Messages From the Middle

Tick, Tick, Boom:Your nervous system and mental health

In this episode of Messages From the Middle I embark on an exploration of the human nervous system. I will share the  delicate dance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. This week I will get a little science as I journey, talk about intricacies of fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest responses. I'll delve into the differences between hyper and hypo nervous systems, and navigate just a little of what we know about this essential human system
The episode goes beyond the surface, dissecting the impact of chronic stress and trauma on the nervous system, leading to states of perpetual fight-or-flight or immobilization. Let's shed some light on why individuals may find themselves stuck in these states even when there's no immediate threat. The episode  introduces the Polyvagal Theory,  framework that offers insights into the interplay of the vagus nerve in shaping our social engagement and stress responses.
I will also share practical strategies for healing hyper and hypoactive nervous systems, attention is also given to the often overlooked under-stimulated nervous system. With a focus on fawning and freezing responses, the episode illuminates the science behind these states and gently explores ways to activate and revitalize a dormant nervous system. With a blend of scientific knowledge and compassionate guidance, this episode empowers listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and nervous system restoration. Understanding your nervous system can help all of us gain more compassion towards ourselves by understanding that it is an evolutionary biological response and not a "personality flaw" that is behind many of our actions when our nervous system is dysregulated
contact me: 
email: wendy@messagesfromthemiddle.com
instagram:@childsongbird
 
 
 

Tell Your story

In this episode of "Messages from the Middle," I shine the spotlight on the profound impact of storytelling on mental health. In the middle of life's challenges, our narratives become powerful tool of resilience and connection. This episode explores the art of sharing personal stories as a beacon of hope and strength for both the storyteller and those navigating similar paths.
🌟 Discover the cathartic and empowering experience of crafting your narrative and the therapeutic benefits it offers. From overcoming adversity to navigating mental health challenges, learn how sharing personal stories becomes a message of resilience, compassion, and growth. I'll guides you through practical tips on articulating your experiences offering a roadmap to transform your struggles into sources of inspiration.
🌈 I wan to encourage you to use your story to inspire others in the middle of their struggles to find strength, hope, and connection. Tune in and let the transformative power of storytelling uplift your mind and spirit.
 
contact me:
email: wendy@messagesfromthemiddle.com
instagram: @childsongbird
 

Let 2024 be 2024: Using Grit and grace as you navigate the new year

This week on Messages from the Middle, I share feelings about going into a new year, using grit and grace on those New Years resolutions or any transformative journey. I believe that with a combination of unwavering determination and a touch of self-compassion, you can conquer your goals and defy expectations while nurturing self-love and personal growth. 
In this episode I also provide the framework that I am using to set goals and work towards creating the year that I am working toward while giving myself the best head-start to allowing 2024 to be the year it is meant to be. 
Are you ready for this year? Let me offer you a few ways you can start the year with motivation and a lot of compassion and self-love. I've got big plans for this year. Let's see what we can do together and how we can become the best most loving version of ourselves! 
Let July Be July- Morgan Harper Nichols
contact me: email: wendy@messagesfromthemiddle.com
instagram: @childsongbird

Gratitude

Expressing gratitude can boost your mental health by releasing oxytocin, the love hormone. If there were a pill that did that, with no side effects, you know you would be taking it! The good news is you can create the same effect by expressing gratitude. In this episode I share ways you can show gratitude. I also share the things I am most grateful for in 2023. 
 
email: Wendy@messgesfromthemiddle
instagram: @childsongbird@yahoo.com

Believe

Your beliefs are fundamental to who you are. If you want to know your beliefs look at your life. Your life is the road map to your beliefs. If you want to make changes to your life you need to find your core beliefs and make changes at the belief level. In this episode talk more your core beliefs, where they come from and how the effect your behaviors.
 
email: wendy@messaagesfromthemiddle.com
instagram: @childsongbird

Give It Away: How service helps your mental health

Continuing with my December mini dives into small things that make a big difference for your mental health: This week I am talking about how important service is to improving your mental health. Take a listen, then go out and share your light with someone!
contact me:
email: wendy@messagesfromthemiddle.com
instagram: @childsongbird

Grace

This weeks episode is all about Grace. More specifically grace for yourself, self-love and self-compassion. A personal depvlopment journey is great, but as we work towards self improvement, it is also common to use these tools as ammunition for self-judgement. We also need too give ourselves grace and compassion as we work on creating the best version of ourselves. 
email: wendy@messagesfromthemiddle.com
instagram: @childsongbird

Faith

For the month of December I will be doing a deep dive into different tools we can all use to enrich our mental health.
This week I was nudged to talk about Faith. As my mental health has been in a backslide lately, I have recognized that I need to go all in on faith. Faith is essential to moving towards understanding our purpose in life and why it is so important to work towards healing. Faith is the number one tool I have in my tool belt, and in many cases the only tool that I have available to help me take the next step when the path is dark and scary. 
I share my feelings about faith and a few ways that I use to build and use faith as part of my healing story.
email: wendy@messagefromthemiddle.com
instagram: @childsongibrd

Afraid to Heal

It seems counter intuitive, but being afraid of healing is very common. We are comfortable in our pain, but there is so much more available to us if we are willing to move through the pain and discomfort and find the person we are capable of being on the other side of the healing journey.
In this episode I share the reasons why you might be afraid of healing, and offer three ways to work through the fear and discomfort. 
email: wendy@messagesfromthemiddle.com
instagram: @childsongbird

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out: finding joy in our story

In this episode I take you through an excercies I use to create a timeline of all the good, happy and uplifting times in your life. This exercise is so powerful to see that life really is 50/50 there is light and good in our lives. We just have to look for it!
 
email: wendy@messagesfromthemiddle.com
instagram: @childsongbird