Every. Single. Day. 
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I can’t believe I’m just seeing this thread. It is wonderful !
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Thank you, Larissa.
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I love reading and sharing inspirational memes and quotes to help support others and myself. I often see memes that read “Happiness is a choice”, and I can’t fully get on board with that one. Having depression for most of my life, I think this statement is overly simplified and lacks compassion. If I could make the choice to always be happy, I definitely would. I think a better statement would be “Happiness is complex.” Because it is… it’s complicated and relative and fleeting.
I love this quote from Pema Chödrön. It sums up how I feel about most emotions, including happiness.
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A really great app that is helping me with mindfulness and meditation with interesting podcasts on the brain.
8 days sober, here.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Katie. I use Insight Timer, but I’ll definitely check that one out, too. Congratulations on your 9 days sober! 
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I wanted to thank you for sharing the Healthy Minds app. I created an account yesterday and I’m really loving it. 
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Thanks for the share.
I encourage you to look into Dr. Carolyn Leaf (neurophysicist)
And
+❤️ Heart Math
Profound healing has occured for me with both.
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Here are a couple of articles explaining the heart-brain connection. Did you know that our hearts have their very own independent nervous system? That’s fascinating to me.
”The heart’s electromagnetic field is the most powerful field generated by your body.”
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Yessss…
Love this girl!!!
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I’ve found a meditation recently that I enjoy daily. I was of the mindset that I didn’t have time for the longer sessions, but I do. 
I’ve done this guided meditation while lying down on a comfy floor pillow, and I’ve also practiced it while in a hot bath. Just be sure to not fall asleep!
Meditation is quickly becoming a love language for my nervous system.
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I 
Insight Timer so will check this one out.
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”Emotional validation = ‘It makes sense to me that you’re happy, anxious, mad, sad, etc.’ I see you.” - Julie Mennano
It’s important for each of us to have an emotionally safe environment. Humans are driven to find this safety with other humans just as much as we’re driven to eat when we’re hungry, sleep when we need rest, and find comfort when we’re lonely or unwell. Emotional safety is an integral part of our survival.
We also find connection with others in an emotionally safe climate. ”Connection = seeing and feeling seen; hearing and feeling heard; understanding and feeling understood; valuing and feeling valued.” This connection isn’t limited to partners, but also includes our children, friends, family members, and co-workers. When we trust that we are seen, heard, understood, and valued, we relax and open up more to connection with others. Opening up in a secure environment invites others to do the same.
There are many ways we can promote and maintain emotional safety. A few of them are:
• Listen to learn, not to respond. Active listening comes hard for some of us, but it’s important to listen before responding. Breathe into the moment, have patience, and listen.
•. Pay attention to your nonverbal communication. Our energy and body language speak to others before we ever open our mouth to talk. Be aware of the way your facial expression, tone of voice (also tone of text or online message), and posture communicates to others.
•. Be interested, but not judgmental. Be genuinely curious, ask questions, and allow the other person freedom to express and explain. Don’t be distracted or dismissive. Truly taking in what they’re saying to you makes the other person comfortable with sharing.
•. Be consistent. Those close to you need to know that you are reliable and trustworthy. Don’t pick and choose the times you feel you should or shouldn’t be needed by someone. Simply be there consistently when they need you.
•. Be compassionate and empathetic. In a world where understanding and authenticity often fall by the wayside, be present and genuinely feel what the other person is feeling and be concerned with the things they care about.
Building and maintaining a secure, supportive, and emotionally safe environment is essential for cultivating and growing relationships. It’s essential for learning. When we feel safe, our brains are physically able to absorb new knowledge. That, in addition to healthy and beautiful connections with others, is motivation plenty for being in an emotionally safe environment.
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The idea of setting intentions is deep-rooted in esoteric traditions and is dismissed by many before they even think about trying. But we do have the capacity to change our beliefs, habits, and behaviors, the ability to change our brains. We just need to try. 
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Just caught up with the rest of these posts after much too long… Love this thread Carolyn! And will have to go back for some of those suggestions! I’m currently using an app called ‘Headspace’ mainly for sleep but it’s so helpful for mindfulness, returning to the breath and being aware in quite a calming and effective way - was recommended it by my psychologist actually… Thanks for this 
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Thanks a bunch, Sven. I’m glad you’re finding some useful info here. I had the Headspace app on a previous phone. I should check it out again.
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I really wanted to share a book I’m reading here, instead of on the book thread. It focuses on how your mind and body work together to heal you. Scientifically delves into Neuroplasticity, the vagus nerve ( your second brain) and how to activate it, and regulating your nervous system, and honestly so much more.
I highly suggest it to anyone who is looking to heal their body/feel less stuck and wants to play a more active role in your own health and wellness 
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I have this book and love it! It’s one of the first books I bought after becoming sober. There’s truly a wealth of information in it. Thanks so much for sharing.
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I was going to send you a message about it! I’m not surprised you’ve already read it, maybe that’s why I felt compelled to add it to your thread.
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It’s one of those books you can go back to again and again, and still find new things to learn. I’m glad you found it. I need to post more of the books I’m reading here to the thread.
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