The Karen Kenney Show

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show podcast, I’m talking all about using December as a chance to take your habits for a “test drive” before the new year kicks in.

I share why December, even with all its holiday buzz and end-of-year busy, is actually the perfect time to slow down a bit, get quiet, and start making plans for who you want to be in the year ahead - without any of the ol' stressful, ego-driven pressure.

We all know what happens in what I like to call, “Jazzed-Up January”! 😆

Everyone’s fired up, the gyms are packed, resolutions are flying, and then… by February, it’s kinda' crickets, riiiiiight?

The problem isn’t your willpower; it’s that we’re trying to stack on big changes without first building them up in a real, honest way.

That’s why I suggest we use December as a kind of “practice run” for the habits and changes we actually want to keep doing once January rolls in.

It’s not just about working out though; maybe your thing is writing, music, gratitude, or anything else you want to make part of your daily life.

December gets to be your gentle test lab… a chance to notice where you get in your own way and work out the kinks without beating yourself up.

So, if something’s tugging at you for the new year - whether it’s getting healthier, being more creative, or simply being kinder to yourself - pick one habit and let’s start that sucker now!

Notice what trips you up, keep it real with yourself, and have a little compassion for when you “fall out of the pose”.

Remember, this is about laying the groundwork and building some momentum so we can glide into January already ahead of the game, feeling grounded, and ready to roll. ❤️

BIO:

Gratitude Isn’t Just for Thanksgiving: The Four A’s That Change Everything

On today’s episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m breaking down my simple (but life-changing) Four A’s of Gratitude: Awareness, Acknowledgement, Appreciation, and Action.

Tune in for some down-to-earth stories, a sweet gratitude meditation you can sit back and enjoy, and a whole lotta’ love from my heart to yours.

Gratitude isn’t just a holiday vibe - it’s a daily practice that can shift your whole outlook! ❤️

KK BIO:

Spiritual Mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses dynamic storytelling and humor to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to spirituality and self-development.

Bringing together tools that coach both the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen also helps clients deepen their personal connection to Self and Source, in relatable, practical, and actionable ways, so they can discover their unique understanding of spirituality.

Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatic work, Spiritual Mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, rewrite old stories, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible.

A passionate yoga teacher for 25+ years, a longtime student of A Course in Miracles, and a Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is also a frequent speaker, podcast guest, and retreat leader. She coaches both individuals and groups via her programs The Quest and The Nest.

With The Karen Kenney Podcast, she encourages listeners to shift from a thought system of fear - to one of love, compassion, and personal responsibility.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the idea of “adjusting your sails”- a message that came to me one morning and has been bopping around in my mind ever since.

Sometimes, life throws us winds that we can’t control, but we always get to choose how we respond.

So, I talk about taking a pause and tuning in, and getting wicked intentional about the direction we're heading… especially as this year wraps up.

I invite us to look at different areas of our lives - whether it’s physical health, relationships, finances, or creativity - and asking ourselves: are my current choices pointing me in the direction I really want to go?

We discuss the little habits that can trip us up (like staying up too late or scrolling on your phone) and the importance of taking a “fearless moral inventory” of what’s really working, and what isn’t. 🫣

There’s also some truth-telling about the baggage we carry… the old stories, beliefs, and resentments that weigh us down and keep us stuck on shore, and definitely not catching the wind.

I share inspiration from my own spiritual teachers, reminding us that the “Winds of Grace” are always blowing…

But we need to patch up our sails, let go of what no longer serves us, and then raise those suckers if we want to move forward!

If you’re ready to stop waiting around for the “right time” and want to start making more thoughtful, aligned choices and changes now…

Then this episode is your little nudge from the universe (and me!) to take some action. 

So, go grab some paper, and find a cozy spot, to create some space to both honestly reflect, and to dream.

Thanks so much for tuning in to the show and remember - the power to adjust your sails is always in your own hands. ❤️

BIO:

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I’m diving into something near and dear to my heart - World Kindness Day!

Whether you’ve been with me since the beginning or you’re a brand new listener, I’m super excited to have you here as we discuss the power of spreading a little more love in the world.

I talk about the everyday ways we can all show kindness, from picking up trash in your neighborhood, to getting inspired by amazing role models like Mister Rogers and Bob Ross – who are members of my Spiritual Team and my personal heroes in kindness and compassion!

I share a sweet story about meeting a neighbor named Jessie and how she reminded me of the importance of not just “finding a kindness”, but “doing a kindness” and making it a part of our daily lives.

We also reminisce about “The Kindness Boomerang” video, which shows how one small, good deed can ripple out and inspire kindness in others.

It’s all about those moments and movements that remind us that we’re all connected and that every little action counts.

I also invite you to join me in the 31 Days of Kindness campaign I learned about – which is a free, easy, no-strings-attached way to spread some positivity.

Each day, you’ll get a little inspiration in your inbox along with a simple act of kindness to try – but only if it speaks to your heart.

It’s not about being perfect or keeping score, it’s about enjoying the chance to do a little more good -and- feel a whole lot better because of it!

Finally, I sprinkle in some cool science showing how kindness truly makes us healthier and happier – by boosting our mood, improving our well-being, and even helping us be kinder to ourselves. 

So, if you want to join in or just take away a little nugget of inspiration, I hope this episode encourages you to be the reason someone smiles today (including yourself).

Let’s keep on lifting each other up and spreading the love - because the world could always use more kindness! ❤️

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I celebrate World Kindness Day and the amazing impact of small acts of love.

• I share a heartwarming story about meeting a neighbor while cleaning up my street, and how our daily kindness can inspire others.

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I dive into the roots and real meaning behind the phrase - "Mind your business." 

Most of us have heard it thrown around as a sassy comeback or a way to tell someone to butt out, but there’s way more to it than just that. 

I got inspired to find out where those words originally came from and, being a bit of a curious word nerd, I couldn’t help but do a little research!

Turns out, the story loops us right back to good ol’ Benjamin Franklin and the first U.S. copper penny, called the 1787 Fugio cent also known as the “Franklin cent”.

So what’s up with this coin and how does it apply to us today?

On one side, you’ve got 13 rings representing the original colonies with the words “We Are One,” and the other side features a sundial, with the Latin “Fugio” on the side (which means “I fly”), and underneath is written, “MIND YOUR BUSINESS.” 

Franklin wasn’t just talking business – as in making cold, hard cash - he was also reminding folks that time flies and we should put our energy into our own lives, work, and relationships, while making the most of the time we’ve been given. 

I think this message still rings true today, especially in a world full of distractions.

I also break down Franklin’s 13 Virtues, which are basically his personal recipe for living a good and purposeful life. 

From temperance to humility, these old-school precepts are surprisingly practical and applicable to life today - things like keeping focused, doing what matters, and being sincere and fair. 

It’s not about capitalistic productivity and hustling for hustle’s sake, though; it’s about being intentional with your time, energy, and relationships so you can thrive, not just survive

At the heart of the episode, I reflect on how “minding your business” isn’t about shutting out the happenings of the world around you, but rather about cultivating awareness and remembering what really matters.

It’s about honoring your own journey, while still valuing unity and the well-being of the people around you. 

If we can look after our own purpose with care, boundaries, and love -and- show up for each other as well… we’re using the wisdom from Franklin’s time to live better and more meaningful lives right now. ❤️

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• "Mind your business" originally meant focusing on your own growth, responsibilities, and purpose rather than as a quick insult or sharp dismissal.

• Benjamin Franklin’s 1787 Fugio cent coin features the phrase as a reminder to use our time wisely and prioritize what matters in life.

• The 13 interlocking rings and “We Are One” on the coin emphasize unity and the strength found in community and collaboration.

• Franklin’s list of 13 virtues encourages personal responsibility, industriousness, moderation, sincerity, and humility - values that are still relevant today.

• Getting caught up in other people’s business or distractions only takes us away from our own goals and well-being.

• Mindfully attending to your day-to-day life helps you live with more intention, creativity, and satisfaction.

• Balancing personal focus with care for others leads to growth for both us and our communities.

• Making time for rest, boundaries, and self-reflection is just as important as hard work and productivity.

BIO: