What is love really? Can we receive it? Are we capable of giving it? This is my personal view based on my personal experience. I pray that you can listen objectively and I also pray that you find that TRUE love.

In this episode, Mandy and I discuss the toxicity within the church, Christian communities, and around purity culture. We touch on how it has it effected us in our own lives and how we currently move to curve the toxicity we’ve experienced and continue to see.

My colleague and friend Wes joins me to discuss how control in relationships is toxic and what to do about it. Get some insight on how to better your mentality and build self-awareness. Calm is everything in life and relationships.

Just a little bonus (AKA extra thoughts and nuggets of wisdom). Leave behind that “take it or leave it” attitude! You can do better, we all can. Unchecked* broken people go around breaking people — and then the cycle continues.

I’ve failed many times at holding true to my principles and values in terms of significant relationships. That lead me down dark roads and confused me. I thought I could just love the person I was with and everything else would pan out. But I wasn’t true to myself and lacked the self-worth to hold true to my principles. Listen for some encouragement on your own journey. Take my little exercise as a prompt to think about what you want in this life. Happy listening!

In the happiest moments and memories, the common factor is your presence. How present and secure you were and felt. No matter the circumstance, your ability to show up, be present is the real work behind your happiness — take pride in that. Be empowered by that! Books: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey & Mind Hacking by Sir John Hargrave)

Take a position of serving. Take the position of gratitude. Let go of either as a simple attitude to use when convenient and drop when you feel like it.

Understanding yourself is the tool to empowering yourself and how you navigate life and relationships. A little about my journey and some recommendations based on how I’ve grown to understand myself more. Book Recommendation: Attached by Levine and Heller; enneagram personality test at www.truity.com; virtual counseling through BetterHelp.

I’m a type 2 for the enneagram test. Found it interesting and overwhelming in a good way. Found so many ways to improve myself. I want to encourage you all to take yours and hope you can find ways to do the same.

To all who listen, this is to bring understanding, peace, and unity. The #blacklivesmatter movement is near and dear to my heart. The people within the black community are my closest and dearest friends. Please listen and gain some insight and understanding. I thank you. Note: This was an impromptu recording. All data and statistics will be presented in a follow up episode.