Juliana Parker - The Power of Being Kind to Yourself

Juliana Parker believes in the power of being kind to yourself. Listen to this episode, and learn how to create more kindness in the world.

My podcast guest, Juliana Parker, is committed to helping people find the healing power of being kind to themselves. She has handed out over 2,000 “Be Kind to Yourself” cards and would like to share them with as many people as possible. She’s worked in the community college system as a counselor for twenty years and feels honored to do this work. She’s here today to speak about the power of being kind to yourself.

In this episode of the Woman of Value Podcast:

The harm of perfectionism
How loss and birth had a profound affect on Juliana
The power of vulnerability
The importance of finding your voice
The power of being kind to yourself

S3 EP5: Juliana Parker – The Power of Being Kind to Yourself

Audio

Video

WHAT DOES WOMAN OF VALUE MEAN TO YOU?

It’s evolved for me over time. Now at forty-seven, it means understanding our power, and not being afraid to express our power. Know that we have a voice.

Favorite quote: “Clear is kind.” – Brene Brown

YOUR ‘AHA’ WOMAN OF VALUE MOMENT

My work at the community college as a counselor has been a catalyst for change. I was inspired by the women I worked with at the college and helping them have a voice. On a personal level, I felt pressured to be perfect as a mom, daughter, wife. It was oppressive to try to meet those expectations I placed on myself.

My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers and died after eight years. The loss of my dad and the birth of my son in the same year were so challenging for me. I got to a low point, where I finally abandoned the perfectionism. It’s been a slow disentanglement from the grasp of the perfectionism.

Self care is critical, especially micro self care, the little things we do throughout the day, like taking a walk, sitting outside for a few minutes.

You can also be kind to yourself by evaluating the voice in your head. Dr. Carol Dwek says when you are beating yourself up for not being great at something, tell yourself, it’s not where I am yet, you’re going to make mistakes and have setbacks. Keep going! Challenge your negative thoughts. Speak to someone you trust who will encourage you with your goals.

Look at your support network. The people you surround yourself with are so important. Are your relationships supportive, adding to your life, equal partnerships?

Are you in a work situation that’s aligned with your values and skills? Take an inventory and assess the different aspects of your life.

Take the positive intelligence saboteur assessment we mentioned here.

THE FUTURE

“I’m on a mission to pass out as many Be Kind to Yourself cards as possible. I’d be happy to mail them to anyone who will keep a few and send a few. Go to julianaparkerapcc.com or email Julianaparkerapcc@gmail.com”

THE LIGHTNING ROUND

I used to think I wasn’t good enough.
What was the #1 thing holding you back from becoming a woman
of value? The pursuit of perfection.
What’s the best advice you can give to a woman who wants to
become more empowered? Be kind to yourself.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Speak up more. You’re important. You have a voice. You’re you, and that’s enough.
What’s something people get wrong about you? I’m quiet, and people think I don’t get angry.
How would you like to be remembered? As a woman who helped other people see the beauty and value and uniqueness of themselves.