Hi, Subscribers. I am Stacy Casson, and I write this blog to get ready for the week ahead. This blog uses the power of Play to guide our daily lives. Play can help you grow personally and professionally, and it helps power up your creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being. Let’s set ourselves up for success and inspiration, and remember to find joy in every step of our development.
It’s time for an accountability check-in. I am back on track with my five minute tasks. I found a cool utensil kit and my clicker. I did write daily, decompressed most days, and have played “New Attitude” daily. The Hot Seat event is up and running. I still have open slots. Sign up here: https://www.jotform.com/form/251654912259159. I also experimented to see if my Mom’s custard recipe could be made into an ice cream. Yes and it was delicious! What were your wins?
This week, I went back to my roots and drew from the wisdom of the Pokémon.
I put myself in the hot seat to play with different strategies for my upcoming July Series. The first iteration was a panel of Pokémon.
I'm trying to figure out who my people are. When I say my people, I mean the people I can help with my gifts. I thought my people were like my friends, but I realize that my friends rarely need my gifts.
So I asked Zamazenta, the Pokemon, who are my people? It responded, “I'm in my full power in my crowned shield. I can deflect any attack. This is because I have absorbed many attacks using my rusted shield. According to the lore the Crowned Shield is my true form. So perhaps your people need someone who can see a different and more powerful version of themselves. They may see themselves as victims and need someone to help them transform into a more powerful version of themselves.” One of my favorite stories was from Jimmy Jam when he played with Prince. Prince got him to perform at a different level by challenging him to up his game. He said, “Prince saw me better than I saw myself.” For the week ahead, can you envision yourself walking in the fullness of your being? Who is that person? For me, like Patti sang, “I’m in control, my worries are few. I’ve got a new attitude.”
Groudon, what do you think? “I control the land and in this form, I am going to pulverize people. People think about the land as grounded, but it takes great upheaval and fire to form the land. Volcanos erupt destructively and as they settle down, they form rich fertile land. Perhaps your people are like seething volcanos. They need someone to help them rip off the bandaid. It's hard to get to them because they have layers and layers of armor that has hardened and hardened their thoughts as well.” Yes, Groudon, when people are locked into old stories, and someone challenges their point of view, often they double down on the harmful beliefs. This is where “Yes, and” can be so powerful. Once people see themselves truly and own their decisions, they find the strength and will to evolve.
What do you think Tapu Koko? By the way, you terrify me because you remind me of the face stealer from Avatar. Apparently, you are like those insects that pretend to be bigger than you are. You pull your massive wings together and become like a mecha-rooster. Tapu Koko responded in an awful voice inside my head, “If your people are like me, they are ready to explode. They always wear a mask because they do not want to be vulnerable. Maybe you can help them to emerge as their truer self.” Listen Tapu Koko, I'm not a therapist. It noted, “You may be able to help them see how a therapist can benefit them. You are a short term intervention and waystation for people who have an immediate need. Now leave me alone, you are annoying me, human.” Gladly. Having a non-judgmental space to explore the current situation is helpful. I like journaling because it helps me to hear myself. Similar to when you read your homework essay out loud and find the hidden errors.
Last, but not least, Venusaur. What do you think? This round of play began because I was curious about what a Bulbasaur would say. I learned from Bulbasaur that I am resilient and self-sustaining. I can interact but be nourished or nourishing. It responded, “I, Venusaur am the final evolution of a Bulbasaur. Perhaps you help people to evolve into their final form, like we started with Zamazenta. Where are they directing their energy? How can they replenish and renew to have the strength for a transformation? Maybe you can help people with that?” I love to see people win and the first step is mindset. In my own journey, when I saw myself as unworthy, I shrank and made myself small. With my new attitude, I know that my talent can help people see themselves through the lens of play and creativity and become more confident.
Very interesting Pokémon panel. It also seems like I need to have strong boundaries because my people are volatile and may deflect. I need to be able to hold space for them to unpack some things and to give themselves permission to be their full and authentic selves. Three of you are very powerful protectors in your own right. I am ready to help people bloom. Venusaur is a grass type Pokemon which is a change from the rest of you who are fighting and lightning types. I can help to create space for healing growth and help people to bloom. Damn, I'm pretty amazing :) Thank you Pokémon panel. To participate in an upcoming hot seat session, apply here.
Are you ready to clear the brain fog and have better executive functioning. If you are local to South Florida, there are still spots available for my 'Disconnect from the World; Reconnect with Yourself' event.
You can join virtually if you are not local. Go to your favorite place in nature on Saturday, June 28th, at 8:30 am and spend an hour away from technology. You can get your guide here.
If you want to infuse more play into your life to navigate the challenges, my current offerings are listed on my Link Tree. I also urge you to share your experiences and strategies with the community. Your voice is valuable to this journey, and your unique path can inspire others.
Picture Descriptions: Zamazenta is a large white lupine Pokemon. It has blue armor on it’s front paws and back and wears a red and gold breastplate that looks like a winged flame complete with a face guard with a blue plume. Groudon is a massive upright bi-pedal dinosaur with segmented, thick, red plate skin that acts like armor. It is surrounded by magma and also has spikes along its sides and sharp claws. Tapu Koko is a large, red armored rooster with enormous wings with a pattern that if closed makes it look like an even larger and more menacing creature. Venusaur is a squat, grey, reptile. It looks like a cross between a toad and a salamander. There is a giant orange-yellow flower blooming on its back.
