Do you love yourself?

Why is it that our worst critic is usually ourselves?

Often, we have this image of who we are “supposed to” be. That person is much happier because they’re thinner, they have tons of friends because they wore the right clothes, and they are living their best life because they didn’t say that thing that made them sound stupid to their boss.

That version of ourselves is so much better.

But what if that wasn’t the case?

Think about what it takes to be thinner, if it’s even possible. The amount of exercise and diet restriction that it requires isn’t likely to make you happy. People who spend their days running on treadmills and not eating tend to be grouchy.

What about those clothes? To afford the expensive shoes at fancy tie, how many more hours would you need to work? If you’re working all the time, how can you make friends?

And that stupid comment you made in front of your boss got you noticed. If you blend into the background and never stand out, people don’t know who you are. You never get the chance to have exciting things happen like company trips or raises if your boss doesn’t know you.

Each decision you make has a consequence. When you look for balance in your life, you must look at all the pieces. Life is best when you balance the rewards and find a way to appreciate what you have and why you are where you are in the journey.

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The Broken Parts

When you realize that you’re broken, you also must realize that part of you wanted to be there. Part of you led you to where you are now.

There’s nothing wrong with that part of yourself. You’re not stupid for making the choices you have.

Once you accept all the pieces of yourself and love each part of you for what it brings into your life, you can start to mend and become whole.

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We’re Getting Started

Welcome!

I have struggled for several months to figure out how to share iZen with the world. 

The rough draft of iZen is done, but a lot of revision still needs to happen. Each month I will work on a new chapter of the materials and release a new meditation to help you work through the process. 

If you want to know more, support my progress through Patreon.

I’m looking forward to our journey.

What Coping Tools Work Best?

Ever wonder why a coping skill you’ve been using has stopped working? It could be that you’re not treating the right thing.
Our brains experience different kinds of stress based on how we perceive a threat. That perception triggers the brain to use primal instincts to protect you. So, sometimes stress will cause you to become highly anxious and worried, continuously thinking over the possible outcomes. Other times we shut down, stop connecting to the world around us and become numb to the world. When you’re feeling anxious, the disconnected tools don’t work, and when you’re feeling disconnected the anxiety tools don’t work.

Some tools that work when you’re anxious:

  • Draw
  • Eat a little chocolate
  • Enjoy nature
  • Paint
  • Practice deep/slow breathing.
  • Pray or meditate
  • Watch cute kitten videos on YouTube
  • Write

Some tools that work when you’re disconnected:

  • Clean or organize your environment
  • Care for or play with a pet
  • Dance
  • Go for a run, bike ride, or play sports
  • Hum or sing
  • Play an instrument

Peripheral Vision Reset

Need a quick coping tool to reset your brain?
Try a Peripheral Vision Reset
  • Lie down or sit with an elongated spine
      • Make sure your back is as straight as possible
    • Turn your head slowly to the right then the left, making note of your range of motion
    • Reach both hands above your head and bring them down to interlock fingers behind your head
    • Without moving your head, look as far to the right as you can and hold it for 30 seconds
      • This may feel like your eyes are straining, but that’s normal
    • Repeat looking to the left for 30 seconds
    • Bring your arms down and rotate your neck
      • You may feel dizzy for a moment
    • Turn your head slowly to the right then the left, making note of your range of motion
      • If your range of motion isn’t close to equal on each side, wait 5 minutes and repeat