OPERATING HEAVY MACHINERY
This episode of The Karen Kenney Show dives into the idea that this whole being human thing is a lot like "operating heavy machinery.”
Except nobody ever gave us an instruction manual -or- a warning label! 😆
Inspired by a weird little cold I had and those classic medicine label cautions on the side of the box…
I talk about how we’re all out here trying to navigate life, relationships, and our own bewildering minds, often with no clue as to what the heck we’re doing or why we do it.
I share how so many of us beat ourselves up for not having it all figured out - when in reality, most of us were never taught the basics of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, or how our brains and bodies even really work!
I remind us of the fact that a lot of our struggles come from old patterns, habits, and stories we picked up as kids.
And even though that stuff might’ve helped us survive back then, it doesn’t really serve us anymore.
I remind you (and myself!) that it’s totally normal to feel confused, overwhelmed, or stuck sometimes, especially when we’re trying to change or grow.
The key ingredient that I think is the game changer when it comes to transformational work?
Curiosity!
You’ve got to be willing to get curious about why you do what you do, think what you think, say what you say, and believe what you believe.
You also have to be open to learning new ways of thinking and being.
But here’s the thing… wanting change - isn’t the same as - being willing to do what it takes to change.
I could share all the tools, practices, and perspective shifts I know, but I can’t make you curious or willing enough to want to do the work.
That right there, is an inside job.
The good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out alone -or- do it all on your own.
Whether it’s working with a mentor, joining a supportive community, or just having someone in your corner, the good news is - help is out there!
Remember, you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep operating heavy machinery without a manual! ❤️
KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• We’re all “operating heavy machinery” in life, often without any kind of instruction manual or warning label.
• Most of us were never taught how to understand our feelings -or- how our brains, bodies, or nervous systems work.
• Old habits and survival strategies from childhood can become problematic as adults.
• Self-blame is common, but it’s important to remember we’re not supposed to have it all figured out.
• Shame sometimes arises too, and having an unshaming witness in your corner helps.
• Curiosity about our own patterns and habits is a necessary first step toward real change.
• Wanting things to be different - is not the same as - being willing to do the work.
• True transformation comes from the inside and can’t be forced on you by others.
• Reading books is great - AND - real growth comes from actually putting what you learn into practice.
• Nobody can do the growth work for you – but you don’t have to do it all on your own.
• Support from a mentor, coach, or a community can be wicked helpful along the way.
• The Nest: Spiritual Mentoring Group + Community 🪺
• The Quest: 1:1 Spiritual Mentoring ❤️
• My Tip Jar 🫙
KAREN KENNEY BIO:
Spiritual mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development.
Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality.
Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatics, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.
A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she coaches individuals and groups.
With The Karen Kenney Podcast, she encourages listeners to shift from a thought system of fear to one of love, compassion, and personal responsibility.
KAREN KENNEY LINKS:
WEBSITE: https://www.karenkenney.com/
GET MY EMAILS: https://www.karenkenney.com/signup
THE NEST: https://www.karenkenney.com/nest
THE QUEST: https://www.karenkenney.com/quest
TIPJAR: https://www.karenkenney.com/tipjar
WORK WITH ME: https://www.karenkenney.com/work-with-me
KK FREEBIE: https://www.karenkenney.com/freebie
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenney.writer/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenKenney