminate fear entirely, but ​we can learn to move through the world with more resources, resilience, and regulation.

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. 

KK WEBSITE: www.karenkenney.com