The Story in My Head: Healing & Self-Improvement for the Lazy

When I have the opportunity to do something new; the stories in my head are quick to outline all the ways I can get hurt, embarrassed or otherwise fail.  I'm learning the stories in my head are most often wrong, and I am working to change the narrative.  Today I am giving myself permission to try something new even if I get a little embarrassed while I am learning new skills.  Scary!    

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

Saying "no" can be very difficult.  It is also necessary, loving and... I'm recently learning... an act of Self Care.  I'm practicing the Art of Saying No as a way to love others as well as myself.  

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

Sometimes LIFE shoots holes in our plans, our goals and our dreams. It takes a lot of energy to change directions!!!  I'm learning to keep an 'energy reserve' for difficult times versus living in my reserves and feeling empty. 

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

Many days after Hurricane Helene, I wander around Asheville NC and see the vast resources that have been donated to my area.  There are no words to express the gratitude felt by all of us receiving your blessings!!!  I know many of us have gone from Surviver's Guilt, through feeling guilty taking donations, to experiencing guilty pleasures in moments of 'normalcy'.  I find the stories in my head have shifted from those of crisis to those of gratitude.  And I feel myself exhale!   

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

On approximately day 10 of the affects of Hurricane Helene in Asheville; I along with everyone and everything else am covered in dirt, germs and grit. In this episode recorded with background noises and a shotty connection, I describe the grit of my surroundings and realize the GRIT of the HUMAN SPIRIT is what is most prevalent and powerful! 

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

This week there are no stories in my head.  I can't complete a single thought right now. I am on day 7 of the aftermath on Hurricane Helene in Asheville, NC.  All major systems in my home town are broken, and the systems within myself are severly damaged. I feel giddy, grateful and guilty all at the same time.   

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

I live in Western NC and 5 days ago experienced Hurricane Helene.  Im practicing Gratitude and this week I have found it to be a skill to be practiced, as well as a form of self care!  This episode is dedicated to my dad, Bob "Snoop BobbyBob" Pearson.   

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

The story in my head has fueled fear, depression, and resentment.  Now I'm investigating what happens when I share the story in my head with someone I've hurt as an intro to making amends and a beginning to healing. 

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

Intimacy is tricky business. Especially when it becomes clear people define intimacy in a lot of different ways. I wonder if we have an Intimacy Language?  My mission to learn more about intimacy led me to discover an experiment about contentment.  Strange I know but sometimes the stories in my head begin in one place and end in a very different space all together!

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction

Many times I have been accused of "over-reacting" when I thought I was just "reacting" to the situation in front of me. In actuality, I react to the situation I THINK is in front of me, as seen through the eyes of all of my past experiences AND limited by lack of experience.  I'm learning to slow down, gather information, sort through my feelings and RESPOND for a change.      

anxiety, depression, trauma, healing, self esteem, change, communication, self care, relationships, addiction