Appreciation is all about remembering the good things, feeling the good things, and sharing the good things! Chris shares some fun activities he did with a group of friends in person to help them build joy and remember meaningful moments in their lives.

These exercises can help us live with greater joy and peace, strengthening our ability to handle tough situations and conversations—even on hard days or when we’re not feeling our best. Reliving appreciation allows us to revisit joyful memories and bring that same joy into the present!

🔗 PDF Freebie - Download this free exercise you can use during any Thanksgiving with your friends and family, in person or from afar: https://bit.ly/thanksgivingappreciation

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We all want to live as the best versions of ourselves—the way God designed us to be—even when we’re experiencing big emotions. But that takes practice!

Our friend Rivers shares stories about times when he felt overwhelmed and stressed, how he recognized what was happening, and what he did to respond with peace and strength instead of reacting from that stress.

Hearing these real-life stories—ones we can all relate to—gives us hope and reminds us that living in shalom is truly possible.

🔗 See more stories for navigating emotions with our Free webinar; Stories of Emotions: https://youtu.be/EbI1AEpU5X8

🔗 Work on your emotions at home with one of our Return to Joy courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/collections/skill-11

🔗 And consider joining us at a Thrive Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training/

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One of the skills that is learned in the child level of maturity is to discover what satisfies us, so that we can become adults who know how to fulfill our needs and desires in a life-giving way and live a life of contentment. Do we, as adults, have this skill? How can we help our children learn? This episode shares stories about recognizing true satisfaction and how to step through that process, so that we can care for ourselves and others.

🔗 See the book series from Dr Jim Wilder: Growing a More Human Community: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFZN9YK7

🔗 Learn more about our 4 Habits book series: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-series/

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Chris and Jen share an update on their year, offering a perspective shaped by appreciation. They walk us through how they’ve learned to recognize gratitude, even in situations that initially feel discouraging. They also offer a glimpse into how they continually practice the skill of appreciation, helping them remain rooted in hope and connected to Immanuel.

🔗 Visit https://thrivetoday.org/skill4 to explore our resources on the skill of "Create Appreciation".

🔗 Join our upcoming online event "From Shame to Strength" on November 10, 2025: https://thrivetoday.org/shame-to-strength

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In this episode, Kristy shares her personal journey through the complex terrain of shame—how it shaped her and how she found healing. Then, Chris dives into various signs that we struggle with this difficult emotion, and shares practical, compassionate strategies for breaking free and growing through it. If you've ever felt weighed down by self-doubt or hidden pain, this episode is for you.

🔗 Join our upcoming online event "From Shame to Strength" on November 10, 2025: https://thrivetoday.org/shame-to-strength

🔗 Head to https://thrivetoday.org/skill11 to explore our resources on emotions.

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A new, and increasing common trend in our society, has been to turn to AI companions for validation and friendship. Is this healthy and helpful longterm? Why is this happening and what do people need? Chris takes a look at the underlying needs that everyone has.

🔗 Joy Starts Here: https://bit.ly/joystartsherebook

🔗 Habit Builder Courses: https://thrivetoday.org/skill-practice-courses/

🔗 Thrive Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training/

🔗 Learn more about Relational Skills: https://thrivetoday.org/relationalskills/

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In this eye-opening episode, Chris Coursey and Kristy Harrang explore the surprising blessing of unpleasant emotions. From anger to hopeless despair, they look at how our most difficult feelings can become unexpected gifts. Through stories from their own lives, they reveal how embracing emotional discomfort can guide us toward growth, healing, and deeper connection.

🔗 Join our upcoming online event "From Shame to Strength" on November 10, 2025: https://thrivetoday.org/shame-to-strength

🔗 Head to https://thrivetoday.org/skill11 to explore our resources on emotions.

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What are high energy emotions? When do our brains go to these high energy responses and why? Chris answers these questions and more as he looks at how God designed our brains and bodies to work and how we can develop life-giving response patterns to the stresses of life. 

🔗 Check out our Return to Joy (skill 11) courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/collections/skill-11

🔗 Our Premier Training focuses on returning to joy from negative emotions in Track 2 of the training. You can learn more here: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training/

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In this episode Chris discusses the topic of low energy emotions, which emotions fit into this category, and signs that we are experiencing them. You will also hear from Amy, as she shares a story of a time she was feeling the low-energy emotion of sadness. 

🔗 Check out our Return to Joy (skill 11) courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/collections/skill-11

🔗 Learn more about Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training/

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In this episode, Chris makes the connection between awareness and conscientiousness, which is a more important character trait than we may have thought. 

Our ability to distinguish finely between our emotions results in increased flexibility when regulating emotions and a decreased likelihood that we'll turn to alcohol when stressed or retaliate against people who hurt us? Listen in and learn more about why emotional awareness matters! 

🔗 Check out our Return to Joy (skill 11) courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/collections/skill-11

🔗 Learn more about Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training/

🔗 Download your THRIVEtoday Emotions Wheel: https://thrivetoday.org/freebies/#wheel

*Our NEW Emotions Assessment will be out on Oct 31st!*

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