In the early fall of 2025 when I started counseling with Deborah Cave of Sparrow Counseling of the East Valley, one of the first issues we addressed was me releasing the tension I tend to hold in my body. You might know the feeling–shoulders up to your ears, toes curled while driving, the deep breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding. Then over the holiday season (when pressures mount and there are abundant reasons to be stressed), I practiced relaxing my belly area and it really helped me regulate my emotions. Just being aware of the tension and releasing it before it escalated was incredibly helpful.
Then at my recent appointment at Bronco Family Dental in Gilbert, AZ for a new patient exam and checkup, Dr. Emily gently recommended a night guard because my teeth showed signs of me grinding them at night. After that I was amazed at how many time throughout the day I was clenching my teeth!
EVIDENTLY I NEED TO CALM DOWN 😬
Over the years my massage therapists, hair stylists and even nail techs have all occasionally had to remind me…”relax. Let go. Breathe.”
It’s true: I’ve spent years holding everything together—and holding my breath.
Oftentimes I can maintain calm on the outside even while my insides are tight–which is even more work.
Now, I’m learning the art of living unclenched.
I’m relaxing…my belly, my jaw. Expectations and standards. The need to control and manage.
It’s been incredibly freeing to just watch things play out without trying to interfere at every phase. It’s wild when a situation works itself out without any striving on my part, and a terrific reminder that things often turn out great, even when I’m not involved. I realize, “Wow, I didn’t have to try so hard this whole time.”
To put it simple, I’m choosing peace over perfection 🙏🏻
You could say I’m softening into who God created me to be.
Calmer, more joyful and softer.
**There’s no “call to action” or sales pitch. Just me sharing an update for anyone who’s learning to calm down, too**
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