Julia Rocque Coaching

It's always good to remember that we're allowed to do things differently than what was modeled to us. We don't need to be held back by past programing and beliefs. Paving new trails isn't easy, but it feels so rewarding to overcome parts about our past that no longer serve us.

My mom used to say, "All you can do is the best you can do," and that is SO true! We never wake up and intentionally do a bad job....EVER! But sometimes we make mistakes. I hope I'm not alone in saying sometime my best is terrible! Sometimes I'm running at 10% and I'm not operating at my usual capacity. But that was still my best for THAT day. We need to be proud of ourselves for showing up....ESPECIALLY when we're struggling.

Validating someone's emotional experience seems so simple, but it's very impactful. It's basically saying, "I believe you," "That must be hard," "It makes sense why you're upset." We don't actually have to feel the same way or think the other person is "right." But validation can help sooth the other person just because they don't feel alone anymore. Validating teens is more important than fixing their problem. Once they feel heard, they will fix their own problem.

A little humor for you today. What is it about staying out late that makes everything so much more appealing and fun? I remember feeling this way as a teen, but I honestly can't remember why. Feeling exhausted and miserable the next day after staying up half the night was no fun at all. I guess it's all just part of learning.

I love teaching my clients about the importance of having a relationship with their past and future self. You don't need to be mad at "past-you." He/she went through a lot so you could learn valuable lessons. And "present-you" has the opportunity to totally hook up "future you." Take such good care of him/her! The future is your reward if you do your best today.