On this episode we’re going to learn how to tame a worry beast.
Episode Notes
Like You is listener supported. You can support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Patreon. You can also support the show by shopping in our online store or purchasing songs from the show on our Bandcamp page.
Please send us a voice memo, drawing, or letter at hello@likeyoupodcast.com. We play a voice memos from listeners either at the beginning of an episode or during the affirmation segment of the episode. If your child wants to be included, record a voice memo and send it to us. Your child can introduce themself and then say a favorite affirmation, sing a line from a Like You song, say what they like about the show, or share whatever they feel! Keep it short (10-20 seconds). For more info on how to record and send a voice memo, see this post, or click here.
Like You is a production of Perpetual Motion. The show is written and produced by Noah Glenn. The show’s artwork was illustrated by Mia Saine. Episode art is created by Lindsey Glenn.
This episode features original music by Noah Glenn.
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Transcript
The music of Like You is now streaming through your favorite music services like Apple Music and Spotify. Now you can dance or sing along with your favorite songs any time! Just search for album title Music from Like You: Mindfulness for Kids, or find links on the music page of our website, likeyoupodcast.com. Also, if you want to help us keep making new podcast episodes, you can support the show by subscribing through Patreon or Apple Podcasts, or leaving a 5 star review wherever you listen to podcasts. Grownups can find more information in our episode notes, or on our website. Now let’s start the show.
Kalina: Hi Noah. My name’s Kalina, and I’m 6 years old. I like the podcast because I really like the songs you sing. They really help me sleep. And also, I’d like to say one of my favorite affirmations. I am loved and cared about. Thanks for making these episodes. Bye, Noah!
[intro music]
Noah: Hello! I’m Noah and this is Like You: Mindfulness for Kids. Thanks for your message, Kalina! I loved hearing your affirmation and your favorite things about the podcast. And welcome to everyone listening. This is our last episode of the season before we take a short break. I hope to be back with new episodes sometime this spring. I will still be releasing Bonus mini episodes for subscribers roughly once a month. You can subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Patreon to access those bonus episodes while also supporting my ability to make new episodes. And of course I hope you’ll also take some time to go back and explore the more than 150 episodes we’ve released over the past 5 years. That should be plenty to keep your mindfulness strong until we return.
On this episode we’re going to learn how to tame a worry beast. So listeners of all ages, find a place to listen where you feel comfortable and safe. As I ask questions and invite you to say affirmations, you’re welcome to speak out loud, or as always, you can just think your responses quietly in your mind.
Let’s start with a breathing exercise. This is an exercise to help you feel strong and powerful. Stand up tall if you’re able to. Puff your chest out with pride. Take a deep breath in, and let out a wild grrrr.
Wow, impressive growling! Let’s do that a few more times. Breathe in deep. And let out a grrrrr.
Deep breath in. And a long grrrr out.
One last deep breath in. And let loose with a final grrrrrrr.
On the count of three let’s all say I like me. 1-2-3. I like me. I like you too.
You are capable of big wild energy, as well as calm and peaceful vibes.
Do you ever feel worried or anxious? I know I do.
What sort of things do you worry about?
We all feel worried sometimes. Some people worry a little, and other people worry a lot. Worry happens when we start thinking thoughts about bad things that could happen. Even if nothing bad ever actually happens, those worried feelings can feel very real. When worried feelings get big, they might even feel scary. But don’t fear, because you have the power to tame any worry beast and turn it into a cute and cuddly creature.
Let’s talk about why worry happens. Worry actually has an important job. Worry is like a powerful beast who wants to protect us from any kind of danger. If you see a fire, worry will tell you to stay back so you don’t get burned. When you climb a ladder, worry will tell you to be very careful so you don’t fall. If you’re walking through a dark room, worry will make you cautious so you don’t stub your toe or bump into a wall. In any dangerous situation, the worry beast will protect you and help keep you safe. But when the worry beast works too hard, it can turn into anxiety. It starts trying to prepare you for all sorts of imaginary dangers – even when you know you are completely safe. It can start to feel like your worry beast is out of control.
When this happens, you have the power to tame your worry beast. You can start by taking a few deep breaths because deep breaths remind the worry that you’re the one in control. It helps to calm your body so you can remember that you are safe. Next you can say some calming affirmations like “everything is ok” or “I am safe and calm” or “I am in control.” We’ll say some more calming affirmations together later in this episode.
Next you could even teach your worry beast your favorite mindfulness exercise. The more you practice mindfulness with your worry beast, the more in control you will both feel. If you need help with that, just listen back to your favorite episode of this podcast.
By taking deep breaths, saying affirmations, or practicing your favorite mindfulness exercise, you can help your worry beast to know that there is no danger. Its job is done. It has kept you safe. So now the beast can relax, take a break, and turn into a tame, cute and cuddly creature.
Now it’s time for affirmations. Affirmations are words you can say about yourself to remind yourself how wonderful you are. I’ll say each affirmation twice. So you can listen the first time, then say it together with me the second time. Here we go.
I am brave and strong.
I am in control of my feelings.
I am stronger than my fear.
I breathe in confidence and I breathe out doubt.
With every breath, I feel stronger.
I can take it one step at a time.
I am calm and relaxed.
Now let’s take a few slow, deep breaths as we wind down our time together. If any of those affirmations stood out to you, feel free to write them down, or just store them safely in your mind to say when you need it. If you have an affirmation that is special to you, I would love to hear it! If you’d like to send a recording of your favorite affirmation to play on the show, have a grownup check our website or episode notes for more information.
Now let’s end this episode with a song. Feel free to sing, dance, or relax and breathe deep as I sing.
It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright to worry
Everybody feels this way sometimes
You have the power to change your own story
Tell someone you love what’s on your mind
Take a deep breath, let it all out
Blow it away on a breeze
Take a deep breath, let it all out
Until you are feeling at ease
It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright to worry
Everybody feels this way sometimes
You have the power to change your own story
Tell someone you love what’s on your mind
Take a deep breath, let it all out
Blow it away on a breeze
Take a deep breath, let it all out
Until you are feeling at ease
I can’t wait to spend some time together again soon. Until next time, I like you, I’m proud of you, and I’m glad we are friends. Have a happy and peaceful day.
Like You is a production of Perpetual Motion. It is made possible by our subscribers on Patreon and Apple Podcasts. Become a supporter by visiting Patreon.com/likeyoupodcast, or by tapping “subscribe” on our show page in Apple Podcasts. You can also tell your friends about the show or leave a 5 star review wherever you listen to podcasts. Like You is written and hosted by me, Noah Glenn. I also composed and performed the Like You theme music and other music that appeared in the episode. Our podcast cover art was illustrated by Mia Saine. Our episode art is created by Lindsey Glenn. Grownups can find more information about Like You by visiting our website at likeyoupodcast.com. Thanks for listening.
