Thank you for joining me for another Jen is Zen episode. Lately though, I haven't been feeling all that zen. I've been feeling overwhelmed. Just noise - My head is full of stuff, I’m full of lots and lots of feelings, and I have so much to do, yet I feel like nothing is getting done. It's in moments like this, that I can lose my zen, but it's when we need to remember that life is a series of chaos, and just because we feel it, doesn't mean we can't handle it. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Sometimes it’s almost as if your teens didn’t see your parenting vision board, isn’t it? What happens when they deviate from the plan? This isn’t how it was supposed to be. This isn’t how I planned or what I thought. Delve into a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and complexities associated with deviating from societal and familial canonical storylines. Let’s have a conversation about how social norms and values use canonical stories to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. Unpack the significance of embracing individuality while navigating the rigid structures imposed by canonical narratives, and reflect on the ways in which these narratives influence our perceptions of self and others.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Our discontent often comes from our desire to control the situation and to predict the outcome. Acceptance that we can’t do that can be a huge relief and an opportunity to move forward. Maybe it’s not from where you want to be, but it’s from where you are. What would happen if instead of putting that positive or negative frame around it, you just accepted it? But we have spent so many years carrying the mental load and trying to keep so many balls in the air and so many aspects of various people’s lives under control, so it becomes a lot harder to accept things that you cannot control. Much of our anger, frustration, sadness, and loneliness – much of our suffering - is created out of our desire to control or change things. Most of these situations don’t come with the emotion – we attach the positive or negative to it. What if instead we just accepted it and found peace?Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Thank you for being here - for listening and being a part of this community! Our teens are faced with decisions every day, and because our families are a social system, we all feel the weight of these decisions. It's three days before college decisions are due, and my son still hasn't made one. This inspired me to create a fun, theoretically-based decision-making activity for him (and you and your teens!). Join In this insightful discussion, where the focus is on decision-making and how the Theory of Reasoned Action can guide individuals, especially teens, in making informed choices. The theory explores the relationship between attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions when faced with decisions. By understanding how our beliefs and social influences shape our behaviors, individuals can better navigate important decisions like choosing a college. The discussion also touches on practical examples, such as underage drinking, academic performance, and the impact of attitudes and subjective norms on behavior. Through a structured approach that considers internal preferences and external influences, individuals can weigh options, assess social pressures, and align decisions with personal values. The theory offers a systematic framework for decision-making, allowing for a thoughtful evaluation of choices and informed decision-making processes.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

You need to be present to fully experience life’s beauty and meaning. This moment right now, is the only one you can experience now, and the only one you have for sure. How might your life be different if you saw more aspects of your life as a practice? What areas would benefit if you looked at them through the lens of practice?When we see something as being a practice, we recognize it as a continuous journey – not as a final destination. It’s not a puzzle that we solve, a game that we win. There’s not a finish line we cross. Instead it’s a continuous experience. Viewing our lives as a practice implies a continuous journey full of growth, learning, and improvement, and we can focus on the process, not just attaining an end result. When you can see life through this mindset, it can bring positive changes in so many areas. We'll have a conversation about five of those areas. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Well, well, well - here we are again. The end of another sports season, and for many seniors - and senior parents - this is the finish line. For us, my senior wraps ups his fourth track season, and it's hitting me harder than I expected. Join me as we revisit the end of sports grief for parents, the end of sports loss and confusion for our athletes, and ambiguous loss.When your kids are involved in an activity that becomes consuming of your time, energy, and money, and when we find ourselves on the sideline or in the stands or seats watching day after day, week after week, year after year, there comes a point when it all ends. For many, senior year is that end. But for some, it happens sooner, whether they don’t make the team or grow out of love with the sport or activity and just decide they are done – but wait! You might say – but what if I’m not done? It’s the end of a chapter. There is a loss – a sense of grief – it’s the loss of an activity – of a group of people you’ve grown to feel a community with – the loss of something that you share with your child.It's ok to feel sad. It’s ok for us to look back and reflect. It just won’t be the same. And it’s ok to mourn that end – mourn the loss. We may feel an ambiguous loss. At its core, ambiguous loss is about a lack of resolution. The loss of what could have or should have been. The loss of someone or something as it was. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

If you needed to choose between optimism and pessimism? Between beautiful or ugly? Between peace or angst? Which would you choose? Which stories do you want to cling to?Given the option, we choose the more positive of the outcomes when we have no other information. And yet, every single day,  we choose to cling to the bad. But what if we didn’t do this? What if instead we realized that we can control so much of our lives  and so much of our world around us simply because we control our thoughts.and our perceptions. We make things as they are simply because we’ve already decided in our heads that’s how they are.We can’t control the world – we can’t take away all of the negative. But by only focusing on the negative, we can take away all of the positive. So instead, let’s just start by clinging to the good. Assuming the best. Jumping to the best possible scenario instead of the worst. Choose your own adventure, and choose the good.   Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Join me on my birthday for a conversation about contextual age and its profound implications on our sense of self and well-being. Delving beyond mere chronological age, we explore how factors such as biological age, social roles, perceived age, and subjective age shape our identity and outlook on life.Let's challenge conventional notions of aging and embrace an ageless mindset. By redefining our relationship with age, we can cultivate a sense of timelessness and vitality at any stage of life.We'll discuss nine keys to staying ageless, including: what you put in your body, what you do with your body and what you put on your body; staying open to new ideas; challenging your brain and yourself; continuing to set goals and manifest success; doing things that make you happy; reducing stress and anxiety; building and fostering quality social relationships; and communicate.Discover the power of contextual age in shaping our identity, relationships, and overall quality of life. Let's embark on a transformative exploration of agelessness and unlock the secrets to a vibrant and fulfilling existence, irrespective of the passing years.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Hike your own hike. Can you embrace equifinality in your Family and accept that there is no one right way?Are you navigating the twists and turns of family life? These turns and decisions come from families of every background and upbringing, illustrating that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting or growing up.Equifinality in family communication is the idea that different families, with their unique dynamics and challenges, can all achieve positive outcomes in their own ways. Whether your family prioritizes sit-down dinners or adapts to busy schedules with different routines, what works for one may not work for another—and that's perfectly okay.The journey to a successful family dynamic isn't linear. It's shaped by the diverse experiences and walks of life that each family member brings to the table. Equifinality teaches us to appreciate this diversity and to recognize that there's no secret formula to perfect parenting or family life. The real "secret" is understanding that there are many paths to a happy, functional family, each tailored to individual circumstances and needs.As your family evolves through life's predictable and unpredictable stressors, remember that equifinality in family communication allows for various coping strategies and conflict resolutions. What's essential is finding what fits your family's pattern and personality, not what a list or an article dictates as the "right" way. It's about hiking your own hike and embracing the journey, knowing that the end goal isn't determined by a prescribed path.So, let's have a conversation about equifinality and its nuances, how it impacts family life and communication, and how it can inform family therapy practices. By understanding and applying the principle of equifinality, we can alleviate stress and create a family life that feels authentic and fulfilling for everyone involved.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Is it possible that your boundaries are too rigid? What could you start today that makes you uncomfortable? Can you come to terms that it is going to be uncomfortable and sit with it, knowing the benefits are worth it?In life, it’s often the things that we are avoiding that we need the most. We’re usually avoiding them because we know that they’ll be uncomfortable. It’s out of our comfort zone – we don’t know what it will be like – we don’t know how we’ll feel – we’re not sure if we’ll succeed. We just don’t think it’s worth the risk. Maybe we’ll fail or be miserable or just look stupid. We can come up with a thousand different reasons why not – but they all pretty much boil down to – it’s uncomfortable. So we avoid it. We may even hide our avoidance behind a boundary under the guise of something else. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

This is all so hard. So very exhausting. I hope that you are taking time for you because you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your family starts with taking care of yourself. Once you make it through my spiral with me, we'll have a conversation on one of the many roles that some of us play and the consequences of that role - i.e., Oldest Daughter Syndrome. A defining characteristic of oldest daughter syndrome is a marked independence and self-reliance. These traits, while admirable, can sometimes hinder asking for help or showing vulnerability. Despite appearing composed and competent, oldest daughters often deal with internal struggles.Gendered expectations can amplify these traits in daughters compared to sons. While oldest child traits are common, they often manifest more intensely in daughters due to societal and familial expectations.Addressing Oldest Daughter Syndrome isn’t straightforward. It's suggested that breaking generational patterns might help future generations learn to set better boundaries. For now, recognizing and empathizing with these challenges, and finding humor and solidarity in shared experiences, is a way to cope.This deep dive into Oldest Daughter Syndrome highlights its complexity, stemming from a blend of familial, societal, and individual factors. Understanding this can lead to better support for eldest daughters who juggle multiple roles and expectations.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

The concept of "Garbage In, Garbage Out" originates in computer science, but holds true in various aspects of our lives, including personal health, decision-making, and relationships. In essence, the quality of our input directly influences our output. This principle suggests that poor quality inputs, such as negative thoughts, misinformation, or unhealthy foods, inevitably lead to undesirable outcomes like stress, poor health, and strained relationships. Conversely, positive inputs like uplifting information, gratitude, and healthy nutrition can lead to improved mood, resilience, and more harmonious interactions. The GIGO concept underscores the importance of being mindful of the quality of what we feed our mind, body, and soul, recognizing that our internal state not only shapes our personal experiences but also significantly impacts our relationships with others. By understanding and applying this principle, we can enhance our well-being and foster more constructive and fulfilling connections.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Confidence is more than just a feeling; it's a fundamental belief in oneself and one's abilities. This belief in personal abilities, knowledge, and strength is not simply an outcome of success or external validation, but rather a driving force behind it. The realization that confidence is a predictor, not a consequence, of success, can be a game-changer. We want to cultivate confidence in ourselves and in our teenagers, so today we have a conversation about four pillars to confidence and small ways that you can strengthen each. Confident individuals don't just wait for success to build their self-esteem; they use their self-trust to create opportunities and navigate challenges. This mindset shift allows people to see confidence as an internal resource that can be nurtured and strengthened through personal habits, positive self-talk, and a proactive approach to life.Confidence plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, enhancing performance, decision-making, and leadership abilities. It encourages openness to new experiences and resilience in the face of challenges. Confident people, characterized by their trust in their judgment and abilities, are more likely to engage in dynamic social interactions, communicate assertively, and establish healthier relationships. They view setbacks as growth opportunities and handle stress and anxiety more effectively, contributing to overall well-being and satisfaction in life. Recognizing confidence as an internal strength that can be developed, rather than an outcome of external factors, empowers individuals to cultivate it actively, thereby enhancing their personal and professional lives. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Hindsight will teach you everything you need to get through this. It’s often the one thing that you are avoiding - or the one obstacle that you feel like you are up against – the one challenge that life has thrown at you that you are certain you will never get through – it’s often that one thing that is all that is standing between you and everything that you want – between you and your goal – between you and happiness – between you and peace. Self discovery is a paradox because on one hand we want to discover who we are at our core - beneath the frames we've put around ourselves and the lenses that we see ourselves through. But on the other hand, those lenses and frames – they’re who we are now. They’re the baggage that we’re carrying. They’re the narratives that we have created. The things that prevent us from doing what our authentic self wants or needs us to do. But self discovery not only forces us to recognize who are authentic self is and what she wants, and it also makes us realize that we owe it to her to do it. But it can be scary and challenging. Hindsight will teach us everything we need to get through this.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Discover the transformative power of goal setting in this insightful 6-part journey through various aspects of the life wheel. Starting with the importance of setting deadlines for dreams, each segment of this goal-setting series delves into practical strategies for success. In this final part, we address financial independence, personal growth, wellness, environment and pleasure. This episode explores actionable steps for realizing our goals in each area. We continute to place an emphasis on setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound—to manifest a fulfilling life across multiple dimensions. Whether it's achieving financial stability, enhancing wellness, nurturing personal growth, or finding joy in daily pleasures, this journey gives you the tools needed to turn your dreams into reality.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

In this episode, we have a conversation about popularity and the teenage quest for popularity. We also look at the lasting effects of teenage popularity on individuals as they transition into adulthood. Drawing on psychology, the discussion explores how popularity dynamics in adolescence shape our lives. We emphasize the link between teenage popularity and the development of stable personality traits, emphasizing how messages received during adolescence can influence adult behavior and thinking patterns. We explore the multifaceted nature of popularity, distinguishing between likability and status-based popularity.Teenagers, inherently social beings, are wired to seek acceptance and validation from their peers, leading to a quest for popularity rooted in social acceptance. The podcast underscores the importance of effective communication skills in navigating peer interactions and building meaningful relationships, both in adolescence and adulthood. We discuss EIGHT ways that we can help our teens, as well as tips for persuading others to like us.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

In Part 5 of our goal-setting journey, we look at career goals. Setting career goals is crucial for creating a fulfilling professional life. Just as with personal goals, career goals provide focus and motivation, guiding individuals toward the experiences they desire rather than settling for what happens passively. Success in one's career is subjective, so it's essential to define what success means personally. Whether it's achieving a specific job title, starting a business, reaching a salary milestone, or pursuing a passion project, setting career goals helps clarify the path forward. While these goals may seem daunting, breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps makes them more attainable. Progress may be incremental, but every step forward brings individuals closer to their ultimate career aspirations. By staying focused, planning strategically, and persevering through challenges, individuals can take control of their careers and find greater satisfaction along the way.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

Senioritis, often dismissed as a mere case of laziness in high school seniors, is a complex phenomenon affecting both students and those around them. With symptoms ranging from lack of motivation to irritability, senioritis can disrupt households during the final months of high school. As college decisions loom and the future feels uncertain, seniors may struggle with feelings of aimlessness and disconnection. Understanding the psychology behind senioritis, including cognitive dissonance and the desire for control, can help parents and students navigate this challenging time. Encouraging seniors to explore hobbies, gain practical skills, or even take on part-time jobs can provide purpose and alleviate some of the pressure. Additionally, recognizing behaviors like "soiling the nest," where individuals create conflict to ease separation, can foster healthier relationships during this transition period. By embracing the journey and supporting each other through senioritis, families can find peace amidst the chaos of change.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

In part 4 of our goal-setting journey, we take a proactive approach to improving our social relationships by setting SMART goals tailored to our needs. I ask you to reflect on your current social status and consider aspects like communication, compassion, and fostering friendships. Utilize a goal ladder framework to break down your main goal into manageable objectives and actionable steps. Whether you're focusing on communication with a partner, nurturing friendships, or expanding your social circles, start with small, achievable actions. Embrace opportunities for growth, even if they involve stepping out of your comfort zone. By prioritizing your social relationships and setting meaningful goals, you can cultivate deeper connections and enhance your overall well-being.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

In part 3 of this goal-setting journey, we'll move beyond our manifesting dreams and our life wheel analysis and discover the power of setting achievable goals for our family's happiness and success. Learn how to set goals that are within your control and how sharing them with others can enhance accountability and motivation. Explore the importance of prioritizing family time amid the busyness of everyday life and the benefits of nurturing healthy relationships. Gain insights into crafting SMART goals for your family, whether it's traveling together, investing in education, or promoting open communication and a healthy lifestyle. Understand the step-by-step process of breaking down long-term goals into smaller, actionable objectives. Empower yourself to involve your family in the goal-setting process for increased support and accountability. Start your journey towards creating the life you love by setting meaningful family goals today.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!