Skilling It!

Acts of cruelty baffle us whereas acts of kindness move us. We can’t control people who are cruel, but we can choose to be kind. In this episode we’ll look at the spiritual, psychological, physiological, and social benefits of kindness and some simple ideas to spread kindness.

Kindness Challenge: 10 Acts of Kindness

Brett Blumenthal/Sheer Balance

https://sheerbalance.com/kindness-challenge-10-acts-of-kindness/

KINDNESS IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP BY RICK WARREN — JULY 23, 2017

https://pastorrick.com/devotional/english/full-post/kindness-is-worth-the-cost/

The Importance of Kindness Karyn Hall Ph.D.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pieces-mind/201712/the-importance-kindness?amp

The heart and science of kindness Melissa Brodrick, MEd

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-heart-and-science-of-kindness-2019041816447

Compartmentalized v. Integrated: The Mind of Elliot Rodger 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/just-listen/201405/compartmentalized-v-integrated-the-mind-elliot-rodger?amp

The art of kindness by Steve Siegle L.P.C. 

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-art-of-kindness

Podcast - The secret ingredient to better mental health and how kindness change your brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ywSJnfxKdO2FpFqDZcCmf?si=oyRfLVBvTz6s83qh3Swx3w&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A7zPnnLDZA9qb8mwuvlxoZZ&nd=1

This bonus episode includes 40 simple ideas for practicing gratitude every day.

SHOW NOTES:

Episode 8: Safe, Effective, Free Mood Booster - Gratitude

Correction: the Pew research article quoted in this episode was written in 2021

In this episode we discuss the multidimensional benefits of gratitude from a biblical perspective and using current research and learn 20 simple ideas for incorporating gratitude in daily life.

Bible verse: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV.

Skill for today: Self-care – Gratitude

Resources:

1. Many Americans continue to experience mental health difficulties as pandemic enters second year PEW RESEARCH, MARCH 16, 2021

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/03/16/many-americans-continue-to-experience-mental-health-difficulties-as-pandemic-enters-second-year/

2. Book - The Psychology of Gratitude by Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough

3. The Neuroscience of Gratitude and How it Affects Anxiety and Grief  by Chowdhury - https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/

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

4. Daily Devotional – An attitude of gratitude By Keysian Gordon

https://devotable.medium.com/daily-devotion-an-attitude-of-gratitude-c08046b75133

5. 40 Simple Ways To Practice Gratitude by Ciara Conlon

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

In this podcast we discuss social emotional skills such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and resilience, along with practical self care ideas. I provide both a biblical perspective and current research on the benefits of incorporating these skills in your life to improve relationships and well-being. 

In this episode we discuss fear-based thoughts and how they can morph into self-sabotage and more ideas on where fear-based thoughts come from. Finally, I’ll propose solutions for overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors.

Bible verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Skill for today: Self-awareness – the gift that keeps on giving

Fear Not—God Is for You!

BY RICK WARREN — MARCH 21, 2021

https://pastorrick.com/fear-not-god-is-for-you-2/

Works Cited:

Boss, K. (. (2020, June 29 ). Purposeful Social Selling Podcast. Retrieved from Episode 3: Sneaky Types of Self-Sabotage (Audio podcast): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mSvHPpGonDb7ekpIq4dKX?si=yXZ_5-Y-Q9GDY7e1aFX_fA&nd=1

Kross, E. (2021). Chatter. New York: Penguin Random House LLC.

Leaf, C. P. (2009). Who Switched Off my Brain. Southlake: Improv, Ltd>.

Newberg, A. M., & Waldman, M. R. (2012). Words Can Change Your Brain. New York: Avery an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Some people have grown accustomed to toxic thoughts without realizing the detrimental effects. In this episode, we learn how toxic thoughts morph into self-sabotage. We'll discuss the definition of self-sabotage, some facts about self-sabotage, and discuss some specific examples. Finally, we'll look at self-sabotage as a defense mechanism. 

Berg, K. (2015). Your  Self-Sabotage Survival Guide. Pompton Plains: Career Press.

Brenner, B. P. (2019, June 19). Stop  Sabotaging Yourself: Tips for Getting Out of Your Own Way. Retrieved from  Therapy Group of NYC: https://nyctherapy.com/therapists-nyc-blog/stop-sabotaging-yourself-tips-for-getting-out-of-your-own-way/

Ho, J. P. (2019). Stop  Self-Sabotage. Toronto: Harper Wave.

Jacobsen, S. (2016, May 10). Self  Sabotage - What it Looks Like and Why You Do It. Retrieved from Harley  Therapy Counselling Blog:  https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/self-sabotage.htm

Raypole, C. (2019, November 20). How  Self-Sabotage Holds You Back. Retrieved from Healthline:  https://www.healthline.com/health/self-sabotage 

Toxic thoughts sneak up on us before we recognize them. However, toxic thoughts have negative effects on our mind and bodies. This episode explains how a toxic thought forms, provides examples of toxic thinking, and reviews how to change toxic thoughts to positive or normative thoughts through persistence and practice. 

Toxic thoughts sneak up on us and many times we don't even notice. However, toxic thoughts have negative effects on our mind and bodies. This episode explains how toxic thoughts form, the benefits of changing toxic thinking, signs we're in a negative thinking pattern, and ideas to transform toxic ruminations. 

In episode 3 we begin to learn and develop emotional intelligence skills which are highly sought after in the workplace as they provide a rich foundation for teamwork and collaboration. In this episode we'll begin with self-awareness which is thought to be the foundation of emotional intelligence. We'll look at the benefits of increased self-awareness and practical exercises to help reach that goal. Finally, we'll take a closer look at self-awareness by analyzing our thoughts. I'll show you how thoughts and emotion affect each other and how negative thoughts might impact the body. 

Listening is an interpersonal skill that builds empathy, influence, and better communication. Many courses teach us how to be better speakers and presenters but there are far fewer classes on how to listen well. In this podcast I introduce 4 techniques that help you become a better listener. Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person! Join me to enhance your listening skills.