Jen is Zen - Control the Controllable

Send us Fan MailThank you so much for being here!What does it look like for you to reclaim a sense of control in your life?This Jen is Zen episode explores what it truly means to reclaim a sense of control when life feels overwhelming. Rather than focusing on fixing everything or forcing positivity, the episode reframes control as creating steadiness and orientation in the midst of uncertainty.The reflection begins by acknowledging that chaos doesn’t only exist on a global scale. It often shows up in everyday life – within homes, relationships, careers, bodies, and demanding seasons of parenting and midlife transition. Through personal examples, the episode illustrates how small, repeatable rituals – such as maintaining simple routines, tending to one intentional space, or returning to basic practices like movement, meditation, and gratitude – can help regulate the nervous system when things feel out of control.The episode then explores gratitude in a nontraditional way, focusing on appreciation for situations that feel problematic or unfinished.The episode addresses parenting teens during uncertain and unsettling times. It responds to common questions about how to comfort our teens when reassurance feels dishonest and explanations feel incomplete. The key message is that comfort does not come from certainty, but from presence. Honest acknowledgment, emotional steadiness, and shared containment offer more safety than promises or solutions.The episode also highlights the importance of helping teens identify their own stabilizing anchors – routines, activities, creative outlets, and structures that provide a sense of agency and regulation. These behaviors are reframed not as control-seeking, but as coping strategies that help young people feel grounded.Steady presence, intentional rituals, and emotional grounding are powerful tools for navigating both personal and collective uncertainty.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook,  on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!