Mood

Magical Mornings

May 28, 2025 By Shauna

Today’s episode is to awaken your awareness of the world all around you, the world you are a part of. How do we do that? It’s all about crafting a magical, wonderful morning. Not just “I hit snooze five times and rolled out the door with mismatched socks” kind of morning – but the kind that makes you feel like a warm cup of joy with whipped cream and just a little sparkle of wonder on top.

Wonder of everything around you. Wonder of your life.

SHOWNOTES

Hello, beautiful humans! Welcome to A Journey to Awareness, I am Shauna Hoffman.

Whether you’re still snuggled under the covers or already sipping your favorite morning brew, or you’re listening to this in the afternoon or evening! I thought I would share my new morning rituals and see if you are ready to change up your life with your own morning splendidness that will ground you, wake up your senses and maybe even sprinkle a little magic on the rest of your day – one gentle laugh, one deep breath, one intentional thought at a time. This podcast is called a Journey to Awareness. So, today’s episode is to awaken your awareness of the world all around you, the world you are a part of.

How do we do that? It’s all about crafting a magical, wonderful morning. Not just “I hit snooze five times and rolled out the door with mismatched socks” kind of morning – but the kind that makes you feel like a warm cup of joy with whipped cream and just a little sparkle of wonder on top. Wonder of everything around you. Wonder of your life.

I started a new ritual a few weeks ago that has changed my day, my moods and my life. I decided that I would not wake up and look at my phone right away. As a matter of fact, I would put it away till after I enjoyed my new morning sunshine. OK, that wasn’t easy as that phone calls my name the minute, I open my eyes. But I decided to try something new. something out of the box for me. My own magic.

I decided I wanted to take my coffee outside and say good morning to the world! No matter how cold it was! I was going outside to start my day. I layer myself in clothes, beanie on my head, scarf around my neck and take my coffee and cookie outside to my patio to be greeted by everything I see and then greet it all back! Oh, if my neighbors could hear me, they would think I am crazy.

Good morning neighborhood. Good morning plants behind me. Good morning mountains, good morning bamboo. Good morning sliver of white moon still up in the sky. Good morning palm trees on the other side of the fence. Good morning magnificent date tree. Good morning magical mystery plant that we don’t know what you are. Good morning giant majestic towering tree in the distance. Good morning lovey doveys, (the two doves that visit me every morning.)

Next, I look at the Aloha sign we have on our fence and say to the world… “Aloha!”

Then I close my eyes, and I thank Gaia, Mother earth. All of a sudden, I feel a part of it. I don’t feel like I am this human on a mission to just be my lone human with human purposes all day. I feel like part of the world around me and I feel connected. Connected to something I didn’t even know I needed.

So today as I was staring at the sky, I said to myself, I want to share this with all of you! I love this line from the Rascals.

“It’s a beautiful morning… I think I’ll go outside for a while and just smile.”

Let’s play with a few ideas that might help you fall in love with mornings.

First, Morning Magic could Start the Night Before.
Okay, I know this is a bit of a cheat. But let’s be real – future you loves it when present you lays out your clothes, sets the coffee, or puts your journal by the bed. A little prep the night before is like giving your morning-self a warm hug. And who doesn’t like a good pre-wake up hug?

There is nothing that makes me smile more and makes it easier to get out of bed than knowing I already have my coffee ready to just turn on, brew and enjoy!

And can you Wake Up to Something Lovely?
Really, You don’t have to wake up to your phone blaring a techno remix of anxiety. Try waking up to a favorite song, or even better – a light that mimics a sunrise. Your body goes, “Ah yes. I am a plant. Thank you.”

Bonus points if the first thing you see is something that makes you smile. A picture, a quote, your dog’s face. Maybe your own sleepy face. It’s a good face! If you have a phone addiction and it’s right next to your pillow and you really have to look at it, then turn on the camera and look at your own face! Or have an app like the I AM affirmation app on it and soak up morning affirmations and nothing else! No news! No emails! Don’t start texting people or reading texts. I want you to ask yourself, is it really possible for you to honor yourself for maybe a half hour every morning to create wonder for yourself the rest of the day?

Or try this!
Before you scroll, before you open the floodgates of everyone else’s lives… jot down three things, or ask yourself these three things while your head is still on your pillow…

What is one thing I’m grateful for this morning?
What is one thing I’m looking forward to today?
I love this one… What is One thing I want to feel today?

It takes less than a minute, and suddenly you’re not just reacting to your day – you’re co-creating it. Like a life artist.

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Oooh, This could be fun…Romanticize Your Coffee/Tea/Toast Routine.

This is your own rom-com moment. Make your coffee or tea like it’s a love letter. Add cinnamon. Froth the milk. What if you could stare wistfully out the window for at least 6 seconds? Or like me, take your coffee outside onto your patio, or sunroom, or room with a giant window, or your roof! Someplace that connects you to nature. The way you do small things tells your brain, “Hey, we matter. This day matters.”

I personally start my day with Life Is Good Mugs! Nothing like drinking out of your favorite cup! I have 7 different Life Is Good mugs that I rotate out. Each is for a different day. My yoga one is for Sundays and meditation. My hanging in a lounge chair mug is for my Saturdays when my work week is over. My dog mug is for my dog rescue days. My sunshine one, or ladybug one, or daisy one is for all those days I am ready to embrace or maybe need some extra joy in my morning!

Oooh, I love this idea. Move Like You Love Yourself!
Stretch. Wiggle. Dance to one 90s song. I’m not saying you need to do a full cardio routine at 6 am, unless that’s your jam. But even five minutes of gentle movement can whisper to your nervous system: “All is well, gorgeous.” A little yoga! Go outside! Reach up to the sky and sun, stretch and salute the day.

Now I know – sometimes in our lives, it’s not so easy. When you’re walking through grief, anxiety, illness, burnout, or just the quiet weight of everything, the idea of a “magical morning” might feel… out of reach. And that’s okay. This isn’t about pretending things are perfect – it’s about creating small moments of care in the middle of the mess.

Let me repeat that. This isn’t about pretending things are perfect – it’s about creating small moments of care in the middle of the mess.

A gentle stretch, a warm mug, a sticky note with a kind word – these tiny rituals won’t erase the hard stuff, but they do help soften it. They give your nervous system something steady. They remind your heart that it’s still allowed to hope. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin again.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.” — Marcus Aurelius

Whether you are going through struggles or not at this time in your life, what if you had a Dash of Whimsy all around you? Something to jumpstart a tiny smile or a huge one?

Fairy lights in the kitchen? Yes.
A shower playlist to greet your day?” I mean, why not?
A note on the bathroom mirror that says “You’re doing amaaaaazing.” Hell yes.
An aloha sign! A hummingbird bird feeder outside your window. A dream catcher.
Sometimes the tiniest things are the sparkliest.
Say hello to it all!

Now let’s think about this for a moment. The truth is, “magical” doesn’t mean perfect. A magical morning can still include spilled milk, mismatched socks, or forgetting what day it is. But it’s magical because you showed up. With curiosity. With heart. With the intention to treat yourself gently. That’s where the magic lives.

Doing these small things in the morning doesn’t just make your morning better, it shifts your whole day. You’re calmer in traffic. You smile at strangers. You answer that email with a little more grace. You’re not pouring from an empty cup – you’ve already filled it a little. And people feel that. You feel that.

Suddenly your productivity doesn’t come from pressure, it comes from peace.
Your mood? Brighter.
Your posture? Taller.
Your relationships? A little warmer.
And your smile? Oh, it sticks around longer.

That one magical morning moment can be the domino that topples the whole day into goodness.

My granddaughter said to us at 3 years old, “It’s going to be a great day today, Gigi!” Out of the mouths of babes. So now my husband and I turn to each other when we wake up and say, “It’s going to be a great day today!”

Buddha says,
“Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” — Buddha

Oh, beautiful listeners, I hope you got a lot to think about from this podcast. And if you know anyone who would benefit from hearing it please share.

I hope that you take loving care of yourself. Wake up gently! See the beauty all around you. Connect with Gaia, mother nature.

I hope you see the beauty in yourself both inside and out. I hope you drink lots of water, eat nourishing foods, have lots of fun and surround yourself with loving beings.

Thank you for letting me in your life this week and I look forward to popping back in again next time.

Mind Over Mirror! Let’s Talk About The Psychological Side Of Aesthetic Treatments

May 14, 2025 By Shauna

From injections to body contouring, these procedures are not just about appearance. They intersect with identity, self-esteem, and psychological well-being in the most fascinating ways. I thought since so many of my clients, both male and female, are bringing this discussion into their sessions we would explore the scientific research behind these treatments, discuss the emotional impact, and talk about some of the common concerns.

SHOWNOTES

Hello and welcome to A Journey to Awareness, I’m Shauna Hoffman.

Today, we’re delving into a topic that’s increasingly common in modern life -aesthetic treatments and plastic surgery. From injections to body contouring, these procedures are not just about appearance. They intersect with identity, self-esteem, and psychological well-being in the most fascinating ways. I thought since so many of my clients, both male and female, are bringing this discussion into their sessions we would explore the scientific research behind these treatments, discuss the emotional impact, and talk about some of the common concerns.

Let’s dive in.

First, let’s talk about Body Image and Self-Perception.

We all live in a world where our appearance is constantly under a microscope. Let’s be clear, self-love is the ultimate goal, but there’s no shame in wanting to feel a little more confident in your own skin. For some people, aesthetic treatments give them that boost of confidence that ripples into other areas of life. It’s not always about fixing flaws – it can be about enhancing what you already love or softening something that causes you stress. And guess what? That’s okay!

We do look in the mirror and see flaws. It is just human spirit. I have always worked with my clients to help them try not to see them as flaws… you know the line.. its character! I always say, I have earned every wrinkle on my face. But sometimes something about your physical appearance is affecting you more than you realize. It is affecting your self-perception.

The newest research consistently shows that how we perceive our appearance plays a significant role in our mental health! We all know that when we like what we are wearing, or how fabulous our hair looks that day, or if we have just lost a few pounds, we carry ourselves differently, we greet people differently and we feel different about ourselves.

A study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that patients who underwent aesthetic treatments often reported improvements in self-esteem and even the quality of life. When people feel that their outward appearance aligns with their inner self-image, they often experience greater psychological comfort, and I love this…social confidence.

For instance, I had this one client, let’s call her, Jessie, who finally had the baby she had dreamed of. But then she struggled with her post-pregnancy body. After some really great sessions and a trip to her doctor we realized that she didn’t have clinical postpartum, which is often a hormonal imbalance, she had trouble seeing the beauty in herself with baby body. To the point that it was affecting her sex life and her marriage. Not to mention, when you have a low-level depression, your newborn can sense it. She decided after a lot of research on a breast lift and laser treatments. Afterwards she felt so much happier and more importantly… empowered. Her decision wasn’t about vanity – it was about restoring a sense of ownership over her body. I love those words. Ownership over our bodies.

Similarly, a male client, James, found that wrinkle releaser injections, Botox, or my favorite, Dysport, reduced his anxiety about looking perpetually stressed. I get that. I had horrible debilitating headaches from the time I was a child. By the time I was 21 those damn 2 lines between my eyes were huge. My muscles were so strong from squinting in pain that the only thing that helped was Dysport. Once I started these injections, I felt so different about myself. I could look in the mirror and not look like a 60-year-old anymore.

But it’s the scientific studies that back this up that I find fascinating. These neurotoxins can even alleviate symptoms of depression by interrupting the facial feedback loop linked to mood regulation.

What the heck is that? The mind-body connection is real! The facial feedback loop suggests that our emotional experience is influenced by feedback from our facial muscles…meaning that mimicking or forcing a particular facial expression can affect our mood. It’s no joke that when we feel low or down, if we force ourselves to turn up the sides of our lips into a smile that sends a message to our brain and our mood lightens. So…by releasing the stress muscles it may send messages to our brain that we are not stressed!

I want to make this clear.

If you’re struggling with body image concerns, you don’t have to go it alone. Working with a therapist can be a powerful way to unpack feelings about your appearance and make choices that align with your values. Whether you decide to embrace every wrinkle or explore aesthetic treatments, therapy provides a safe space to process, to reflect, and to build a deeper sense of self-compassion. Because at the end the only one to decide to move forward is YOU!

Now, let’s talk Emotional Well-Being and Self-Image a little more.

Feeling aligned with your external appearance can influence how you engage with the world. Studies from the American Psychological Association indicate that patients who undergo aesthetic treatments often experience a positive boost in self-confidence. However, research also highlights that individuals with pre-existing body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) may not experience the same positive effects and may continue to feel dissatisfied despite physical changes. So, what is that? BDD is a condition characterized by an excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s physical appearance. Individuals with BDD may believe that they have significant defects or deformities, even when these are not apparent to others.

This underscores the importance of psychological readiness. If you’re considering a procedure, reflect on your motivations!

Are you seeking to enhance an area of your body you already appreciate, or are you hoping a change will resolve deeper feelings of inadequacy? Speaking with a mental health professional can help you discern whether your motivations are grounded in self-care or external validation.

Now let’s talk about Negative Stigma and Social Perception.

Despite the increasing normalization of aesthetic treatments, there remains societal stigma surrounding those who pursue them. Research suggests that people who undergo cosmetic procedures often face judgment rooted in misconceptions about vanity or insecurity. Yet, the Journal of Aesthetic Surgery highlights that the majority of patients pursue these treatments to feel more like themselves – not to conform to external ideals.

If you feel pressured by a partner or peer to change your appearance, take a pause. External influence can cloud personal agency, and your body should remain within your control. Your decisions should reflect your values, not someone else’s expectations.

Another important consideration: Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?

Not everyone benefits psychologically from aesthetic treatments. Research shows that individuals with untreated mental health conditions – especially body dysmorphic disorder – may not get the anticipated emotional relief they were hoping for. Additionally, those seeking procedures to resolve a major life crisis or relationship issue might find the results emotionally unfulfilling.

If you find yourself fixated on perceived flaws, experiencing emotional distress about your appearance, or seeking validation from others, these may be signs to consult a mental health professional before pursuing treatment. A thorough consultation with a reputable aesthetic provider along with a deep conversation with your therapist to determine your motivation for any procedure would be truly important.

To wrap up, here’s the takeaway: Aesthetic treatments can positively impact mental well-being when pursued for the right reasons. They offer benefits ranging from increased self-confidence to genuine medical relief. However, they are not a cure-all for deeper emotional struggles. Thoughtful reflection is key.

If you’re considering any procedure, reflect on your motivations, engage in open dialogue with trusted professionals, and prioritize your mental health alongside physical changes. Your body, your choice – always.

Oh, beautiful listeners, I hope you got a lot to think about from this podcast. And if you know anyone who would benefit from hearing it please share. I hope that you take loving care of yourself. I hope you see the beauty in yourself both inside and out. I hope you drink lots of water, eat nourishing foods, have lots of fun and surround yourself with loving beings. Thank you for letting me in your life this week and I look forward to popping back in again next time.

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