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Tara Cousineau, PhD

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Tara Cousineau, PhD

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Planting Seeds of Self-Compassion in Childhood

Planting Seeds of Self-Compassion in Childhood

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Matters in Kind by Dr. Tara

Once-in-a-While newsletter on being kind to yourself and others!

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Mommy, is your job writing emails? When my younge

Mommy, is your job writing emails?

When my youngest daughter was 7 years old she stood at my desk, quiet as a mouse. I barely noticed that she had been lingering behind me. A tiny thing she was at that tender age.

It was about 8 o’clock in the evening and the summer night was lavender and gray. As I turned to look at her it was as if a woodland fairy was delivering a message.

My heart skipped a beat. I caught my breath. Part of me wanted to cry.

A thought appeared: “Humans first.”

My humans. I shut down my laptop.

No, silly. My job is not writing emails!

But I could see how it looked that way.

At the time I was a suffering research scientist who was caught in the unforgiving grant mill trying to perfect yet another submission. I hated my job. And looking into my daughter’s imploring eyes, I hated myself.

Have you had such a wake up call? Do you find yourself running in place on some hamster wheel? Do you ever wonder if all the hard work and striving is worth it?

Don’t let the beautiful moments in your life pass you by.

To be honest, I can’t say I was totally enlightened that summer evening.

But I did begin to make small changes.

I started to take more pauses in my day.
The thought became a mantra. Humans first. I reminded myself that people (not papers) are my priority. It took 8 years, but I eventually quit that job.

The workaholic-perfectionist habits still show up. I'm wired to work. These days I enjoy what I do, which is to help high achievers live with more ease and joy.

What I learned may help you, too.

-Coax your nervous system into balance. Know when you need more calm or more vitality.
-Learn to take in the good by purposely drawing your attention to the small wins and spontaneous delights in your day.
-Remember to thank or appreciate someone every day.
-Remember to befriend yourself.

If you are a self-identified high achiever, workaholic, or perfectionist and want to learn more, click on my bio.

#perfectionist #perfectionism #perfectionismrecovery #selfcompassion #businesscoach #liveyourbestlife

What elfish things are you up to this holiday seas

What elfish things are you up to this holiday season? What are your favorite traditions?

It's my favorite time of the year even if we fib a little bit. Read my recent blog post, "The Stories We Tell (and other white lies)," go to my linktree.

#generosity #magicalthinking #stories #christmasmagic #christmaslights #merrychristmas #christmasvibes #xmas #christmaseve #winter #christmascheer #santaclaus #saintnick #elves #raindeer #stockings #silentnight #babyjesus

May you have a Happy Thanksgiving. May you find co

May you have a Happy Thanksgiving.
May you find comfort and joy.
May you live with ease and kindness.

#thankyou #gratitude #love #grateful #selflove #motivation #happiness #meditation #inspiration #mindfulness #life #selfcare #positivevibes #peace #positivity #healing #blessed #mindset #believe #nature #thankful #spirituality #happy #mentalhealth #instagood

Life is stressful. The news is always bad. Pressur

Life is stressful. The news is always bad. Pressures to please, perform and be productive is exhausting. And if there is any one fix, get outside. Tend to a plant. Breathe in fresh air.

Nature is restorative and opens us up to a deep sense of connection. Be kind to yourself and evoke the calming effect of nature in daily life.

#peaceful #awe #beautiful #nature #travel #peaceofmind #calm #meditation #life #happiness #relax #happy #naturelovers #landscape #sky #beauty #positivevibes #gratitude #goodvibe #mindfulness #kindfulness #selfcare #mentalhealth

Here we are again. It's World Kindness Day. Nov 13

Here we are again. It's World Kindness Day. Nov 13, 2022

Every day is an invitation to practice kindness.

Don't underestimate the power of a kind gesture or act (which many of us do, according to social research). It's truly a practice of planting seeds. The weeds will show up, of course, but keep tending to the good you can give -- and are willing to receive. Humanity needs many gardeners.

#worldkindnessday #becompassionate #bekind #kindness #kindnessmatters #mentalwellness #spreadkindness #love #kindnessiscontagious #randomactsofkindness #selfkindness #kindnessday #lovingkindness #selflove #actsofkindness #generosity #showcompassion #gentleness #worldkindnessmovement #loveiseverything

A little effort can go a long way when we are all

A little effort can go a long way when we are all in this together. Your voice matters.

Plus, it's World Kindness Week.

#rockthevote #youth #freedom #futuregenerations #love #womensrights #civilrights #guncontrol #climatechange #mentalhealth #democracy #midterms #getoutthevote #debate #discussion #voted #yourvotecounts #ballot #voteforchange #spreadkindness

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Recent Posts

The Stories We Tell (and other white lies)
Tell a New Story: It’s Your Life
Self-love isn’t a To-Do Item
Intentional Acts of Kindness
The Wisdom in Listening to Fear
Being Your Own Best Friend

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