On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the idea of how without awareness or tools, we can end up turning our feelings into felonies.

Maybe not literally - but if we’re not careful, the ways in which we react, lash out, or stew in negativity – can still be harmful.

I share about the importance of emotional regulation and how so many of us were never really taught as kids what the heck to do with our big feelings.

I talk about how easy it is to look at extreme acts of violence in the world and think, “That’s not me,” but the truth is, we all have moments where our emotions get the best of us.

Whether it’s snapping at someone, holding onto grudges, losing your shit in traffic, or letting our thoughts spiral, it’s all part of the same cycle.

The thing us, for most people growing up, nobody sat us down to teach us how to feel our feelings, or how to navigate those suckers in a healthy way.

Throughout the episode, I also share some of my favorite tools and strategies for getting a handle on those big emotions.

Things like slowing down, practicing self-awareness, and using healthy coping mechanisms like walking, breathing exercises, or even just getting outside in nature to shift your perspective.

I also talk about the power of community, whether it’s joining a group like The Nest or just finding people who support and uplift you.

My hope is that by sharing these stories and tools, you’ll feel a little less alone, and a little more empowered to pause, check in with yourself, and choose love over fear.

We can’t always control what happens around us, but we can choose how we respond.

So let’s practice being kinder to ourselves and each other, and remember: the real gig is to spread love - and not let our feelings run the show. ❤️

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•​ Slowing down is the first key step to becoming more self-aware and emotionally regulated.

•​ Emotional regulation means learning to manage your feelings and responses in healthy ways.

•​ Unchecked emotions can lead to negative thoughts, actions, and even harm to yourself or others.

•​ Healthy coping mechanisms like walking, breathing exercises, and spending time in nature can help shift your emotional state.

•​ Self-awareness grows when you pause, reflect, and notice your patterns and triggers.

•​ It’s important to question your thoughts and not believe every story your mind tells you.

•​ Community support, whether through groups or trusted people, can make a big difference in emotional well-being.

•​ Practicing kindness, compassion, and love - toward yourself and others - can help break negative emotional cycles.

•​ You have the power to interrupt harmful patterns and consciously choose more helpful responses.

•​ The real goal is to spread more love and to leave the world better than you found it.

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, somatic work, 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 both 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