Cultivate to Thrive Podcast

Join me with special guest, Chris Rangel as we talk about being a Christian man in today's world.

Along with sharing our favorite scripture, Chris and I talk about these questions:

1. What are some traditional values of masculinity that still hold relevance in today's society?

Find Chris on Youtube and Instagram:

In this episode, I open with scripture from Zechariah 4:6.

You will hear me talk about

Understanding Traditional Ideas of Masculinity A. Definition of traditional masculinity B. Historical context and societal influences C. Impact on men's emotional expression and vulnerability 1. Suppression of emotions 2. Fear of appearing weak or vulnerable 3. Stigma surrounding mental health issues D. Effects on personal relationships and mental well-being

 Embracing Vulnerability: Benefits and Importance A. Defining vulnerability and its role in personal growth B. Importance of emotional expression and authenticity C. Building stronger connections and relationships D. Psychological benefits of vulnerability 1. Increased emotional resilience 2. Better stress management 3. Enhanced self-awareness and personal development

Overcoming Barriers to Vulnerability A. Identifying common barriers to embracing vulnerability 1. Social conditioning and gender stereotypes 2. Fear of judgment and rejection 3. Cultural influences B. Strategies for overcoming these barriers 1. Challenging societal norms and stereotypes 2. Cultivating self-compassion and acceptance 3. Seeking support from trusted individuals and communities

Practical Steps for Redefining Masculinity A. Cultivating self-awareness and emotional intelligence B. Practicing vulnerability in everyday interactions C. Seeking help when needed and prioritizing mental health D. Role of faith and spirituality in fostering emotional resilience 1. Finding strength and guidance through faith 2. Embracing vulnerability as a form of spiritual growth

Welcome  as I start out the talk with Sirach, Chapter 2.

In this episode, you will hear about the importance of self-reflection and personal

Understanding Self-Awareness and its impact on men's lives

How Self-Awareness leads to personal growth and empowerment for men 

Obstacles on the journey inward 

Personal growth strategies for overcoming resistance 

Cultivating resilience and perseverance in 

Integrating faith into Self-Reflection and personal growth

Cultivating a community of support

In a world that often clamors for perfection, I stand before you today to advocate for something quite different - the beauty of imperfection. We live in a society that constantly bombards us with images of flawlessness, whether it's the flawless faces on magazine covers or the curated perfection of social media feeds. But what if I told you that perfection is not what it seems? What if I told you that embracing imperfection can lead us to a richer, more fulfilling life?

Firstly, let's dispel the myth of perfection. Perfection is not attainable. It's an illusion, a mirage that we chase endlessly, only to find it slipping through our fingers like grains of sand. Perfection is not flawless; it's rigid, unyielding, and often unattainable. It's a standard that constantly eludes us, leaving us feeling inadequate and unworthy.

But why do we feel this relentless need to be perfect? Perhaps it stems from fear - fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of not measuring up to societal standards. We are bombarded with messages that tell us we need to be perfect in order to be accepted, loved, and valued. But the truth is, we are inherently flawed beings, and that's okay.

Embracing imperfection doesn't mean settling for mediocrity. It means accepting ourselves as we are, flaws and all, and recognizing that our imperfections are what make us unique and beautiful. Just as a piece of pottery is made more interesting by its cracks and imperfections, so too are we enriched by our scars and blemishes.

We are uniquely created and the world needs us to be the person we are created to be, perceived flaws and all!

Faith plays a crucial role in embracing imperfection. It teaches us to trust in something greater than ourselves, to surrender our need for control, and to find peace in the midst of chaos. Faith reminds us that we are not defined by our shortcomings, but by our capacity for love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Embrace imperfection with open arms. Celebrate your quirks, your mistakes, and your failures, for they are the building blocks of growth and self-discovery. Reject the suffocating pressure to be perfect and instead revel in the messy, beautiful chaos of life.

In conclusion, perfection is not the goal. Imperfection is where the magic happens. So embrace your flaws, your vulnerabilities, and your humanity, for therein lies true beauty and authenticity.

Today, I want to dive into a topic that resonates with countless women around the world: the delicate dance of balancing the roles of a working mom while maintaining our faith and sanity intact. It's a journey that's often glamorized or romanticized, but the reality is far from effortless. So, let's talk about the real deal and explore some practical ways to achieve balance with realistic expectations, infused with a perspective of faith.

First and foremost, let's acknowledge something crucial: achieving perfect balance is a myth. As working moms, we're constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, from deadlines at work to soccer games and bedtime stories. And guess what? It's okay if we drop a ball occasionally. Imperfection is part of the beauty of our journey.

Now, let's add a layer of faith to the equation. Our spiritual beliefs can serve as a guiding light, offering us solace and strength during the chaotic moments. Whether you find peace in prayer, meditation, or reflection, make time for spiritual nourishment. It's the anchor that keeps us grounded amidst life's storms.

So, how do we practically achieve balance while embracing imperfection and nurturing our faith? Here are a few strategies:

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that you can't do it all, and that's perfectly fine. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Learn to say no to commitments that don't align with your priorities.

Establish Boundaries: Boundaries are essential for maintaining sanity. Set clear boundaries between work and family time. When you're with your family, be fully present. Similarly, when you're at work, focus on the task at hand.

Embrace Self-Care: You can't pour from an empty cup. Carve out time for self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. It could be as simple as taking a walk in nature, indulging in a hobby, or enjoying a hot bath.

Delegate and Accept Help: You don't have to do everything alone. Delegate tasks at work and enlist the help of family members or trusted friends. Remember, it's not a sign of weakness to ask for help; it's a sign of wisdom.

Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your daily life. Take a moment each day to appreciate the blessings around you, whether it's the laughter of your children or the support of your colleagues. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have.

Stay Flexible: Flexibility is key to navigating the unpredictable twists and turns of life. Learn to adapt to changes gracefully and let go of rigid expectations. Remember, it's not about having a perfect plan; it's about being resilient in the face of challenges.

In closing, let's embrace the juggling act of being a working mom with grace, resilience, and faith. Remember, you are stronger than you think, and you're not alone on this journey. Lean on your faith, cherish the precious moments with your loved ones, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Together, we can find balance amidst the chaos and thrive in both our professional and personal lives.

Imagine a world where every mom has her own personal cheerleader, strategist, and confidante rolled into one - that's the power of having a life coach. Today, I want to discuss why moms deserve the support of a life coach and the transformative benefits it can bring to their lives, whether they're working moms juggling multiple responsibilities or stay-at-home moms navigating the complexities of parenthood.

Knowing and embracing who they are.

Keeps positivity at the forefront; smashes limiting beliefs and negativity.

Since Mother’s Day will be celebrated this coming weekend, I want to take a moment to celebrate one of the most sacred and cherished roles in our lives - that of a mother. Motherhood, an emblem of love, sacrifice, and nurturing, embodies a profound significance that transcends boundaries and touches the depths of our souls. From the struggles to the joys, from the tears to the laughter, being a mom is a journey filled with profound meaning and purpose. So, let's delve into the value of mom, exploring what it truly means, the challenges it presents, and the immense beauty it bestows upon our lives.

What Being a Mom Means:

Being a mom is more than just a title; it's a sacred calling, a divine appointment bestowed upon chosen souls. It's about selflessness, unconditional love, and boundless devotion. A mom is a nurturer, a healer, and a guiding light in the darkness. She is the embodiment of strength, resilience, and grace, tirelessly shaping the future generation with her wisdom and compassion. Being a mom means embracing a lifelong commitment to love, protect, and nurture her children, molding them into compassionate, resilient individuals who will leave their mark on the world.

*Motherhood looks different for different people

*Not all mothers give birth to children, some are mothers by the role they have in someone’s life

The Struggles:

Yet, amidst the beauty of motherhood, there exist challenges that test the very fabric of a mother's being. From sleepless nights to endless worries, from balancing work and family to facing societal pressures, the journey of motherhood is riddled with obstacles that can shake even the strongest of spirits. The sacrifices are immense, the demands relentless, yet through it all, mothers persevere with unwavering determination, fueled by a love that knows no bounds.

The Joys:

But oh, the joys of motherhood! For every sleepless night, there's a tender moment shared between a mother and her child. For every worry, there's a smile that lights up the room and a heart filled with pure, unadulterated love. The joys of motherhood are as boundless as the sky, from the first flutter of a tiny heartbeat to the pride that swells in a mother's chest as she watches her children grow and flourish. It's in the small moments - the laughter, the cuddles, the whispered "I love yous" - that the true magic of motherhood reveals itself, filling our hearts with an abundance of joy and gratitude.

Embracing Motherhood:

So, how do we embrace the journey of motherhood, with all its struggles and joys? The answer lies in faith - faith in ourselves, faith in our abilities, and faith in a higher power that guides us along this sacred path. By surrendering ourselves to the divine purpose of motherhood, we find strength in the knowledge that we are never alone, that our struggles are but stepping stones on the path to greater growth and enlightenment. Embrace the challenges, for they make us stronger. Embrace the joys, for they remind us of the beauty that surrounds us. And above all, embrace the love - for in the end, it is love that sustains us, nurtures us, and binds us together in the eternal embrace of motherhood.

Never forget the unparalleled value of mom - the selfless giver of love, the unwavering beacon of hope, the embodiment of grace and strength. May we honor and cherish the mothers in our lives, today and every day, for their love knows no bounds and their legacy endures for eternity. And to all the mothers out there, know that your sacrifices do not go unnoticed, your love does not go unappreciated, and your worth knows no measure. Embrace the divine gift of motherhood, for it is truly the greatest gift of all.

Start with 2 Maccabees 2:2

Let’s talk about working mom guilt. It's a complex emotion that often accompanies the balancing act of being a dedicated professional and a loving mother. But fear not, because today we're going to explore its causes and, more importantly, discuss how faith can provide us with solutions and comfort along the way.

I remember the first time I had to leave my child to go back to work after maternity leave. The guilt weighed heavily on my heart as I kissed my baby goodbye. Thoughts raced through my mind: "Am I doing the right thing? Will my child feel abandoned? Can I truly balance my career and motherhood?"

*Difficulties of balancing work and family

*Being an engaged mom and employee

*Through wife into the mix

Working mom guilt stems from various sources. Firstly, societal expectations often pressure women to excel in both their careers and their roles as mothers, leading to feelings of inadequacy when we perceive ourselves as falling short in either area. Additionally, there's the fear of missing out on important milestones or moments in our children's lives due to our professional commitments. And let's not forget the internal pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect in every aspect of our lives.

So, how can faith help us navigate through this maze of emotions? Firstly, faith teaches us to embrace grace over guilt. We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles and that it's okay to ask for help when needed. Moreover, faith provides us with the assurance that our worth is not solely defined by our accomplishments but rather by the unconditional love and acceptance we receive from a higher power.

Now, let's discuss some practical solutions that incorporate faith into our journey as working moms. Firstly, let go of the notion of perfection. Understand that it's okay to prioritize self-care and ask for support from loved ones. Additionally, carve out time for spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, or attending religious services, as these can provide us with much-needed strength and perspective.

Working mom guilt is a common struggle, but it doesn't have to define our experience. By incorporating faith into our journey, we can find solace in knowing that we are supported, loved, and valued regardless of our perceived shortcomings. So let's embrace grace over guilt and walk confidently on this path, knowing that we are not alone.