In this episode, we are joined by guest hosts, Min. Brandy Nelson & Elder Antwan Nelson to discuss the struggles and challenges we have faced in our marriages and how we overcame them. Our guests were actually responsible for introducing us and marrying us, so we are incredibly grateful to welcome them for this transparent conversation. Yes--we keep it real REAL! We explore the need for commitment and working through difficulties, even when it feels tough. 

Takeaways Abound!!! Listen in!!!

In this episode, we discuss the concept of filters in relationships and communication. We explore various filters that can affect communication, including inattention, emotional state, beliefs and expectations, different styles of communication, and external influences. We emphasize the importance of open and honest communication, understanding each other's filters, and using love as a positive filter. They also highlight the need for continuous growth and learning in relationships.

Highlighted Resource: Fighting for Your Marriage (book)

Takeaways

• Filters in relationships and communication can affect how we perceive and respond to each other.
• Inattention, emotional state, beliefs and expectations, different communication styles, and external influences can act as filters.
• Open and honest communication is crucial for understanding and navigating these filters.
• Using love as a positive filter can help foster understanding and connection in relationships.

***Valentine's Day Edition*** In this episode, we discuss the importance of being lovers and friends in a marriage. We each highlight three key aspects that we need in order for our partner to become our lover AND friend. We conclude by emphasizing the need for authentic conversations to foster a deeper connection to become true lovers and friends. If you are single and dating . . . we dedicate a special section to you at the 25-minute mark by talking about how to determine if someone is truly invested in a relationship with you. 

This episode explores the challenges and strategies for balancing careers and marriage. We discuss the importance of creating boundaries in work and home life, as well as the need for work-life balance. We highlight the importance of supporting each other's careers and showing up for each other at home (e.g., dividing household chores). We also emphasize the significance of making wise career choices that align with personal passions and family values. 

Takeaways

• Create boundaries between work and home life to maintain a healthy balance.
• Make wise career choices that align with personal passions and values.
• Support each other's careers and divide and conquer at home (e.g., divide household chores).
• Avoid discussing work during personal time and resolve issues before going to bed.
• Check in with each other's feelings and maintain open communication.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of wellness in marriage and dating. We share personal experiences and highlight the importance of "completing" yourself. We also emphasize the need for healthy communication, expressing love and respect, and taking time for oneself. Additionally, we stress the importance of expressing gratitude for your partner and making deposits in the relationship.

Takeaways

• Avoid overanalyzing every little thing and be authentic in your relationship.
• Take time to complete yourself on your own terms and prioritize self-care.
• Maintain healthy communication and express love and respect for each other.
• Seek counseling and educate yourself on relationship dynamics.
• Express gratitude and make deposits in the relationship to foster a healthy and fulfilling partnership. Take time for self-reflection to understand yourself better.
• Build healthy communication habits to improve relationships.
• Express gratitude for each other to enhance overall well-being.

In this episode, we discuss our experiences as co-parents and share five key factors that have helped us navigate our co-parenting journey. The conversation focuses on effective communication, setting and maintaining boundaries, making decisions together, praying for the well-being of the children, respecting each other's parenting styles, adjusting to shared parenting time, emotional maturity and grace, and keeping the main thing the main thing---prioritizing the children.

Takeaways
1. Open and honest communication is crucial in co-parenting relationships, both between co-parents and with the children.
2. Setting boundaries and managing expectations helps create a healthy co-parenting dynamic.
3. Prioritizing the well-being of your children should be the primary focus in co-parenting.
4. Emotional maturity is essential in navigating the challenges of co-parenting.
5. Utilizing different modalities of communication, such as technology, can facilitate healthy communication.
6. Grace and prayer play a significant role in navigating the challenges of co-parenting.
7. Reconciliation and forgiveness are important for healing and moving forward in co-parenting relationships.
8. Protecting and prioritizing the family is essential in co-parenting. Effective communication is key in co-parenting.
9. Setting and maintaining boundaries is crucial to ensure a healthy co-parenting relationship.
10. Making decisions together and keeping the children's well-being first is important.
11. Praying for the healing and well-being of the children is essential.
12. Respecting each other's parenting styles and not trying to control the other parent's household is important.
13. Adjusting to shared parenting time can be challenging but can also provide opportunities for personal growth.
14. Emotional maturity and grace are necessary in navigating co-parenting challenges.
15. Keeping the main thing, which is the well-being of the children, at the forefront helps in resolving issues.

In this episode of Cumi Valdez, we discuss the challenges and dynamics of blended families. We share our personal experiences of blending our families, which include a total of ten children. We discuss the importance of understanding and navigating different family habits, parenting approaches, and personalities. We also emphasize the need for grace, creating opportunities for connection, and not sweating the small stuff. The power of prayer is highlighted as a tool for navigating the complexities of blended families. 

Takeaways

• Let the blending of families happen organically and avoid forcing it.
• Extend grace to all family members, including yourself.
• Create opportunities for the entire family to spend time together and bond.
• Don't sweat the small stuff and focus on what truly matters.
• Prayer can be a powerful tool for navigating the challenges of blended families.

Cumi Valdez focuses on marriage, relationships, blended families, business, careers, health, and wellness. In this first episode, we share how we were introduced to each other and the reason why we have launched this podcast. We touch on everything from our first meeting, first lunch date, and the moment we expressed our feelings to each other.