Sally Clayton Sally Clayton

Some days ask more of us

Today is one of those days.

You might feel it the moment you wake up with a heaviness that wasn't there yesterday, or a sensitivity that makes everything feel a little more tender. Some days carry extra weight, and today is one of them.

It's okay if you're moving more slowly than usual. It's okay if your capacity feels smaller, or if things that normally feel manageable suddenly feel like too much. Some days ask more of us simply by existing, and there's nothing wrong with acknowledging that.

Sometimes these feelings don't lift after a single day. They can linger for days, even weeks, like a low-grade fever of the heart. When heaviness stretches beyond what we expected, it can feel frustrating or concerning. We might wonder what's wrong with us, why we're not "bouncing back" faster.

But lingering doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. It means you're human, responding to life as it actually is rather than as we think it should be. When difficult feelings persist, it's actually a call to be even gentler and more understanding with ourselves, not harder.

You don't have to push through with the same energy you had last week. You don't have to pretend you're unaffected by whatever weight these days carry, whether it's collective grief, personal memories, or something you can't quite name. Sometimes our nervous systems are responding to things our minds haven't even fully processed yet.

During these stretches, it's enough to be gentle with yourself. Maybe that means changing your plans repeatedly, saying no to things you thought you wanted to do, or simply giving yourself permission to feel whatever is coming up without a timeline for when it should end.

If you need to reach out to someone, do that. If you need to pull inward and be quiet, that's okay too. There's no right way to navigate days or weeks that ask more of you.

The kindness you show yourself during these longer passages, the patience, the lowered expectations, the extra care, that's not weakness. That's wisdom. And it teaches you how to extend that same gentleness to others when their days ask more of them too.

We're all doing our best with what each day brings. Right now, let your best be exactly what it is, for as long as it needs to be.

With care, Sally

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Sally Clayton Sally Clayton

Welcome, new subscribers!

First, a warm welcome to the newest subscribers to the Owl’s Nest community! it’s so good to have you here.

Whether you found your way here through a friend, a social post, or your own quiet curiosity, I’m glad you’ve landed in this nest. You’re in good company.

Today, I want to share my love of podcasts, this one especially, and something that made me laugh, nod, and has stayed with me.

On a recent episode of We Can Do Hard Things, Amanda Doyle tells a story about a lunch with designer Justina Blakeney. Justina, who doesn't eat dairy, was offered a tray of desserts that had nothing she could eat. Rather than explaining, justifying or asking for alternatives, she simply said: “No, thank you!” Amanda rushed in to offer suggestions and, as women are so quick to do, an apology that there was nothing on that tray for her. Justina’s reply was quick and certain: "No sorrys. It's self-sovereignty. It's for the good of the realm."

She waved her arm dramatically over her metaphorical kingdom as she passed on the tray.

Since then, “for the good of the realm” has become a running theme among the podcast hosts—and, honestly, now in my own life too. Because when you pause to consider what you actually need in a moment: a rest, a walk, a no, a boundary, a different choice, a good laugh or a good cry, you’re not being selfish. You’re tending to your internal ecosystem. And that choice, that clarity, that groundedness, spills out into everyone and everything around you.

This summer, in a time that feels both full and uncertain for many, I invite you to embrace the idea of self-sovereignty. Not as a luxury or indulgence, but as an act of responsibility to your realm. Whether that’s your home, your community, your body, your nervous system, or your people—your well-being affects the whole.

So the next time you close the door to take a nap… or say no to an invitation that would leave you drained… or choose what genuinely supports you instead of what pleases others…
Wave your hand over your sacred little world and say, with full regality:
“For the good of the realm.”

Here’s to living with integrity, resting without guilt, and choosing what truly supports your peace, even if it’s wildly inconvenient to others. Oh! Especially then. Sorry?  No sorrys…

With gratitude and a soft place to land,
Sally Clayton
Owl’s Nest Therapeutic Coaching 

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Dedicated to my clients, past and present

To Those Who Walk Between the Worlds

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with some of the most quietly courageous people I’ve ever met—clients who carry so much, yet continue to show up for healing, growth, and peace.

This poem is for them. And for you, if it speaks to something you’ve always known deep down.

Let it rise.

 

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Why the Inner Peace Project Matters Now More Than Ever

This Program kicks off on May 7th!

Happy Spring, friends!

It’s been a little while since my last update. Things have been busy here at the Owl’s Nest, fine-tuning the details of the Inner Peace Project – a group coaching program designed to support people who are struggling with anxiety. This program kicks off on May 7th!

For so many trauma survivors, anxiety isn’t just an occasional feeling – it’s a constant undercurrent, even after years of working on it and making tremendous strides in other areas. Sometimes, no matter how much progress people make, it still feels like something’s missing – like they should be feeling better by now.

And since the pandemic, anxiety levels have surged by more than 25%. Even people who once felt relatively steady are finding it harder to feel calm. It’s as if the collective stress has left a lasting imprint that’s not so easy to shake.

That’s why I created the Inner Peace Project – to offer a safe, guided space where people can find practical support that actually works. This isn’t a peer support group – it’s a carefully facilitated experience where participants build a toolkit for lasting relief.

There’s something uniquely powerful about being part of a group led by someone who not only understands anxiety on a personal level but also knows how to help navigate the challenges it brings. The group dynamic fosters connection and insight, while skilled facilitation ensures that each session provides practical, actionable support.

If you or someone in your life might benefit from a group like this – a place to share, learn, and practice tools that actually make a difference – I’d love to connect. I’m booking Program Alignment Calls right now to see if it’s the right fit.

Visit the group page to learn more about the benefits, structure, schedule, and pricing. You can also schedule a Program Alignment Call there: www.owlsnestcoaching.com/groups.

Your thoughtfulness in connecting this resource with someone who needs it can create ripples of healing beyond what you might imagine.

In partnership,
Sally

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Sally Clayton Sally Clayton

Finding Your Depth in the Stillness of Winter

As another snow blankets our world and darkness lingers, many of us find ourselves longing for spring

As another snow blankets our world and darkness lingers, many of us find ourselves longing for spring, checking forecasts, counting days, and dreaming of green shoots breaking through frozen ground. Yes, the winter solstice has passed, and though the days are slowly growing longer, it still doesn’t feel that way, does it? Yet it seems to me that this season isn’t something to simply endure. I believe it holds something valuable, a quiet invitation to shift inward.

Just as trees draw their energy deep into their roots, storing strength for the seasons ahead, we, too, have an opportunity for a different kind of growth. One that happens in stillness, beneath the surface of our busy lives. There’s a richness to be found when we stop pushing against winter’s slowness and allow ourselves to settle into its quiet.

The Wisdom of Winter’s Pause

Nature doesn’t waste this season. Beneath the frozen ground, seeds are gathering strength. Behind bare branches, buds are forming. Everything that appears dormant is actually preparing for transformation.

Instead of rushing toward spring, we can take a cue from nature and:

• Create moments of sacred pause in our day, like the hush that follows fresh snowfall
• Listen for the whispers of our inner wisdom that often get drowned out by life's noise
• Allow ourselves to rest deeply, gathering strength like a seed beneath frozen ground
• Trust that even in stillness, important inner work is unfolding

Finding Your Inner Light

In the depths of winter, we’re naturally drawn to light—candles in windows, the warmth of a fire, the way sunlight glistens on snow. But there’s another kind of light worth exploring: the quiet glow of our own inner wisdom and resilience.

This is the perfect time to:

• Create a cozy corner for morning reflection or evening contemplation
• Notice what thoughts or emotions arise when you allow yourself to be still
• Explore what truly nourishes your sense of inner warmth and peace
• Practice self-compassion, like the gentle fall of snowflakes
• Trust that this season of apparent stillness is preparing you for something beautiful

The quieter we become, the more we can hear the guidance that has always been there. Have you had a moment this winter when stillness revealed something unexpected? I'd love to hear about it. What’s one insight you've gained in the quiet?

With so much wellness advice circulating online, it's easy to feel either bored or overwhelmed by tips and techniques. But depth isn’t found in another “how-to” list. It emerges in the quiet, when we create space to listen to ourselves. And if you’re finding it difficult to sit with what’s surfacing, therapeutic coaching can offer a compassionate space to explore your inner landscape more deeply.

If you know someone who may benefit from this perspective, please share this with them and invite them to join my mailing list (below).

Sending you warmth and light,
Sally


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Sally Clayton Sally Clayton

A Fresh Perspective for the New Year

What if this new year weren’t about resolutions, but about feeling more at ease with yourself?

What if this new year weren’t about resolutions, but about feeling more at ease with yourself?

_____________________________________________
With the arrival of a new year, there’s always a pull to leap ahead—to plan, fix, or start over. But maybe the most meaningful thing we can do is take a moment to steady ourselves and just be. Before chasing the next thing, it helps to pause and look at where we are right now. Then, once we’re grounded in the present, notice how what has happened in the past year has contributed to what we’re feeling now. 

What has the past year taught you? What moments made you feel proud, even if they were small? What are you carrying into this new year that you don’t need anymore? How can you be kinder and more understanding toward yourself?

Rather than rushing into 2024 with a long to-do list, what if you focused on feeling more present in your everyday life?

Reimagining What Matters

_____________________________________________
Every January, we’re flooded with messages about “success”—usually tied to external achievements or major milestones. But here’s something to consider: What does success actually mean to you? 

The truth is, success is deeply personal—and when it’s rooted in your values and emotional well-being, striving for success becomes a source of strength rather than pressure. It also doesn’t have to be complicated. Could it be as simple as:

  • Sleeping better at night because you’re not carrying so much worry

  • Feeling comfortable in setting a boundary that protects your time or energy

  • Spending more time laughing with people who make you feel good

  • Feeling proud of the small choices that add up over time, like taking a walk, eating something that’s good for you 

  • Allowing yourself to enjoy something you love without guilt

This year, instead of measuring success by what you achieve, try measuring it by how your life feels.

Finding Strength by Looking Inward ____________________________

As you step into the new year, think about the small, real-life changes that could make a big difference:

  • What’s one thing you could let go of to feel lighter?

  • What’s one small change you could make that would bring more ease or joy into your life?

  • Who can you lean on when things feel hard?

  • What’s one positive thought you can offer yourself when self-criticism creeps in?

  • How can you celebrate progress, all of it–even if it feels small?

  • What’s one way you can remind yourself of your strengths when you feel doubt creeping in?

The most profound changes often begin in the smallest, quietest moments—those tiny shifts that build momentum over time. You don’t need to tackle everything at once; start with the easiest step, the one that feels most natural and meaningful right now.

Wishing you peace, joy, and clarity in the year ahead.

Warmly,
Sally

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A new offering takes flight…

group coaching in the Owl’s Nest!

In my last newsletter, I shared how deeply connected this community feels to me, even if many of you have never met. There’s a collective spirit here—a shared commitment to growth, healing, and, most importantly, inner peace. I also mentioned a group coaching program on the horizon. Today, I’m thrilled to share that it’s ready to welcome you.

Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of clients. And through those years, one thread has run consistently through our work: anxiety—its grip, its challenges, and the pathways to relief.

I’ve spent years examining what works best to ease anxiety, drawing not only from my professional practice but also from my own healing journey with anxiety and panic attacks. The result is a program that brings together the most effective tools, techniques, and support in a way I’ve seen transform lives.

It’s called The Inner Peace Project—an 8-week group coaching experience designed to help people break free from anxiety and reclaim calm, confidence, and connection. The group starts on January 7th, 2025 and will be kept intentionally small, with no more than 12 participants. This ensures each person receives individualized attention within a supportive community.

To create a space where everyone can thrive, enrollment begins with a Program Alignment Call. This 30-minute conversation ensures two things:

  1. You feel confident that the program can meet your needs.

  2. I feel confident that you’re in a place where this group experience will genuinely support your healing journey.

If you’re ready to explore a new way forward, I invite you to schedule your call today. Spots are limited, and this could be the first step toward the freedom and peace you’ve been seeking.

Schedule Your Program Alignment Call by clicking here

Learn more about the Inner Peace Project by clicking here

If this isn’t for you right now, but you know someone who could benefit, please forward this email to them. A simple share might be the lifeline someone else needs.

Thank you for being part of this community. Your journey matters, and I’m honored to walk alongside you.

With warmth and gratitude,
Sally

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Sally Clayton Sally Clayton

Greetings from the Owl’s Nest

Regardless of how current events have unfolded, or whether the world feels a little more certain or uncertain to you today, I invite you to take a moment to turn inward.

I want to express my deep gratitude for this harmonious community. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I find myself reflecting on how much your trust and engagement mean to me. Whether you’ve been with me for years or just joined (a warm welcome to our newest subscribers!), your presence here inspires me every day.

While many of you may never meet, there’s a shared spirit here—a collective commitment to growth, healing, and inner peace. For those seeking deeper connection, I’m thrilled that some of you will soon have the opportunity to come together through the group coaching program I’m preparing. More details are on the way, and I can’t wait to see how this next chapter unfolds for us all.

As we transition into the final months of the year, I’d like to share some thoughts on what can be a challenging time for many. Regardless of how current events have unfolded, or whether the world feels a little more certain or uncertain to you today, I invite you to take a moment to turn inward.

These days, it’s easy to get caught up in the swirl of external events, especially when everything feels so out of our control. Anxiety often stems from our focus on what lies beyond our reach. But there is one thing we can always control—our internal landscape.

During these times, I encourage you to ground yourself in what’s truly certain: the quiet, steady presence within you. When we shift our focus from the chaos outside to the calm inside, we open the door to clarity, inner peace, and even the answers we’ve been seeking. Whether the outcome around us aligns with our hopes or not, our greatest resource for resilience lies within.

One powerful practice I recommend is called the 5x5 Self-Connection Check-In. It’s simple, yet profoundly grounding:

  1. Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted for five minutes.

  2. Ask yourself these five questions and allow your answers to surface naturally:

    • What emotion am I feeling most strongly right now?

    • What part of my body is holding tension, and how can I ease it?

    • What do I need most in this moment to feel supported?

    • What thought or belief am I holding onto that I can release?

    • What is one small act of kindness I can offer myself today?

  3. Take five slow, deep breaths after answering each question, allowing yourself to process your reflections.

This practice creates a pause in your day to tune into your needs, recalibrate, and strengthen your inner resilience. It’s a reminder that no matter what’s happening outside, your inner resources are ready to support you. Step away from the noise, try the 5x5 Self-Connection Check-In, and remind yourself that within you lies a wellspring of clarity, strength, and wisdom.

Warm regards,
Sally Clayton
Owl’s Nest Therapeutic Coaching

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Fall Greetings from the Owl’s Nest!

As I prepare to take a short break from the nest, I wanted to leave you with some things to reflect on while I’m away....

As I prepare to take a short break from the nest, I wanted to leave you with some things to reflect on while I’m away. I’ll be out of the office for three weeks, returning on October 23rd, and though I’ll be recharged and refreshed, I know many of you will have been navigating the ongoing challenges in your lives. When I return, I'll be sharing something that’s been carefully crafted with one goal in mind: helping you feel more at ease in your everyday life. This offering is designed to gently guide you toward greater calm, clarity, and balance—without needing to push through the overwhelm alone.

While I’m away, I will also be limiting my exposure to digital content. I’m taking a break from social media and doing a general digital detox to practice what I so often encourage—self-care. In a world where these tools are so appreciated and essential for running an online business, it’s just as important to know when to step back and recharge. I hope this serves as a gentle reminder to do the same when you have the opportunity, even if just for a weekend.

In the meantime, I wanted to share some significant validation of the efficacy of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) in the treatment of anxiety and other conditions.  National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies cited provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of EFT across a range of psychological and physiological conditions. A systematic review of 56 randomized controlled trials involving 2,013 participants found EFT to be efficacious for anxiety, depression, phobias, PTSD, pain, insomnia, and autoimmune conditions. Multiple meta-analyses have shown moderate to large effect sizes for EFT treatment. One study examining physiological markers found significant improvements after EFT in anxiety (-40%), depression (-35%), PTSD (-32%), pain (-57%), and cravings (-74%), as well as positive changes in cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. EFT has demonstrated effectiveness across diverse populations, including veterans, students, healthcare workers, and patients with various medical conditions. The research indicates that EFT can produce rapid results with relatively few treatment sessions, and improvements are maintained at follow-up.  You can read more at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9692186/

Finally, you might have noticed a shift in my branding. Owl's Nest Relationship Coaching and Transformation Coaching is evolving into "Owl’s Nest Therapeutic Coaching" to better reflect the nature of my coaching approach. This change represents my commitment to a therapeutic, holistic style of coaching that draws on various healing techniques to support overall emotional and physical well-being. You’ll see this reflected in my new logo, symbolizing the evolution of this work into a deeper, more comprehensive coaching model.

One of the most difficult aspects of anxiety is how isolating it can feel. When you’re caught in the cycle of anxious thoughts, it’s easy to believe that you’re the only one struggling. But community support—whether through shared experiences, encouragement, or simply knowing you’re not alone—can be a powerful force for change. Having others around you who understand what you’re going through can offer strength, perspective, and a renewed sense of hope.

As we move into November, I’ll be sharing more about how holistic healing and community support will come together in my upcoming program. Until then, remember that inner peace is not only possible, it’s closer than you think.

I look forward to reconnecting soon!

Warm regards,

Sally

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Affirmations

You’ve likely heard phrases like “Your thoughts create your reality” or “What you think, you become.” These ideas are powerful and have a lot of truth to them, which is why so many people naturally jump to repeating affirmations that reflect what they want to be or create. The intention behind this approach is solid, but it often doesn’t work as well as we hope.

As the summer winds down and we look ahead to September, a month often associated with new beginnings and reassessments, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can set the stage for the growth and the changes we seek. With the turning of the seasons, there’s a natural invitation to realign our thoughts and intentions with the life we wish to create.

You’ve likely heard phrases like “Your thoughts create your reality” or “What you think, you become.” These ideas are powerful and have a lot of truth to them, which is why so many people naturally jump to repeating affirmations that reflect what they want to be or create. The intention behind this approach is solid, but it often doesn’t work as well as we hope. 

The Power of Believable Affirmations

Affirmations can be a powerful tool for shifting emotional states and realigning with your highest self. However, the common misconception that we should jump directly to affirming our desired state—declaring it as if it's already fully realized, even when that desired state is the exact opposite of what we’re feeling—is likely to backfire. While this approach might seem to make sense and carry a message of empowerment, it often encounters internal resistance. There’s a part of the self that recognizes the very real gap between where we are and where we claim to be, which can create friction rather than flow.

The key to effective affirmations lies in crafting statements that all parts of you can accept as true. These are the affirmations that, when repeated, gently guide you toward your desired emotional state, often in an indirect but profound way.

For example:

  • Instead of “I am wealthy and financially secure,” which might feel far from reality, try “I am open to new opportunities that bring abundance into my life” or “My life is filled with an abundance of love.”

  • Instead of “I am completely confident in social situations,” which might trigger doubts, consider “I can handle social situations in my own way, at my own pace” or “The confidence I feel at work can expand to other areas of my life.”

  • Instead of “I am in perfect health,” which may seem unachievable, use “I am taking steps each day to improve my health and well-being” or “I am learning to take excellent care of myself.”

By aligning your affirmations with your current reality and your highest self, you create a bridge between where you are and where you want to be—allowing for a more harmonious and sustainable transformation.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the fall, something new is on the horizon—something that promises to support your journey toward inner peace and fulfillment. Stay tuned for more information in the next Newsletter, where full details of this exciting new offering will be shared.

Thank you for being part of this community!  I look forward to continuing to explore new avenues of growth and healing with you.

Warm regards,
Sally

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Ed Stevens (New Classical Design) Ed Stevens (New Classical Design)

Redefining Boundaries

Brené Brown, a renowned researcher, author, and speaker known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and shame, has emphasized the profound role boundaries play in our well-being and happiness. According to her research, clear boundaries are essential for cultivating healthy relationships and fostering personal happiness.

Dear Friends,

Brené Brown, a renowned researcher, author, and speaker known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and shame, has emphasized the profound role boundaries play in our well-being and happiness. According to her research, clear boundaries are essential for cultivating healthy relationships and fostering personal happiness.

“Boundaries” is a word that has been widely used over the last several years. When we think about boundaries, we often focus on the limits we set with others. However, an expanded view of boundaries includes the commitments we make to ourselves and upholding certain standards for how we speak to and about ourselves. Understanding and implementing both external and internal boundaries is crucial for personal growth and healthy relationships.

When we talk about boundaries, most of us picture the limits we set with other people – the invisible lines that define how we interact with others and what behaviors we find acceptable. External boundaries include communicating our needs clearly, learning when and how to say "no" without guilt, and honoring the boundaries of others. By establishing and respecting these limits, we foster mutual understanding and harmony in our relationships, creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.

What if we expanded our view of boundaries to include the commitments we make to ourselves? These internal boundaries, the promises we keep to foster and protect our own well-being, are just as essential for personal growth and healthy relationships as the external ones we set with others.

Internal boundaries might involve self-care practices, like dedicating time to meditation and/or spiritual practice, to relax and recharge, or managing work-life balance to ensure we have space for family and personal interests. They can also mean regulating our emotional responses, recognizing our triggers, and developing healthy coping strategies. Being vigilant about the quality of our internal dialogue and self-correcting when we are speaking harshly to or about ourselves is a powerful way to foster self-compassion through boundary-setting. Self-imposed boundaries such as these help us maintain our physical, emotional, and mental health, ultimately making us better equipped to interact with the world.

Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is about creating space for yourself to thrive. It’s not about keeping people out but about ensuring that you have the room to grow, prioritize your well-being, and cultivate self-worth. Boundaries are a sacred tool for personal growth and relational harmony. Reflect on your values, start with small, manageable boundaries, and consistently uphold them. Embrace your right to create a life where you can flourish, and remember that, as Brené Brown teaches, boundaries are essential for true happiness.

Wishing you strength and clarity as you honor your boundaries,

Sally

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Ed Stevens (New Classical Design) Ed Stevens (New Classical Design)

Empaths vs. Empathy

In our ongoing journey to understand ourselves and how we interact with the world around us, two terms often come up: empath and empathetic. While they may sound similar, they describe quite distinct ways of experiencing the emotions of others.

Dear friends,

In our ongoing journey to understand ourselves and how we interact with the world around us, two terms often come up: empath and empathetic. While they may sound similar, they describe quite distinct ways of experiencing the emotions of others.

What is an Empath? An empath is someone who physically, emotionally, or intuitively experiences the feelings of other people as their own. This can extend beyond merely understanding someone's emotions to actually feeling them, which can be seen as both a powerful gift and a potential emotional burden.

What Does it Mean to be Empathetic? Being empathetic, on the other hand, means having the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person from a place of compassion without necessarily experiencing these emotions firsthand.

Contrasting Empaths and Empathetic People

  1. Emotional Absorption vs. Emotional Recognition

    • Empaths often absorb emotions from the environment or individuals around them, which can sometimes overwhelm their own emotional state.

    • Empathetic people recognize and understand others' emotions, but maintain a clear boundary between personal and external feelings. They can clearly distinguish their own feelings from the feelings of others.

  2. Intensity of Emotional Experience

    • Empaths may struggle to distinguish between their own emotions and those of others, experiencing both with high intensity.

    • Empathetic people engage with others' emotions, but their personal emotional experience remains distinct and less intense.

  3. Need for Emotional Boundaries

    • Empaths need to develop strong boundaries to protect their emotional wellbeing.

    • Empathetic people can engage openly without the same risk of emotional overload.

Respecting Clients’ Inner Healers

On a deeper level, it's crucial that we respect our clients’ innate ability to heal by allowing them to fully experience their emotions, without taking these emotions upon ourselves. This practice not only affirms that each individual has the inherent wisdom to move naturally through their healing process but concurrently preserves our own emotional health. By absorbing the feelings of others, we deny them the opportunity to fully own their own emotions and allow their feelings to guide their own process.  We can be trusted allies in their journeys rather than disempower them by taking the reins from their hands.

Tips for Empaths: Setting Effective Boundaries

  1. Recognize Your Empathic Traits: Understand the ways in which you experience others' emotions. Self-awareness is the first step in managing your empathic abilities.

  2. Practice Grounding Techniques: Engage daily in grounding practices you have found that promote stability and safety such as meditation or spending time in nature to help manage emotional influxes.

  3. Establish Physical and Emotional Boundaries: Learn when and how to say no. Give yourself permission to take breaks from social interaction, and recognize when you need to step back.

  4. Keep a Personal Journal: Documenting your feelings can help you distinguish between your own emotions and those you absorb from others.

  5. Seek Professional Guidance: Working with a therapist can help you with any of the above strategies to manage empathy without becoming overwhelmed.

 

Understanding whether you are an empath or simply empathetic can guide you to better manage your interactions and emotional experiences, leading to a healthier emotional life and more effective relationships.

Let's embrace our emotional capabilities, safely and wisely.

Warm regards,

Sally

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Ed Stevens (New Classical Design) Ed Stevens (New Classical Design)

The Language of Inner Worth

Here at the Owl’s Nest, the concept of self-love frequently surfaces, as it serves as a cornerstone for healing, personal growth, relational competence, and intimacy. This edition of the newsletter delves into self-love and its interplay with the Law of Attraction. In exploring the implications of how self-love is expressed linguistically across different cultures, I aim to uncover how these perspectives can enrich our understanding and practice of this vital principle. For those overcoming trauma, embracing self-love can feel daunting—for some, it feels unattainable; for others, the very thought may even provoke discomfort.

Dear Friends,

Here at the Owl’s Nest, the concept of self-love frequently surfaces, as it serves as a cornerstone for healing, personal growth, relational competence, and intimacy. This edition of the newsletter delves into self-love and its interplay with the Law of Attraction.  In exploring the implications of how self-love is expressed linguistically across different cultures, I aim to uncover how these perspectives can enrich our understanding and practice of this vital principle.  For those overcoming trauma, embracing self-love can feel daunting—for some, it feels unattainable; for others, the very thought may even provoke discomfort.

While crafting my website’s content, I noted several repetitions of “self-love” in the text, so I naturally sought out different ways to express the concept. Surprisingly, I found that all its synonyms have negative connotations—selfishness, narcissism, conceit. It seems there's a cultural ambivalence about embracing self-love without feeling guilty or overly self-involved. Curious about whether this view is unique to English-speaking cultures, I discovered that other cultures have words for self-love that imply more positive attributes:

  • Amor Propio (Spanish) and Amor Proprio (Italian): Both translate to “proper love,” signifying inherent dignity, self-esteem, and self-respect.

  • Självkärlek (Swedish): Means “self-love,” and, most importantly, is widely recognized as crucial for well-being.

  • Atmanubhuti (Sanskrit): Denotes “self-experience,” or the realization of one’s soul, hinting at a profound, spiritual self-connection.

This variety shows us that self-love is more than self-prioritization; it’s about cultivating a nurturing relationship with oneself. It involves setting boundaries, honoring your needs, and giving yourself the space to flourish, and can even hold spiritual significance.

Why do you think self-love is shaded so negatively in English-speaking cultures? Are there words you know from other languages that can expand our comprehension of self-love? Can you imagine feeling differently about self-love if that term carried pride, well-being or spirituality in your native language?

 From an energy standpoint, nurturing self-love indeed shifts our internal landscape, imbuing us with a positive self-image that can enhance our overall life experience and attract positive outcomes. However, when we consider the Law of Attraction, it’s vital to adopt a balanced view. While this philosophy proposes that our thoughts can influence our reality, taking this idea to an extreme can foster an unjust narrative of victim-blaming, implying that those who have survived harrowing experiences have simply “attracted” such violations due to their mindset.

This is a reductive take on a vastly more complex interplay of cause and effect that shapes our lives. It's essential to recognize that while our attitudes and beliefs are powerful, they interact with a myriad of external factors beyond our control.  By acknowledging that the Law of Attraction is but one element in the mosaic of life's forces, we avoid oversimplifying human experiences and instead, open ourselves to a more compassionate, self-compassionate and realistic understanding of personal growth, resilience and our energy field itself.

 Wishing you abundant self-love,

Sally

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Ed Stevens (New Classical Design) Ed Stevens (New Classical Design)

💝Happy Valentine's Day from Owl's Nest Coaching! 💞

As we celebrate love and connection on Valentine's Day, I want to extend my heartfelt best wishes to all of you. Whether you're spending the day with a partner, friends, family, or in the solace of your own company, may it be filled with warmth, joy, and a deep sense of appreciation for yourself and the relationships in your life.

Dear Friends,

As we celebrate love and connection on Valentine's Day, I want to extend my heartfelt best wishes to all of you. Whether you're spending the day with a partner, friends, family, or in the solace of your own company, may it be filled with warmth, joy, and a deep sense of appreciation for yourself and the relationships in your life.

Valentine's Day can bring a mix of emotions for many. For those who are searching or yearning for a partner, know that Owl's Nest Coaching is here for support. This space is a welcoming haven offering guidance, encouragement, and resources to navigate the complexities of finding love and nurturing deep, fulfilling relationships.

For those who are already in relationships, we invite you to explore how Owl's Nest Coaching can help you uplevel your connection to something extraordinary. Whether you're seeking to deepen intimacy, improve communication, or reignite passion, I'm here to assist you in cultivating a relationship that thrives.

I'm excited to announce the recent creation of our Google Business page for Owl's Nest Coaching. This new platform serves as a hub for information about my services, upcoming events, and feedback. I invite all current and former clients, as well as those familiar with my work, to share their experiences by posting a review. Your honest feedback helps me continue to improve and serve our community better and helps prospective clients in their search for a coach that has the heart and skills to meet their needs. 

Wishing you a Valentine's Day filled with love, connection, self-love, and the courage to embrace the beauty of your unique path.  

With gratitude and warm regards,

Sally

Owl's Nest Coaching

PS: If you haven't already done so, be sure to check out our new Google Business page and leave a review!

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Sally Clayton Sally Clayton

Unveiling the Owl’s Nest

November 9th, 2023 marked a significant milestone, as Owl's Nest Relationship and Transformational Coaching spread its wings and took flight into the digital realm. I welcome you, cherished subscribers, to the Owl's Nest Community and extend warm Thanksgiving greetings.

A Haven for Relationship and Transformational Coaching

November 9th, 2023 marked a significant milestone, as Owl's Nest Relationship and Transformational Coaching spread its wings and took flight into the digital realm. I welcome you, cherished subscribers, to the Owl's Nest Community and extend warm Thanksgiving greetings. 

A fundamental Owl’s Nest tenet is that relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Our community is designed as a safe haven for individuals seeking guidance, support, and transformation in their personal evolution and relationships. From enriching partnerships to self-discovery, I’m here to help empower you every step of the way.

In addition to personalized coaching packages tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, there are new developments on the horizon. In the upcoming months, you will receive more information about the development of the Owl’s Nest Mindfulness page. There will be several ways you can explore the transformative benefits of mindful living and mindfulness meditation. This ancient practice has been proven to reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote overall well-being. Stay tuned for forthcoming offerings in mindfulness meditation!

Finally, I  want to express my thanks to each and every one of you who signed up to be a part of the Owl's Nest family. Your trust and interest in this work  fuels my commitment to providing meaningful content that adds value to your life and enhances your growth process.

As we celebrate the season of gratitude, I offer my warmest Thanksgiving wishes to you and your loved ones. May this time be filled with joy, love, and moments of reflection. 

Warmly,

Sally

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