Sheppard Law Firm - November 2025

Somatic Journaling Will Change How You Heal

AND HOW YOU MOVE THROUGH THE DAY

You know that feeling when something’s off, but you can’t quite explain it? You’re not “sick,” but you’re not thriving. Maybe your shoulders are tense, your stomach is in knots, or your energy crashes every afternoon. That’s your body trying to get your attention. Fortunately, you already have the tools to listen.

Welcome to somatic journaling, a practice that helps you connect the dots between what your body feels and what your soul needs. Feeling better starts with feeling. Unlike traditional journaling, which often lives in your head (think thoughts, plans, overthinking), somatic journaling takes you deeper. It allows you to tune in to your body, where your emotions, energy, and stress are stored. Those tight hips? That shallow breath? They’re clues. Somatic journaling is your chance to decode them. All you need is a bit of mindfulness, a notebook, and a few moments to breathe and ask your body, “What’s going on in there?” Let’s say you’re anxious before a meeting. Instead of spiraling into “Why am I always like this?” you pause and notice: Your chest is tight, your breath shallow, and you feel like you’re running on empty. Then comes the “aha” moment: “I’ve had no breaks all day. No wonder I

feel this way.” That’s the body’s version of a breakthrough and a chance to reset. Try these easy somatic check-ins. The 3-2-1 Body Scan Start small and write down: • 3 sensations (feet on floor, jaw tight, clammy hands) • 2 slow breaths • 1 question: “What does my body need right now?” Do it when you wake up, before a tough conversation, or anytime you feel “off.” A journal is your translator. Somatic journaling helps you shift from judgment to curiosity, from disconnection to trust. It’s a practice of tuning into the intelligence that lives under your skin. You don’t need to “fix” yourself. Just feel. Your body has the answers, and your somatic journal is where they begin.

s S e n s i b l e A s s e t L i m

When it comes to providing for your loved ones in your estate plan, there’s a big difference between a safety net and a hammock. Documenting how (and how much of) your assets will be transferred to family members upon your passing is the heart of any legacy plan. In a perfect world, every beneficiary would treat whatever they receive with the care and respect it deserves. Unfortunately, you may need to consider a situation where one or more of your children have a history of irresponsible spending or other personal habits that would make giving them a lump sum at one time counterproductive or even harmful. In some cases, an adult child may have limited education, a history of being fired, or struggles with addiction that receiving significant funds at one time would exacerbate. In other cases, you may have a child who’s just no good with money. No matter the reason, there are options to consider for including them in your legacy plans while putting protections in place to help ensure their inheritance doesn’t become a hindrance. If you’re concerned about how an adult child might handle their inheritance, you don’t need to leave them less than your

other children. Instead, you can structure their share in a trust managed by a trustee who follows your directions for when and how funds are used. For example, you may allow the trustee to pay for the beneficiary’s household needs, medical expenses, or

education. The trustee can also direct funds toward rehabilitation or other circumstances that promote the beneficiary’s well-being and long-term stability. Family dynamics can sometimes be complicated, so it is essential to look honestly at how your assets would best protect and provide for your family members. Please contact us to discuss options for safeguarding

your beneficiaries’ financial success.

2 floridaestateplanning.com

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