The Power of "And": Embracing Your Full Experience

By Coach Onowa

There’s a simple yet powerful shift you can make in your thinking—one that allows you to embrace all of your emotions while staying open to new possibilities.It’s the power of the word “and.”

Why "And" Changes Everything

So often, we feel like we have to choose between emotions:

❌ I’m nervous OR I’m excited.
❌ I feel uncertain OR I feel hopeful.
❌ I’m struggling OR I’m making progress.

But life isn’t either-or—it’s both.

When you replace "or" with "and," you create space for all of your emotions to coexist.

Example: Navigating an Alcohol-Free Journey

Instead of:
❌ “I feel really nervous about trying an alcohol-free experiment.”

Try:
✅ “I feel nervous AND I’m excited to see what’s possible for me.”

See how that shift removes resistance? You don’t have to make any part of yourself wrong—you can bring the nerves with you while staying open to excitement and possibility.

How to Use "And" in Your Life

🔹 “I feel unsure about my next step AND I trust that I will figure it out.”
🔹 “I miss my old routine AND I’m creating a new one that serves me better.”
🔹 “I’m feeling anxious about this change AND I know growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone.”

Try This Today

1️⃣ Notice where your mind defaults to either-or thinking.
2️⃣ Add “and” to your thought.
3️⃣ See how it shifts your perspective and lightens the emotional weight.

💬 I’d love to hear—where in your life could you use "and" to hold space for both emotions? Drop a comment on Youtube.

With openness and possibility,
Coach Onowa

O