I Can Ground Myself

THE POWER OF THOUGHT CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES

I CAN GROUND MYSELF Written by Amber Raymond & Lynn McLaughlin

Illustrated by Allysa Batin

Copyright © 2023 by Amber Raymond and Lynn McLaughlin, in Canada All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by an electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission in writing from the copyright owners except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

Illustrated by Allysa Batin Printed by Print Works 382 Devonshire Road Windsor, Ontario N8Y 2L4 ISBN: 978-1-7388582-3-1 (paperback) ISBN: 978-1-7388582-4-8 (ebook) https://lynnmclaughlin.com https://www.messsmakers.com

We all feel many emotions. The characters on the planet Tezra glow in the following colours to match how they are feeling.

Red

Orange

Blue

Yellow

Green

Purple

Anger

Scared

Sad

Surprised

Happy

Lonely

Frustration

Worried Uncertain

Disappoint- Unexpected ed Event

1 Believe in Myself

Are You Up For A Challenge?

- Can you see when each character’s feelings are changing?

- Can you tell by the look on their faces, by body language or the words they are using? Maybe you can tell by the colour of their glow.

- Have you ever felt the same way? How do you express your own feelings?

“I can’t wait to hang

and where play with “I can’t waitout to see we’re going,” Zirco Nyxshouted. today.”

First book page– left side page— odd page number

Carnuli followed, “I wonder where Trine is taking us. I’m so excited I don't know what to do.”

“We’re here!” Trine said with a smile. “Welcome to Milky Way Adventures. This is our surprise graduation gift to you.”

“I know we’re all excited. It’s important for us to stick together so everyone is safe. We don’t want one of you to get lost or hurt, do we?” Trine said.

“I’ve always wanted to come here,” screamed Nyx, as they ran off the bus before everyone else.

Trine yelled, “Nyx stop! Remember we have to stay together.”

“Before we get on the ship, we have to be in a safe place in our bodies and minds,” Trine continued.

OK!

Yes!

For sure!

Let’s go!

“We can imagine one of the 4 elements,” Zirco exclaimed.

“I like to use the earth to feel calm. First, I wiggle my toes so I can feel the grass or sand between them.”

“Then, I imagine roots are growing from my feet and anchor me to the ground.”

“I think about my legs turning into the trunk of a tree. I always see really bright colours when that happens,” laughed Zirco.

“Then, I imagine my whole body turning into a big tree and I have colourful flowers that grow from my fingers. I can always hear my thoughts better when I connect with the earth.”

“I use water to help myself feel relaxed. I imagine I'm floating underwater. The water moves all around me,” said Carnuli.

“I imagine taking 3 deep breaths under the water. I see the water going through my nose and filling my belly.

When I breathe out, the water washes away all the feelings I don't want to have anymore.

I always feel brighter.”

“Working with the air helps me focus and calm myself.”

“First, I close my eyes, and put my hands on my belly. I imagine there’s a green balloon inside of me that grows and shrinks when I breathe in and out,” said Epido with a smile.

“I breathe in and imagine the balloon getting really big.”

Then, I breathe out and see the balloon getting really small.”

“This helps me to feel present.”

“Thinking about flames works for me,” added Lazu calmly.

“My heart is beating slower!”

“First, I imagine a campfire in front of me.

I love the smell of campfires. I focus on the flames until my heartbeat slows down.

I feel peaceful when my heart is calm.”

“Then, I think of a place where I feel safe, calm, relaxed and happy. I imagine my own planet and everything I love is there.”

“Oh, I love all of them. I think imagining a campfire would work best for me. I want to try that one,” said Nyx.

“It looks like we’re all ready,” exclaimed Zirco.

“How wonderful,” said Trine, “We’re all calm, happy and relaxed, ready for our fun adventure. Let’s go!”

When we are excited, sometimes we have trouble controlling our emotions.

You Can Use the Elements Too! 1. Notice you are excited or full of emotions by listening to your body.

2. Choose your favourite element to try.

3. Use your imagination to follow the steps for that element.

4. Notice if you are feeling calmer by listening to your body.

5. If you are still too excited or full of emotions, try another element.

“I can check my senses.”

“I can ground myself.”

“I can calm my mind.”

“I have choices.”

Vocabulary Imagine - to create a picture in our mind of something we want to experience

Earth - parts of nature connected to the ground (e.g. dirt, roots, trees, plants, salt …)

Air - parts of nature that we can breathe (e.g. wind, smells …)

Water - liquid parts of nature (e.g. ocean, lakes, rivers, creeks, ice, baths and showers …)

Flames - the glowing part of a fire (e.g. candles, campfires …)

Like You, Every Crystal is Unique!

Did you notice the characters are all named after crystals?

Some crystals look like simple rocks, and others look like they're from another planet. No matter their appearance, they all make you feel a sense of wonder when you see the way they shine.

Also known as rocks, gemstones, and minerals, crystals are formed through geological processes by heat and pressure underground. Working with crystals can help you transform into the most powerful version of yourself by guiding you to see how incredible you truly are.

Carnelian (Carnuli): empowerment, focus, action and confidence Citrine (Trine) empowerment, confidence, creativity, manifestation and abundance Lapis Lazuli (Lazu): intuition, education, communication and problem solving Sardonyx (Nyx): empowerment, confidence, leadership, courage, growth and boundaries Zircon (Zirco) : Confidence, wisdom, love and happiness Epidote (Epido): energize, healthy, strengthen, provide hope, opens you to love and joy

Amber Raymond MSW, RSW, BSW, BA

WWW. M E S S S M A K E R S . COM

As a Masters-level Social Worker, Amber is an advocate for unconventional, evidence-based coping strategies and is devoted to her friends and family.

She is passionate about child mental health, lifelong self-care practices, self-exploration, self-love, and holistic wellbeing.

When not practicing social work, Amber likes to research new, effective methods to overcoming life's mental and emotional challenges.

Lynn McLaughlin MED, BED, BA

WWW.LYNNMCLAUGHLIN.COM

Lynn McLaughlin served as a Superintendent of Education, Administrator and Teacher. Lynn continues to be active in education, teaching future Educational Assistants and working with parent/community groups.

Lynn hosts the inspirational podcast “Taking the Helm” which can be found on VoiceAmerica Radio or on your favourite podcast app.

As a best-selling, award-winning author, and Rotarian, Lynn is dedicated to community causes. She is a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex and works tirelessly to support the goals of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

Allysa Batin @bats.illustration

Allysa Batin is a young freelance illustrator. She enjoys creating fun and colourful characters and advocating for love and acceptance in her art. Her favourite pastimes include hosting Dungeons & Dragons and taking pictures of her dog.

Check out the other books in The Power of Thought Series I Have Choices I Can Calm My Mind I Can Check My Senses Is What I’m Thinking True?