Stay ConnectedEver wish you had a zen friend? Someone who could help you ease your tween or tween’s anxiety, while also supporting you, so parenting was more peaceful?
Well good news, host Lauren Wolfe, a therapist and mom who’s made it through those anxious teen years is here to offer parents some zen!
A full-length episode comes out every Tuesday. And “A Drop of Zen,” a short guided meditation or a “Zen Bonus Boost,” a mini episode, come out every Friday.
Copyright: © 2022 Your Zen Friend
Feeling overwhelmed with all the holiday to do's? Guest and friend of the pod, Vicki Smith will help us to clear our schedules of the stuff that doesn't serve us so that we have more time to do the things we enjoy. Self care isn't just about lighting candles and wearing cozy socks. One terrific way to care for yourself, especially during the holidays is to set healthy boundaries. Vicki is here to help us do that!
It's not always easy to distinguish between a 'hell yes' and a 'no' when it comes to invitations or requests. Vicki tells us how we can feel into our body to better guide decisions. Vicki talks about how we often make decisions from a place of fear, obligation and guilt. She helps us identify when we are acting from these emotions and how we can make choices that we don't later regret.
For any of us with people pleasing tendencies, saying no can be super uncomfortable. Vicki helps us to decrease and manage our uncomfortable feelings. This starts with knowing how to politely decline an invitation. Vicki will give us a strategy for this that she calls, "a boundary sandwich." We'll also explore how having more time for yourself to do what you enjoy, will improve your overall holiday experience. This is your chance to create a holiday season that is truly merrier, without some of the unnecessary stress and pressure.
Also check out my previous episode with Vicki Smith: Ep#41 - People Pleasing and Perfectionism with Vicki Smith
https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/people-pleasing-and-perfectionism-with-vicki-smith/id1646833026?i=1000619209880
Here's where you can connect with Vicki:
Viki's Bio:
Vicki Smith is a licensed psychotherapist and a coach who specializes in people pleasing and perfectionism. She enjoys working with these issues because she loves seeing people discover their true nature and then share it with the world. Vicki brings both her personal and professional experience into her work with clients. Blending her experience as a mindfulness meditation teacher with her background in body-centered yoga therapy to help clients get to know the whole of their being. Her mission is to help folks not just TALK ABOUT the life they’ve always wanted, but to actually start LIVING IT OUT! When she isn’t working, she is hiking in the woods with her husband and two dogs or traveling to National Parks to explore outside her hometown of Atlanta Ga.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you feel safe and grounded. This is a great meditation to do when you want to calm your central nervous system.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Many kids struggle with making and keeping friends. As a parent it can be challenging to support your children when they have difficulties with social skills. On this episode I will talk about some developmental milestones to watch for that will let you know if your child is on target with their social skills. I'll also tell you how I assess if a child is having difficulties with social skills. And most importantly, I'll tell you how to determine where your child is struggling and give you some concrete strategies for how you can help them.
It's challenging for parents to see their child struggle with friendships and making healthy connections with peers. If your child is having difficulties getting along with others than this episode is for you!
And if your child is good at making and keeping friends it could still be helpful for you to understand the common social mistakes kids make.
Mentioned in this episode: author Michelle Garcia Winner and her website: https://www.socialthinking.com/
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you connect with your yourself, feel into your body and identify what you need.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Get ready to be inspired by guest and fitness entrepreneur, Lauren George! Lauren is a superstar in the barre and fitness industry. As a successful entrepreneur, social media influencer, college professor, coach and mom, Lauren knows what it’s like to juggle many different roles. She’ll share how she keeps so many balls in the air and how she accomplishes so much each day! She’ll also share how she manages when faced with big life challenges and how she embraces change.
We’ll talk about Lauren’s virtual fitness program, LG Fitness Virtual Studio and how it was born out of the quarantine of Covid back in 2020. I ask Lauren if creating a virtual fitness studio was something she always dreamed of and I was surprised by her answer.
For those of you who are interested in creating a successful exercise routine at home, Lauren provides tips to help you meet your fitness goals. One of the tips Lauren discusses has to do with the benefits of having community. Lauren shares how her virtual program has created the online community, the LGF Studio Tribe. Lauren shares how her tribe motivates her members to workout consistently and also motivates her to make fun workout videos that her tribe enjoys!
Whether or not you are already a fan of Lauren's, you are sure to enjoy our rapid question and answer segment! Want to know if Lauren prefers sweet or savory food, where she would go if she could go anywhere and what Christmas song annoys her the most? Stay tuned for answers to those questions and more!
Lauren George mentions in this episode:
https://www.twodiamondfit.com/
https://shoplovelyapparel.com/
Lauren George's Bio:
With over 16 years in the fitness industry, Lauren George has created multiple fitness formats, trained thousands of instructors, and launched several successful businesses, including Clemson Fitness Company, The Fit Biz Club, Pulse Pointe Barre, and LG Fitness Virtual Studio and app. She's the program creator of Pumped Up Strength & The Musicality Method, Co-Creator of Barre Above, adjunct faculty for Kinesiology at Mississippi State University, and consults on numerous fitness projects for other companies.
Connect with Lauren George:
Website: www.laurengfitness.com
Link to 7 day free trial of virtual studio: https://laurengfitness.myflodesk.com/7daysfree
Instagram:
@laurengeorgefitness
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will provide you with a short guided mediation to help you connect with gratitude or appreciation.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
You might be surprised by the many life changing benefits that come from having a regular gratitude practice. It's free, only takes a few minutes a day and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's the perfect time to start your own gratitude practice. I'll tell you how you can practice gratitude and share what research says it can do for you. If you would like to live a happier, healthier life than this episode is for you.
Drawing from my personal experiences as well as research from UCLA Health, we delve into the benefits of a regular gratitude practice. Find out how it lessens symptoms of depression and anxiety, promotes heart health, and even improves sleep quality.
I will share my experience of having a gratitude practice since the late 1990's and how it has positively impacted my life. We will also explore practical ways to cultivate gratitude daily.
Cozy up with a hot beverage, as we kick off the holiday season with a heartwarming conversation on gratitude.
For more information on the research study mentioned on this episode: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/health-benefits-gratitude
Also mentioned in this episode, Brene Brown's book The Power of Vulnerability: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Power-of-Vulnerability-Audiobook/B00CYKDYBQ?source_code=GPAGBSH0508140001&ipRedirectOverride=true&gclid=Cj0KCQiApOyqBhDlARIsAGfnyMp8rzwJJ0jlWLE4vC5NAWnTyxaC9r6b9vClUPXhx4y587Qy8ut9hJ4aAkXUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
** Please note Brene Brown is a Social Worker and not a Sociologist as mentioned on this episode.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will provide you with a short guided mediation to help you inhale peace and relax deeply. This meditation is perfect to use before bed, a nap, or anytime you wish to feel more ease and relaxation.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Are prestigious colleges the only surefire path to a successful career? What if there was a different, less stressful approach to guiding your teen through their college and career choices? Join us as I sit down with Sonia Cacique, a college and career counselor with more than 17 years of experience. Sonia will tell us what parents and teens should consider when choosing a college or university. She'll also tell us what defines success after college, and spoiler alert, it's not the prestige of the university that is attended.
Sonia doesn't believe that there is one path for everyone! She will give us some ideas how kids and teens can start to identify what career paths could be right for them. And for parents of kids who want an alternative to traditional college, Sonia will talk about certifications as well as the benefits of community college.
Helping your teen figure out what college or career path is right for them can be daunting! Sonia offers sound advice and helpful insight that makes this process easier and less stressful.
Sonia's Bio:
Sonia is the host of the College & Career Ready Podcast and the founder of DiscoverU College and Career Coaching. Sonia has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation as a passionate school counselor, career coach, and education leader. With unwavering determination, she strives to equip parents and students with the confidence and resourcefulness they need to navigate the complexities of planning for college and building successful careers.
Sonia's profound commitment to inclusivity drives her mission. Regardless of race, color, or background, she fervently believes that every student deserves access to boundless opportunities for achievement. She fearlessly seeks out resources and avenues to ensure that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have equal access to the tools they need to thrive.
Connect with Sonia:
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/college-career-ready-parent-resources-college-readiness/id1640305533
Website: https://collegecareerready.org/
Instagram: @sonia.cacique
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through connecting with your anxiety and observing it with neutrality and curiosity. Although we don't try to make anxiety smaller in this exercise, it will often decrease as a result of this meditation. Shhhhh....... don't let your anxiety know that.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
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