Jeff Fleming

We spend so much time on our flaws that we miss what already works in us. Your strengths are not bragging. They are tools. Persistence, patience, humor, faith, problem-solving, showing up when it is uncomfortable. If you run or race, you already practice a lot of this. New on the blog (this is on my counseling website, not my mindset coaching one): How to Use Your Strengths Every Day finishstrongercounseling.com…

Beach Ball Metaphor for Coping with Emotional Dysregulation (Article from my counseling website) I first heard of the beach ball metaphor while watching a video through PESI (one of my continuing education providers). Arielle Schwartz, Ph D uses the beach ball metaphor to explain how we can manage our dysregulated emotions. Arielle Schwartz, PhD provides a mind-body healing exercise that can help trauma survivors process their negative emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. I hope that you find this metaphor helpful in understanding how we can better regulate our emotions and nourish our nervous systems. Go to the article to learn about how you can use the beach ball metaphor (many of my clients have found it helpful) and read related articles on emotion regulation, nervous system regulation and habits. finishstrongercounseling.com…

It isn't always easy to own our story and to love ourselves, but the process of acceptance and moving forward with healing is important. We need to do it, and we need to have courage. You don't have to take the past with you into the future. The past also doesn't have to define you. We can go through incredibly painful experiences in life, and those things change us. The change tends to be bad or negative, but some of the changes may be good. We learn, grow, and become more resilient. Change is tough, so practicing being self-compassionate will help. Learn to love yourself, even if it is just parts of yourself. Love yourself in the present moment and think about who you want to be and where you want to be in the future. Be patient with yourself if you aren't sure of these, yet. Be patient with the change process. If you need help, use your resources, connections, people you trust and who truly care for you, and mental health professionals. If you need support from a professional counselor, search locally and or use an online directory. For affordability, see if they accept insurance (if you have it), ask if they use a sliding scale, or see if they have a reduced fee spot open. You don't have to go through things alone. Remember, you can get through this.

How to check-in with someone you feel concerned about. Here are 10 questions to consider asking that person without coming off as judgmental: 1. How are you feeling, really? (Mental and physical) 2. What’s taking up your headspace right now? 3. What was your last full meal and have you been drinking enough water? 4. Have you been sleeping? 5. What have you been doing for exercise? 6. What did you do today that made you feel good? 7. What’s something you can do today that would be good for you? 8. What’s something that you’re looking forward to in the next couple of days? 9. What’s something we can do together this week, even if we’re apart? 10. What are you grateful for right now?

Hyperarousal vs Hypoarousal: Regulate your nervous system after trauma (From my professional counseling website, not coaching) What is trauma? Trauma is a deeply disturbing or distressing experience that can impact people physically, psychologically, and emotionally. The emotional distress following experiencing a traumatic event can be greater than someone's ability to cope. Whether the trauma is a single catastrophic event, like a car accident and a terrorist attack, or a long-term exposure to a traumatic environment, such as child abuse, domestic violence, and war, all human beings are vulnerable to trauma.... finishstrongercounseling.com…

33 free mental health resources on my professional counseling website. Check it out! 👀 finishstrongercounseling.com…

"Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day." — Dalai Lama I LOVE these painted rocks. Beautiful. Thank you to everyone who made them for Oil Creek 100. The Road Runner one is extra special because it was on the Going Home loop. I have them displayed with my ultramarathon awards.

I just published a new post on my @buymeacoffee Talks and Workshops for Trail and Ultrarunners buymeacoffee.com/shannonmick…

Talks and Workshops for Trail and Ultrarunners I am currently offering three talks/workshops. Check them out below, and if you have any questions, please let me know. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you and finding out what kind of event you are hosting. 1. The Power of Mindfulness in Trail Running. THE POWER IS WITHIN YOURSELF 2. Anxiety vs Depression: Spotting the difference and how to help someone who is struggling with either emotion 3. Exercise, Sleep, and Anxiety: Rewire your brain To learn more details, go to the Talks and Workshops section in the main menu on my website. finishstrongermindsetcoachin… #finishstrongermindsetcoaching #ultrarunnermentalhealth #ultrarunnermentaltoughness #ultrarunnermindset #ultrarunnersofinstagram #ultratraining #100miletraining #trailrunning #trailrunner #ultrarunninglife #ultrarunner #trailandultra #runstrong #happyrunning #happyrunner #motherrunner #ultrarunningmama