Hi Guys!
Welcome to my new kitchen! After a year of renovating, the farmette is nearly complete. Can I pinch myself now? I can’t believe we pulled this off! I’ve always dreamed of building a house from scratch, especially a kitchen. And I also can’t believe that my actual kitchen and my new book, Crazy Sexy Kitchen are wrapping at the same time. Big smile. Big gratitude.
This past year has been deliciously creative for both me and Brian. I’d write the book all day, he’d work on the house, and at night we’d come together and share our experiences. Though we’re not quite ready to move in (the kitchen is the only finished room!), we’re celebrating how close we are and how far we’ve come (personally and as a couple).
But let’s be real, I was nervous. At times it felt like we had bitten off way more than we could chew. Days bled into nights and an indescribable tired seeped through our bones. If you’ve been through a major renovation at the same time as an enormous work project, you know exactly what I mean. At the height of it, I started to experience some adrenal issues. Naturally, when the stress materialized in my body, I wondered if we had made a bad decision, and I knew it was time to course correct.
Because I always write what I need to hear, I want to share a mantra that helped soothe the crazy.
“You are safe …”
Can you feel your shoulders relax when you read that? Mine do. It took me awhile to zero in on that soul medicine. For a long time, I thought I had trust issues. I had a hard time trusting men, my career choices and ultimately, my intuition. I stepped gingerly through life for fear of the door in the floor that would suddenly open and suck me into a metaphoric basement. At their worst, my trust issues made me wickedly constipated (in all areas of life!) TMI? HA! Well I know I’m not alone because I’ve coached countless women who say they can only poop on their own safe and cozy throne. Sound familiar?
As time went on, I remember stepping back and watching my glorious self shrink and get really rigid. Then it dawned on me. The root of my stuff was less about trust and more about safety. And interestingly enough, my distress would often kick in at the precipice of any comfort zone expansion: a new publisher, relationship, job opportunity, health challenge and even more recently with the re-branding of all my websites! Talk about a major growth spurt!
Like me, you may be called to step up and flourish right now. Advice for us: Don’t let your wings wilt. Instead, get really sober about what’s safe and what’s not. Take one of those inner inventories we often talk about. Whether it’s in your mind or on paper, reflect on any drama or stories that might be pushing your fear factor. Once you do, you’ll probably realize that you’re more secure than you think and that the only one holding you back is lovely, well-meaning you. Look, sometimes it’s justified to be scared. But most of the time, creepy town is just an illusion, a silly place that gets amplified in our very clever minds.
In times like these, I like to turn to an affirmation. Here’s one I created for safety …
“I am safe and secure. I exhale any anxiety and inhale calm. As my world expands so do my heart and mind. I am willing to stay open and accept all the miracles and abundance the universe has to offer me.”
Take a few moments to really breathe that in. Notice how it makes you feel. Accept where you currently are (because it’s OK), and when you’re ready, release any residual tension holding you back.
Hi Kris,
Thank you so much for this post today, it really resonated with me.
I’m in the final stages of my first book (the manuscript is to be submitted to Hay House by sunday). Along with writing I’m also relaunching my business, giving my website a fancy face lift and opening my second premises. The last few months I’ve really been stepping out of my comfort zone and it’s daunting. There was a time I had stage 4 adrenal fatigue (along with a million other health issues). All I can say is thank goodness for green juice and all the fabulous plant powered goodies that have transformed my health and given me the chance to change my life.
I love the fabulous new site and can’t wait to get my hands on Crazy Sexy Kitchen.
With Love,
Christy
I’ve felt this lack of trust as well and your mantra is so helpful. I love that the kitchen is the first room nearly “done” in your renovation. The website re-do is perfect and I look forward to your weekly posts and not just guest bloggers. I would read the old blog and search out for your stuff — I didn’t care about the other folks as much, I guess. 🙂
Thank you, I needed this! LOVE your new site and the direction you are going in.
Hey Kris,
it is funny how this post just came in the right moment. There are many things in my life that I want to come to terms with. It is still a long way to go. I am trying to keep myself stable and to think positive but I have to admit that I still need to learn how to trust again. I am trying to eat healthy and mainly plant-based because I feel that it does me good in many ways.
Anyway, I love your strength, your attitude and I hope to learn from you a great deal.
Have a good one! And congratulations to your new kitchen! You look very happy and proud on the pic. 🙂
This post is right on time! Thank you so much for writing this! I will be reciting your mantra regularly.
xo,
Hasina
P.S. Just finished your Crazy Sexy Diet 21-day challenge for the third time and every time I do my life changes for the better. Thanks again!
Dear Kris,
thank you so much for this post! It resonates with me so well and could not be more timely!
After a couple of years of soul and purpose searching, ups and downs in my career – this year I finally got back to my self and magically perfect career opportunity showed up almost in the same time (or most likely as a result of that deep soul searching ;)) But! The moment everything started making sense – I freaked out! Old patterns, anxiety, doubt started crawling in and I felt totally blocked and lost. I didnt know what is going on until in down on me – my dreams are becoming reality and it freaked me out because I am now out of my comfort zone and that doesnt feel safe! But it is safe to dream big, and it is safe to change, and it is safe to transform and grow … It is safe only if you do the work. And you can do the work only if you feel safe … tricky that one 😉 Like with pooping – you can only release when you dont feel anxious, and you can stop feeling anxious when you release (poop, or old patters = same thing) …
Changing way of being in the world seems scary but actually is safe … so yes, I am safe, I release my old patterns and I am ready for a new life.
Love, Gratefulness and Respect
Yana
p.s. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new format. It is more personal, less overwhelming and allows us to process and embody all the info we get as well as being more active ourselves. You gave us lot of resources in the past – now we can do the research on our own and come here for more inspiration and deeper transformation-in-action support. I feel like first phase of following you and your website was more like ‘realize,get to know, be familiar with’ phase – researching tons of info and picking and choosing … and now It’s about going deep and being more skillful, more active … about embodying what we became aware of. It’s like growing up together! 😉
Oh my jeez. That is so sweet!
Kris, thank you so much for your post! I love the new format, and love reading your wisdom again! Feeling safe is a big issue in my life (and one connected to adrenal health). I really did relax while reading your post. Relax and let go baby (that’s what I tell myself :-)). You are safe.
Much love and thank you.
I love this post and I love hearing from YOU more often. Although the contributer format gave me lots of great info, I did almost always feel like I wanted your take on any given subject. Your writing brings your spirit and passion to anyone who reads you and it is a beautiful, inspiring thing.
This post is very potent for me. I am feeling tons of pressure even though I am doing things I love. I am opening a second office, trying to figure out how to brand myself for the first time, website design, and doing some very serious soul searching through some bad a$$ life coaching all at the same time. I need to be reminded that I am safe, and that I have created the conditions I need to flourish. Thank you for sharing this.
I admire you in a million ways so to see that someone as successful as you still needs to remind herself she is safe is really helpful. Thank you.
xo
Bo
I really tried going vegan – one day at a time – after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. But I have an even more deadly and demanding taskmaster – liver disease that leads to cirrhosis and a deterioration of the digestive system. So, ultimately, raw veggies didn’t work for me (salad stays in my stomach for hours and sometimes I throw it up) and tofu and other soy products didn’t have the protein power to sustain me with the high-end fatigue I get from liver disease. Do you ever get inquiries about diseases that affect your digestive system like this? How do you respond?
I am still making a smoothie in the morning with fruit, avocado, oatmeal, and a greens and whey powder to add protein. I’m switching to just whey protein because it’s easier on my budget. So I want to eat more veggies and add the greens to my diet that way. Right now I’m eating meat (mostly just turkey, low sodium, organically grown) daily but I want to add cooked veggies. Do you have any suggestions for me? By the way, my liver specialist was happy when I told her I had become vegan because plant protein is much easier than meat to process by the liver as the disease progresses. I eat cheese now and then but don’t drink milk or eat eggs. I want some help, Kris!
Dana, I have Crohn’s disease and it is actually improving with a raw diet (the greens are mostly in the vitamix, but there are a lot of them) and the probiotics found in certain soil micro-organisms. The life-changing digestive help I’ve gotten is from a book called “Patient, Heal Thyself” by Justin Rubin….run don’t walk and get a copy NOW. This is VERY pertinent to your condition. The only other support I can offer is to strongly suggest you not think in terms of the disease “progressing”….it is a challenge to let go of that way of thinking, but ultimately it is a huge help. It’s like the difference between “cancer survivor” and “cancer thriver”….BIG. Good luck and hang in there!
A friend of mine is awaiting a liver transplant. He and I both have an illness called Beta Thalassemia Major. I bought him a juicer and he told me that he has been juicing spinach, carrot and apple every day. He told me his liver enzymes have been better and he is feeling more energetic. He said his “cirrhosis is on hold and there has been progression.” I’m such a fan of juicing. You can read my Kris Carr blog post about how I converted to a raw vegan diet here: https://go.kriscarr.com/2012/can-a-raw-vegan-lifestyle-affect-the-health-of-ones-blood/. I started my own blog to help people: josephinebila.com
Kris, your comments this week are spot on for me. Fear and Safety are so intertwined. I pre-ordered your new book and am headed over to the cooking classes! Thank you so much for all you do and share! Your example is so powerful for me because you always share your experiences with open honesty. I and so many others can relate to you because of this. I am 54 and have come a long way in my personal growth and you have been a big part of my health changes. Thank you for being authentic!
Dear Kris,
Thank you so much for this. Much needed. I’ve been in a place of expansion – and with this, issues of safety keeps creeping up. Can I really DO THIS? Can I really be supported doing what I am PASSIONATE about and LOVE? Is this my intuition? Is this fear REAL?
Ultimately, I’ve come to accept that only LOVE is real. Fear is an illusion.
Your mantra is so beautiful. Reading it and breathing with it has given me more peace and calmness I needed.
Thank you for inspiring, your writing resonates with me deeply.
Hugs & Kisses!
Jia Ni x
Kris, I forgot to tell you the most important thing – I love your post today! It addresses perfectly what I need to add to my daily meanderings into my creativity: I am safe. I copied your mantra and it will sit on my desktop (computer) for when I need it. Thank you sooooooooo much. 🙂
With much love and respect,
Dana
I know I have said this before, but…..you are such a beautiful writer-what a gift!
Peace and Raw Health,
Elizabeth
This post couldn’t have come at a more pertinent time. My husband just left for a last minute 9 day international business trip just as I was about to run a marathon. On top of that I am at a pinnacle point in starting my dream business (read: life’s work) I am beyond stressed and worried and emotional. I really needed to read those words “I am safe” I am going to keep those words with me this week as I go through my usual day and as Iake decisions regarding my business. Thank you!
I love and live with a hunter who also happens to be a great chef, so the transition to 100% herbivore is no easy task, and I must say not likely to occur because the truth is that.. well I still enjoy meat, chicken, and fish. But I am juicing everyday and have been for over a year now and have incorporated more vegetarian meals in our daily life. Another way I have always been lucky is that my husband is not a meat and potatoes only kind guy. He loves vegetables and willingly eats and always enjoys the vegetarian meals I prepare. While he will taste every juice I make, I can not get him on a daily routine. I just want you to know that I truly appreciate this communication. Your light and friendly manner makes this so user friendly. It’s like working with my trainer, she makes me want to work hard. She doesn’t guilt me into it. Your approach is much the same. You appeal to my inner wisdom and intellect and never try to manipulate me by guilt or berating. Keep it up and I will be here with you.
Kris
As always your posts are right on! Interesting on safety as many of us are just starting the ‘fall-winter’ darker season, less sun, cooler or downright cold and we don’t have the ‘safety’ of warm weather with sunny feelings. I didn’t realize that I feeling that way until I did the mantra and wowy-powy instant relaxation. Thanks Kris for all you do for yourself and us XXXOOO
Kris,
This post couldn’t come at a better time. I’m really struggling with anxiety over feeling unsafe, unprepared, and just plain out of my comfort zone. I’ve recently taken a lot of (good) risks in both my personal and professional life that have me feeling like a toddler in the deep end without my swimmies! Every day there comes a moment where it hits me, out of the blue, “what the frack am I doing?” I then talk myself down, repeating over and over that I’m growing and learning and doing what is best for me in this moment. It’s easy to cling to the known and comfortable, but that often leaves us feeling unfulfilled and stagnant. Doubts and fear are normal, but it’s important to squash them and not let them consume you.
Thanks for the pep talk, lovely!
Sam, I love what you say here – all true for me right now too – thank you!! and Kris, of course thank you too for making this convo opportunity possible! AND I completely fully heart this mantra xoxo
Love the imagery of “don’t let your wings wilt.” THAT’S my new mantra…thank you
Oh, I love that too!! Great metaphor. We ALL have wings, sometimes spread full, sometimes even broken for a while. But taking care that we don’t let them wilt is advice for a lifetime. My new mantra as well!
Yes. trust! So easy, right? Some sure can make it look that way. I’m not one of them…yet. I continue to tell myself, “I can do this trust-thing.” And when that “I feel overwhelmed” cloud starts to thunder, I’ve got one word for you. Breathe.
My word therapy vocab:
Trust.
Breathe.
And let’s not forget….
Love.
As always Kris, your emails arrived at the perfect time. I’ve been feeling that tight anxiety up in my chest, with a little adrenal fatigue. But, I’m embarking on one of THE most exciting times of my life, launching a new business, launching a new website, ideas for a book….. I’ve realised I’m right where I’ve always wanted to be, I just need to trust and count my beautiful blessings. Jxox