Navigating Self-Care and Emotional Honesty in Friendships

Annoyance & Acceptance: Managing Emotions in Friendships

Jen and Patricia discuss the importance of naming and accepting emotions, including annoyance, as well as the challenges of communication and managing expectations in their friendship. They share personal experiences and strategies for navigating difficult feelings, emphasizing the value of patience and trust in their conversations. They discuss concepts like nonviolent communication and the impact of attachment wounds on relationships.

CO-HOST

Jen Perry, MSEd, MA, LPC

HIGHLIGHTS

Summary

Patricia and Jen discuss their recent experiences with physical activity and the importance of setting realistic expectations. They explore the tendency to have all-or-nothing thinking and the need for flexibility and self-compassion. Patricia shares her recent experiences with medication and managing her OCD symptoms. In this conversation, Patricia and Jen discuss Patricia's experience with OCD and how it affects her relationships. They explore the challenges of managing dysregulation and the importance of communication and authenticity in navigating difficult emotions. They also touch on the impact of past traumas on current relationships and the need for self-compassion and setting boundaries. The conversation highlights the importance of accepting and expressing emotions and the value of being honest about one's limitations.

Takeaways

Setting realistic expectations and being flexible is important when trying new activities.

Naming and accepting emotions is crucial for self-awareness and healthy relationships.

Communication and managing expectations are key in maintaining strong friendships.

Medication can be helpful in managing symptoms, but self-awareness and self-compassion are also important. OCD can manifest in different ways, such as excessive worry and fear of harm to loved ones.

Managing dysregulation can be challenging, and reaching out for support is important.

Authenticity and open communication are key in navigating difficult emotions and maintaining healthy relationships.

It's important to recognize and address past traumas that may impact current relationships.

Setting boundaries and being honest about one's limitations is crucial for self-care and maintaining healthy relationships.

Sound Bites

·      "I went kickboxing. Yes, it was so much fun."

·      "Finding ways to really lower the bar to just get my body there."

·      "Are there ways that you can create a little bit more flexibility and options so that your life works for you?"

·      "I worry every morning that my husband, you know, is dead."

·      "I felt very disconnected from you, like everything just felt meh."

·      "I wonder if you remembered about recording and you didn't say anything about recording."

Chapters (please adjust for the addition of the introduction)

00:00 Introduction and Kickboxing Experience

01:54 Setting Realistic Expectations and Lowering the Bar

04:15 Embracing Emotions and Practicing Self-Compassion

06:16 Communication and Expectations in Friendships

08:43 Managing Symptoms: Medication and Self-Awareness

20:43 Dysregulation and Feeling Disconnected

24:47 Navigating Uncertainty and Hurt Feelings

29:26 Being Present and Authentic in Relationships

33:18 Addressing Past Traumas and Setting Boundaries

40:13 The Importance of Honesty and Saying No

PODCAST HOST

Patricia was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller.  Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion.  She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren’t alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges.  Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

CO-HOST BIO

Jen Perry, MSEd, MA, LPC has been a psychotherapist for 20 years. She specializes in helping Highly Sensitive People thrive in love, work, and parenting Highly Sensitive Children. Jen is passionate about using mindfulness and compassion-based approaches to ameliorate human suffering.

LINKS

Diane Poole-Heller: https://dianepooleheller.com/

Jen’s Links

Email: Jen@heartfulnessconsulting.com

Jen’s website: https://heartfulnessconsulting.com/

Patricia’s Links

Neurodivergent Online Course-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/neurodivergent-online-courses/

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Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com