The lightbulb goes off the moment you realize that you CAN find all the tools you need but unless you can access them and hit them up during your most vulnerable AND DARKEST moments then they really aren’t worth…….$hit.

Tools are developed over time but sadly many people don’t know they EVEN have them or utilize them unless they have had the opportunity to recognize what they are and how much value they bring.

Your “tool box” consists of your personal mechanisms that help you navigate through each day of your life. Some of these tools are abused or overused and some of them are so simplistic we fail to recognize their role and importance.

In counseling, an example set of tools exists when someone develops an awareness of each of their 5 senses and can pinpoint for each one what brings them joy, happiness, peace and serenity.

Some people start with pictures. Others might need physical replicas. Furthermore if you can walk your mind through each of your five senses when anxiety or pain and trauma creeps in and then identify with the corresponding images that redirect and stimulate that “sense”….. you are utilizing your tools.

It sounds so simple and honestly simple is what it should be because during your darkest or hardest moments you need simple and immediate recognition to SEE you through.

So even if…. you can honestly say that you have no trauma in your life. Nothing that speaks demons in your mind and nothing that brings you down you can proactively prepare your toolbox with each of your senses so that when the inevitable occurs you can – to the best of your ability – cope and talk yourself through.

My example is this:

Eyes: I see a beach and water

Nose: I smell pine

Ears: I hear waves or laughter

Mouth: I taste …… welp I’m a foodie so I have a list when it comes to this.

Touch: I feel warmth and softness

Try it!!!!!!!!!

Make a list. Think about it daily. Let your mind travel and feel each of these tools that bring you peace.

Your future self will thank you someday. You can walk your mind through a pattern of thinking about each of these over and over to help Calm and redirect.

Xo.