Reflecting on our behaviors and challenging our thought patterns can be huge growth opportunities. Self grace and self compassion are important parts of this growth process. When trauma is a part of our story, extra doses of self grace and self compassion may be needed.

For some, poor identity formation is due to parents and authority figures not inviting kids appropriately into adulthood. When this happens, people often experience mental health distress. Need a more formed identity? There is some work to be done!

When we think through sin, there are two helpful definitions that clue us in to human behavior: "missing the mark" and "an illegitimate attempt to meet a legitimate need". When we understand this, there is room for self-compassion and others-compassion when it comes to considering why people engage the behaviors they do! Listen to learn more.

Mental health (as well as general health) has a lot to do with the inputs that we repeatedly do. We often have more control over our inputs than many of us take responsibility for, which means we also have more influence over outcomes than we possibly realize. Take a listen to learn more.

Grief is energy in motion. Sometimes, we may not know how to let it move. Listen for some insights on how grief can show up and what we do with it when it does.

There is a key element to emotional and relational wellness from which we would each benefit! However, surrounding ourselves with like-intentioned individuals is going to be a key part in attaining this posture. Listen to learn more.

NO is a complete sentence. But YES is a commitment. It is exclusive; every time we use this word, we eliminate a host of options in our lives. Use this word intentionally!

Here is an introductory list of some red flags that, when they show up in new relationships, should give us great pause. In fact, "abort mission" should be our response.

When we are experiencing frustration, an important question to ask is "What did I expect?". When we start to get insights into what we want to be true versus what is true, we can begin managing distress better.

People will be trying all types of new things today - setting intentions, setting goals, and making resolutions. Be an encourager, be a cheerleader, but if that doesn't work, at the very least, don't be a jerk! Happy 2022 friends!