"My Emotions Are Not Me” is a place for children to process their emotions. It’s a fun, interactive journal that includes stickers, drawing prompts, and guidance for children ages 8 and up. Children can begin to practice self-regulation, tracking and identifying big feelings, mind-body-nature connection, and joy building activities. With our character, "Feely", as their guide, the children in your life will learn how to navigate their emotions and seek solace in nature; a skillset that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. This epic adventure is packed with creative journal prompts that will allow them to express their feelings without shame. This book is perfect for parents and guardians who want their children to be mindful of their emotions while understanding that emotions are like our inner weather... all ok, and all survivable.

"My Emotions Are Not Me" was born from the personal experience of growing through trauma both as a child and as an adult. As a child, I primarily saw the world through the lens of nature which guided me through many difficult circumstances. As an adult faced with the deep grief of losing a young niece to sudden illness, I leaned into nature again through ancient Chinese meditation and philosophy. It was years later in seeing my own child struggle with day-to-day big feelings that I realized the lack of resources and emotionally-safe spaces available to children. My goal is to help kids (big or little) understand themselves in a way that inspires awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion.

I started drawing "Feely" years ago when my son was having an emotionally overwhelming day. We liked thinking about the feeling as a character or an event rather than part of who were are. I knew that if I could help my son recognize that emotions are a natural phenomenon, like weather, he would understand that emotions change with time and are survivable.

Feely was brought to life by the amazing and talented artist/ illustrator, Jennie Lee Perez.

Yes! This mindfulness journal will help kids and parents learn how to regulate their emotions through mindful exercises and meditation.

With the "My Emotions Are Not Me" journal, parents will be able to help their children learn:

• Breathing exercises - Helps children relax by reducing tension in their bodies. Breathing exercises can also improve focus, attention, and self-control.

• Mindfulness- Helps children recognize their feelings without being overwhelmed by them so they can become more calm in time.

• Better communication - Children who are encouraged to communicate with others tend to express more of their emotions. The meditation prompts and questions posed in "My Emotions Are Not Me" lend themselves to thought provoking parent-child discussions about themselves and the world around them. ***Just remember to not answer the questions posed in the book for your children. Instead we encourage you to wonder with them as they draw their own conclusions.

• Self expression- Children need to learn how to express their emotions in healthy ways. Studies have proven that expression through writing, art, and play help children and adults process difficult feelings.

• Coping skills - Deep breathing, positive self-talk, relaxation, meditation, time in nature, and creating art are all beneficial coping strategies that are presented in "My Emotions Are Not Me".

• To validate their own feelings- Validating your child's feelings helps them develop a greater sense of emotional awareness and regulation.

The mind-body connection is a two-way relationship where the mind influences the body, and the body influences the mind. Positive thoughts may lead to the release of feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, while physical sensations (positive or negative) can influence our mental state.

"My Emotions Are Not Me" takes a mind-body-nature approach where we see ourselves as part of the natural world in addition to mind-body. Mind-body-nature allows us to connect to ourselves to a larger ecosystem which can bring great personal growth, healing, and compassion for ourselves and the natural world.

The mind-body-nature connection can be strengthened in various enjoyable ways, all included in this journal:

1. Mindfulness: This involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, helping to focus on thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in a non-reactive way. It's like training your mind to be aware of what's happening right now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

2. Visualization: By visualizing positive scenes or outcomes, such as imagining a peaceful waterfall or serene snowfall, you can induce relaxation and reduce stress. This demonstrates the profound influence of the mind-body connection, where mental imagery can lead to real physical relaxation responses.

3. Breathwork: Controlled breathing techniques are proven to aid emotional regulation, enhance concentration, and improve physical stamina.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This technique involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups sequentially, helping to release tension and promote relaxation.

5. Meditation: Meditation helps to focus on both body and mind, fostering a balanced and calm state.

6. Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activities releases natural mood-boosting chemicals that can reduce anxiety. Being mentally present during these activities strengthens the mind-body connection.

These six methods are integrated into the "My Emotions Are Not Me" journal in a fun and engaging way, providing tools for enhancing emotional well-being and cultivating a strong mind-body connection.

Guided meditation in the "My Emotions Are Not Me" journal encourages kids to visualize peaceful scenes, which can trigger genuine relaxation responses in their bodies. By practicing these guided meditations, children learn to visualize healthy ways to manage their emotions in everyday situations. This process helps them recognize how emotions affect their bodies, enabling them to identify and regulate their feelings and respond in a healthy manner in real-life scenarios.

Children can use this journal either independently or with the guidance of a caring adult—it's completely up to parents and children to decide what works best. I encourage parents to pre-read the text in "My Emotions Are Not Me" so they can support their child on their journey of self awareness.

Our emotions regulation journal is packed with activities that make exploring feelings a blast! You'll find cool drawing challenges, fun writing prompts, and awesome nature-based meditations. It's all about having fun while learning about yourself!