Skilling It!

What Do Weeds and Conflict Have in Common?

This episode explores how weeds and conflict follow similarpatterns: what gets ignored can spread, tangle, and become much harder to handle later.

Dr. Chris Wilson explains common conflict triggers, thebiology of escalation, and a simple APT framework for responding with more awareness and less reactivity.

She discusses the origins of conflict triggers, how to spot the early signs, and how to connect the trigger to an old wound or unmet need.

She shares the APT framework for handling triggers:Awareness of physical warning signs, Pause before reacting, and Trace the emotion back to its root cause.

The episode closes with a suggestion to use a lens of lovefor dealing with conflict more skillfully, and practical reflection questions.

It’s All About Chemistry link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENCBUTenUOg&t=3s

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wilson explores the profound effects our thoughts have on brain chemistry and overall health.

Discover practical strategies to shift from toxic thinking to a more positive mental state and learn how these mental shifts can influence physical health and relationships.

7 Ways to Begin Improving Your Brain Chemistry

1. Practice mindfulness, mindful redirecting, and prayer.

2. Exercise regularly – endorphins, dopamine, serotonin

3. Get good sleep – research shows sleep deprivation has a negative impact on brain chemistry

4. Eat well – 90% Serotonin is produced in the gut. Feed that gut microbiome with plant-based real food.

5. Practice gratitude – Easy to do. Instant dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin

6. Say something kind to yourself (and others!) –Releases dopamine, supports serotonin and oxytocin and lowering stress hormones like cortisol.

7. Reward yourself for a job well done - This releases dopamine and supports motivation to continue or take on other challenges

Resources:

     How thinking affects your brain chemistry, Vilhauer, Jennice, PhD., April 10, 2023 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-forward/202304/how-your-thinking-affects-your-brain-chemistry

     What Happy People Know, Baker, Dan (2003)

     Aggravating mood disorders: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9020513/ -

   Source: Mark Hyman, MDhttps://share.google/JhFDsPx7vCAgDCuui

Dr. Chris Wilson explores the science behind negativity spirals, how our brains are wired to focus on the negative, and practical strategies to break free from thesedestructive thought patterns.

Learn how awareness, triggers, and simple daily practices can transform your thought life.

Link toprevious YouTube video – Stuck in Toxic Thinking? https://youtu.be/h_uo8NK2j9s?si=7ovWoUuaYdv347KD

Resources:

Allen, J. (2020). Get Out of Your Head. Colorado Springs: Waterbrook.

Jerome, L. W. (2022, December 23). How to Recognize Negative Thought Cycles and Stop Obsessing. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-stories-we-tell/202212/how-to-recognize-negative-thought-loops-and-stop-obsessing

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wilson explores the impact of toxic thinking on mental and physical health, and provides practical strategies to taper toxic thoughts, foster a better mindset and improve well-being.

This episode explores the transformative power ofcelebrating small wins to boost motivation, resilience, and overall success.

Dr. Chris Wilson shares neuroscience insights, practical tips, and mindset shifts to help listeners rewire their brains for positivity and growth.

Get ready to rethink success, embrace your progress, andstart celebrating your wins—no matter how small. Your mind and motivation will thank you.

Who’s WritingYour Narrative – You or Your Diagnosis?

If you're navigating a chronic illness, learning how tocraft and control your personal story can significantly impact your mental health and sense of purpose.

Dr. Chris Wilson shares insights on how changing yournarrative empowers you to live meaningfully beyond diagnosis. She outlines how rewriting your personal narrative can transform your experience of chronic illness by fostering resilience, hope, and agency. Discover practical strategies to reframe your story, reduce psychological distress, and live afulfilling life despite limitations.

Main Topics:

-The importance of managing the tension between your old self and your new identity

- How meaning-making helps transition from loss to empowerment- The role of neuroplasticity in rewiring your brain andthoughts

- Practical steps to identify, write, and align actions withyour new story

- Biblical encouragement and faith-based mindset shifts

Chapters

   00:00 Reconstructing Identity Through Narrative     02:41 The Power of Storytelling in ChronicIllness    05:15 Neuroplasticity and the Impact ofSelf-Talk 07:59 Steps to Rewrite Your Narrative     10:41 Aligning Actions with Your New Story   13:12 The Role of Affirmations and PositiveThinking 15:50 Empowerment Through Reflection and Prayer

Keywords

chronic illness, self-narrative, resilience,neuroplasticity, mental health, empowerment, coping strategies, personal growth.

Remember, your story is still being written—embrace thepower you have to shape it every day.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wilson explores how powerful self-talk and inner dialogue significantly influence our physical and mental health, especially when living with chronic illness. She shares practical tools, insights from neuroscience, and encouragement to reframe negative thoughts into supportive, life-affirming statements.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wilson discusses the association between psychological flexibility and higher life satisfaction, better health, and improved resilience.

She examines how neuroplasticity allows us to rewire ourbrain to become more adaptable, how building a flexible mindset involves challenging all-or-nothing thinking, and how listening to your body helps prevent crashes and reduces inflammation.

Finally, she’ll discuss how affirmations can retrain yourbrain and support emotional regulation.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction to Flexibility and Chronic Illness

00:52 The Benefits of Psychological Flexibility

01:01 Elements of Flexibility: Presence, Openness,Acceptance

02:01 Accepting Difficult Emotions and Managing Change

02:58 The Brain's Response to Unpredictability andNeuroplasticity

04:18 Flexibility as Self-Care, Not Failure

05:19 Rewiring the Brain for Flexibility

06:16 Imagining a Flexible You

07:15 Benefits of Embracing Flexibility

07:59 Building a Flexible Mindset

08:59 Listening to Your Body

11:50 Using Affirmations to Foster Flexibility

13:06 Redefining Chronic Illness and Flexibility

Keywords

psychological flexibility, chronic illness, resilience,neuroplasticity, self-care, emotional regulation, adaptability, mental health, wellness, personal growth

Resource Link:

Cherry, K. (2025, November 12). PsychologicalFlexibility: What It Means and Why It's Important. Verywell Mind. RetrievedApril 6, 2026, from https://www.verywellmind.com/psychological-flexibility-7509628

This episode encourages us to slow down and explore thetransformative power of self-compassion. It offers practical reflection questions to cultivate kindness towards oneself.

Discover how self-compassion enhances happiness, resilience, and overall well-being.

Keywords

Self-compassion, mindfulness, mental health,self-care, resilience, kindness, emotional well-being

Key  Topics

Self-compassion is the practice of becoming a good friend toyourself.

It leads to greater happiness, motivation, and betterrelationships.

Asking yourself what you need is crucial for self-care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Compassion and Mindfulness

01:09 The Core of Self-Compassion: Removing Barriers to Love

02:06 What Does the Bible Say About Self-Compassion?

02:56 Benefits of Practicing Self-Compassion

03:45 Reflecting on Sending Love to Your Body

05:09 Words That Remind You of Your Choices

06:24 Identifying Your Needs for Self-Compassion

07:38 The Ongoing Practice of Self-Compassion

08:07 Carrying Self-Compassion Into Your Daily Life

Resources

Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff -https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Self-Compassion-Workbook-Kristin-Neff/dp/1626258624

Redefining Chronic Illness – Gratitude Despite the Storm

In this episode, Dr. Chris Wilson explores how cultivating gratitude can transform the experience of living with chronicillness.

She shares personal stories, scientific research, and practical tips to help listeners find moments of peace and resilience and build a gratitude practice amid hardship.

One key takeaway - What we focus on is what we will see.

Connect with Dr. Christina Wilson @ [email protected]

Gratitude Article Links

https://www.recognizeyourpotential.com/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-gratitude-that-you-can-start-today-to-enjoy-your-life-more/

https://halo.com/10-amazing-statistics-to-celebrate-national-gratitude-month/

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/40-simple-ways-practice-gratitude.html