Hello Lovely Souls,

The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to embrace the warmth, joy, and magic that this time of year offers. However, we all know that sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. That's why I’m sharing three simple ways to ensure that your celebrations are filled with love, relaxation, and meaningful connections.

1. Recognize and Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations 

One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is the pressure we put on ourselves to create the "perfect" experience. Let's be real - there's no such thing as a perfect holiday. Instead of striving for unrealistic ideals, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. Embrace imperfections, and remember that the most memorable moments often come from spontaneity and genuine connection. When you release these expectations, you open the door to enjoy the holidays in a more authentic way.

2. Prepare for Boundaries 

Setting boundaries is an act of self-love and preservation during the holidays. Anticipate situations that might be uncomfortable, such as intrusive questions from relatives or overcommitting to events. Before these scenarios arise, prepare gracious yet firm responses that help you maintain your boundaries while preserving relationships. This way, you can navigate through any awkward or inappropriate situations with grace and confidence.

3. Prioritize Self-Care 

Before diving into the holiday whirlwind, take time to nurture yourself. Engage in practices that soothe your nervous system and promote a sense of calm, grounding, and safety. This could be anything from the three secrets I shared with you a few weeks ago, hot bath, yoga, or even a cozy cup of herbal tea. When you prioritize self-care, you arrive at holiday gatherings or welcome guests with a serene and centered presence, making the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Remember, the holidays are an opportunity to celebrate love, connection, and gratitude. By letting go of unrealistic expectations, establishing boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, you'll be well on your way to creating a joyful and meaningful holiday season.

Wishing you a season filled with warmth, love, and beautiful moments. 🌟

With love and gratitude,

Trina

Is there anything better than a book that enriches, engages, and inspires?

 As an avid reader, I'm always thrilled to discover new books that captivate me and encourage self-reflection and growth. Here are three recent favorites I'd like to share with you!

📖 The Source by Tara Swart

Swart takes us on a journey into the connection of neuroscience and spirituality. The book delves deep into harnessing the power of the mind, blending scientific insights with actionable steps. It's been a transformative read, making me more conscious of my mental patterns and the infinite potential within.

📖 The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Lisa Demour

Demour's insightful exploration into the adolescent brain and the emotional turbulence of teenage years is truly enlightening. The book is packed with real-life scenarios, offering both understanding and practical advice for navigating these tumultuous times. It's given me a fresh perspective on the complexities of adolescence. A must read if you have a teen at home.

📖 Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

In typical Adam Grant fashion, this book challenges conventional wisdom. He delves into the untapped potential we all possess and the unexpected routes to achieving greatness. The anecdotes and research insights have been incredibly motivational, reminding me that success often comes from the most unexpected sources.

👉I’d love to hear from you! Have you had a chance to read any of these? I'm eager to exchange notes! And, of course, if you've stumbled upon any gems lately, send them my way.

“What a gift it has been to work with Trina over the past six years!  She has been an incredible help to me through many, many difficult times.  She brings a kind, calming, and warm presence to each session, listens deeply, has a lovely sense of humor, and best of all, has done her own work so that her own stuff doesn’t get in the way (as can happen sometimes with some therapists).  She is highly skilled at tapping and surprises me often as she continually learns new techniques. She is a voracious reader and always has a book or two to recommend that helps with my particular issues.  To put it simply:  My life is supremely better for the work we have done together.” -Dian Ulner

I have only shared these secrets with my clients… But I’m sharing them with you today!

Hello, beautiful souls!

Did you know that there’s a multitude of ways to go from frazzled to calm? 

There is no one right way, and we’re all affected differently by them too!  Last week I shared with you how to use EFT to feel calm, and I thought I’d spill the tea on my other top three secret techniques. Not only do I use these for myself (the first one is my personal favorite) but I use these all the time with my clients too! 

Give them a try right now and see how they feel for you! Then the next time you’re feeling upset, anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, try the one that you like the most and notice how it allows you to feel calm and centered again.

1. Double Inhale/Exhale Breath

• How to do it: Breathe in through the nose, take a slight pause then add a second inhalation. Exhale slowly and completely through the mouth.

• Benefits: This unique breathing rhythm is a charm for relaxing the nervous system. It enhances the oxygen flow to your brain and lungs, fostering relaxation and a clear mind. (You’ll probably notice that our bodies do this exact breath when we’re calming down from a big crying session. This allows for reregulation of the nervous system, and we can use this breath anytime we want to make that happen!)

2. Butterfly Hug

• How to do it: Cross your arms, touching your upper arms. Gently squeeze your hands, reminiscent of a butterfly's wings.

• Benefits: This beautiful bilateral stimulation, frequently used in trauma healing, is grounding and self-soothing. It often feels like a warm and comforting embrace.

3. Foot Pedaling

• How to do it: Sitting comfortably, pedal your feet on the floor, mimicking the action of walking slowly. Be sure that your feet are slowly pressing into the floor while alternating the action.

• Benefits: Pedaling your feet slowly on the floor sends a message to your brain that you’re getting away to safety. Add some slow deep breathing to this, it’ll makes it even more magical.

These techniques are small moments of self-care that can be incorporated throughout your day. Whether you're at home, work, or even on-the-go, you’ll have the tools to center yourself.

“I've been working with Trina for several years now, and it's not an exaggeration to say that she's helped me change my life. I have the tools now to find peace even when everything around me is chaos (kiddos!). My time with Trina is always healing, and I always come away with some new kernel of knowledge about myself that helps me grow as a person. She is wise and intuitive and just a joy to work with. I feel so lucky to have found her!” -Emily B.

Every breath you take, every gentle tap, every pedal movement is a step towards nurturing your inner peace.

Love and gratitude,

Trina 💖