Jennifer Yockey, Wellness

03/05/2025

How much can I handle?

In a world where we are currently being exposed to threats on a regular basis, how do we find the balance between self-care and action?

In many ways, this is a very personal question. It is about asking yourself, “how much can I handle?” in other words, ask yourself at what point does reading the news or scrolling social media lead you to feel paralyzed in fear, helpless, or despairing for our world?

While I believe it is important to stay informed about the current happenings and potential threats in our world, if we ourselves become dysregulated, then we cannot participate in active solutions to make this world a better place.

Asking yourself “how much can I handle?” is a way to pace yourself and in itself is a way to ensure that you can show up for yourself, your loved ones, your community, and this world as a source of goodness.

Perhaps you have a feeling inside that says what right do I have to take good care of myself when there is so much suffering and pain all around me? I’ll offer once again that depriving yourself of nurturing self-care not only depletes your resources but reduces the likelihood that you can show up in a kind or compassionate manner for others.

And, our world so badly needs all of the kindness and compassion we can give.

Now, the question becomes, what allows you to take the best possible care for your mind, body, heart, and nervous system?

For me, there are certain non-negotiables that are part of my daily routine. These include getting on my yoga mat, meditating, taking my daily walk around the lake at sunset, and taking the time to reflect on at least one thing that brings me a sense of gratitude or appreciation. Reaching out for connection is also so important, to not feel so alone with what is happening in our world.

The final question is “what can I do to make this world a better place?” How can I speak up against hurtful actions, how can I protect the vulnerable, how can I care for my fellow human beings? These actions of care can be small, every day actions, such a random acts of kindness to remind each other that goodness exists. Or you might be called to take large scale actions.

Most importantly, it all adds up. I’ll close my reflections with a quote from Rabbi Tarfon, in Prikei Abot

“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly now.
Love mercy now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

03/03/2025

March 11-18
Whether you are new to meditation or exploring different avenues to cultivate inner and outer peace:

Exploring the depth and breadth of the art of meditation across diverse traditions, approaches, and methods

01/21/2025

Have you read The Let Them Theory?
Listened to Mel Robbins podcast?

01/21/2025

Let them then Let me. ♥️

Are you familiar with the “Let Them” theory? I’ll tell you friends the more I grow the more I am okay with accepting the “Let Them” in my own life and relationships.

This is something that took me a very long time to learn. I used to tolerate a lot because I didn't want to lose people. But I learned the hard way if they were really my people, they would never treat me like that. Don't make the mistake of being so understanding and forgiving that you overlook the fact that you're being repeatedly disrespected.

Let them be upset.
Let them judge you.
Let them misunderstand you.
Let them gossip about you,
Let them ignore you.
Let them be "right."
Let them doubt you.
Let them not like you.
Let them not speak to you.
Let them run your name in the ground.
Let them make you out to be the villain.
Whatever it is that people want to say about you, let them!

Kindly step aside and LET THEM.

The hard truth is they know how much they are hurting you. And they just simply don't care. They did it knowing it could cause them to lose you. And they did it anyway. People that love you care about how they make you feel. The end. Let them go.

There will be people that would rather lose you than be honest about what they've done to you. Let them go.

The lack of respect was the closure. The lack of apology was the closure. The lack of care was the closure. The lack of accountability was the closure. The lack of honestly was the closure. Let them go.

Make the decision to no longer sit at tables where you might be the topic when you get up. Let them go.

You can still be kind. You can even still love them deeply. But do it from the distance they created in their words and actions. Access to you is a privilege they have proven they can’t be trusted with. Let them go.

You don’t need to tell your side of the story. God already knows. Let God fight the battle for you. Let them go.

It’s taken me a long time to get here. Sleepless nights, countless tears, managing a range of emotions filled with anger, disappointment, confusion and deep hurt. Lots of self-reflection, self-preservation, deep prayer and seeking wisdom from those much wiser than me.

If you are struggling with this, please know you are not alone. We will never understand why hurt people hurt people. But we can do the hard work to grow ourselves. Because healed people do in fact heal people.

Don’t you dare let them steal your joy.
Don’t you dare let them steal your light.
Don’t you dare let them steal your peace.
You are in control of that.

Hold tight to what you can control and release your grip on what you can’t control.
Let them go.

Mel Robbins

01/08/2025

Happy New Year!

I am in FULL hibernation mode; cozy blankets, socks, knit hats, hot tea and NAPS.

Although I have set a word(s) for the New Year, I am FAR from making promises to myself for 2025 as I am still reflecting on 2024.

On the Lunar New Year, I may close the book on 2024 or I might wait until the Spring Equinox. We will see.

Questions I am sitting with:
1. What am I most proud of in 2024?
2. What brought me joy?
3. What/Who brought me anxiety?

12/21/2024

❄️
If Winter Solstice were a question…
Thank you

12/09/2024

Always coming home. 🏡