In this episode of Creative Journey, we continue our series, “The Art of Arrival: Rewiring Your Brain for Joy.” Coach Kaila dives deep into the “Upper Limit Problem”—the subconscious thermostat that often triggers anxiety, worry, or self-sabotage when our lives start going “too well.”

We explore the somatic difference between the Inner Critic, who uses shame to dampen our joy, and the Inner Protector, who uses hyper-vigilance to keep us “safe” in a state of stress. You will learn practical, non-visual tools for stretching your “vessel of joy,” including Titration (taking in happiness in small drops) and Pendulation (moving between a resource and a neutral state). We also discuss how to use Ventral Vagal Anchors—like vocal toning and body anchoring—to stay centered on the Polyvagal ladder when the “voltage” of contentment feels higher than your nervous system is used to. Finally, we walk through the process of tearing up old “Upper Limit Contracts” to shift your identity from a lifelong Striver to a confident Arriver.

Weekly Homework & Action Steps:

The Joy Thermostat Check-In: Twice a day, stop and ask your body: “On a scale of 1-10, how much joy or peace am I allowing myself to feel right now?” If you notice you are dampening your mood, practice “titrating” your satisfaction up by just 1% for 30 seconds to stretch your somatic capacity.

Journaling Prompt: “What is the old ‘Upper Limit’ contract I am ready to tear up today (e.g., ‘I must stay stressed to stay productive’), and what is the new rule I am writing in its place?”

Affirmation: “I have the capacity to hold immense joy. It is safe for me to feel good, and I do not need to ‘pay’ for my happiness with stress.” Connect with Coach Kaila:

Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC

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In this episode of Creative Journey, we begin our new series, “The Art of Arrival: Rewiring Your Brain for Joy.” Coach Kaila explores why we often spend our lives “seeking” instead of “savoring” and how our biological wiring can make contentment feel elusive.

We dive deep into the neuroscience of the Dopamine loop—the brain’s “anticipation” circuit—and explain why reaching a goal can sometimes leave us feeling empty. We also discuss “Habituation” and how our nervous system filters out the very comforts we once worked so hard to achieve. Finally, we share somatic tools to activate your “satisfaction chemicals” (Serotonin and Oxytocin) through the practice of intentional savoring.

Weekly Homework & Action Steps:

The “Have-Done” List: Each night this week, instead of focusing on your to-do list, record three things you actually accomplished. Let your brain rest in the satisfaction of completion.

Journaling Prompt: “If I stopped chasing ‘more’ for just one hour today, what beautiful thing would I finally have the space to notice?”

Affirmation: “I am allowed to be satisfied with what is. My worth is not a destination; it is my starting point.”

Connect with Coach Kaila:

Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC

Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

Integration & Resilience: Building Your Compassionate Toolbox In this final session, we integrate all techniques, adding tools like Loving-Kindness and the Handshake Practice to strengthen your brain’s resilience circuits and build your personalized roadmap for lasting emotional balance.

Foundations: Naming, Noticing, and Welcoming What Is This session teaches you the crucial first step of Name & Note, helping you regulate your response by non-judgmentally observing emotions and their physical sensations to understand that no feeling is fixed.