In episode175, I dive deeper into the topics of anxiety and fear. As we approach the Halloween season, I reflect on how fear and anxiety are not inherently bad emotions - in fact, we often seek them out through spooky movies, haunted houses, and other thrilling experiences.

However, I acknowledge that unprocessed anxiety can escalate into more debilitating emotions like panic and terror. I share a message I received from a concerned parent, whose son is struggling with anxiety but is hesitant to open up to his church leaders about it, fearing they may see it as disqualifying him from serving a mission. I emphasize that anxiety is a normal human emotion, not an illness, and that we need to do a better job of normalizing these feelings, especially for youth and young adults. Leaders and loved ones should create safe spaces for people to be honest about their fears and anxieties, offering support instead of judgment.

Ultimately, I encourage listeners to look to Christ, who can provide the courage to face our doubts and fears, even if He doesn't immediately take them away. By relying on the Savior's plan and Atonement, we can navigate our very human emotions with more self-compassion and resilience.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help LDS missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

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Get the Full Show Notes and Text/PDF Transcripts: HERE

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Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

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Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

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In episode 174 - When You're Asked to Teach, I share some important insights about creating a safe, loving environment when you are asked to teach, whether that's in a church setting, on a mission, or in any other context.

I emphasize the importance of moving away from a "quiz" mentality and instead fostering open conversations where everyone feels welcome to share their thoughts and experiences. I highlight the Savior's example of teaching each person according to their unique needs, and how we can emulate that by truly understanding where people are coming from before trying to teach them.

The goal should be to create an atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance, where the Spirit can freely flow. I encourage listeners to evaluate their own teaching approaches and consider whether they are cultivating this kind of safe, uplifting environment. By doing so, we can help everyone feel inspired, supported, and able to contribute meaningfully to the conversation, just as the Savior did. The key is moving away from a focus on "right" and "wrong" answers, and instead opening up the dialogue for all to participate.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

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Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Podcast Roadmap

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My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

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Episode 173 - Am I Doing a Good Job. In this episode, I, Jennie Dildine, the LDS mission coach, discuss the mindset shift around the question "Am I doing a good job?"

I share my personal experiences with self-validation and the human brain's tendency to focus on problems. I emphasize the importance of finding more believable and true thoughts, rather than trying to force positive thinking. I encourage listeners to shift their focus from seeking external validation to recognizing that what they are doing matters, regardless of whether they feel they are doing a good job.

I also discuss the importance of self-acceptance, effort, and the process of growth and transformation. I provide listeners with a new free resource, the "Podcast Roadmap," to help navigate the podcast episodes. I encourage listeners to download the freebie, leave a review, and reach out to me if they need support or have questions about the mission experience.

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Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Podcast Roadmap

Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here

In Episode 172. Resolving Differences, I explore the important topic of resolving differences. I delve into the brain's natural tendency to categorize things as "good" or "bad," which can lead to divisiveness, especially in our current climate. I highlight scriptural teachings that emphasize Christ's inclusivity and the invitation for all to come unto Him.

I provide practical steps to combat this divisiveness, such as understanding that we may not know someone's full story, creating a safe space for diverse perspectives, and gently addressing divisive language. Importantly, I encourage listeners to let go of the need to convince others and instead focus on broadening their circles to include people with different beliefs and experiences. By embracing our differences and making room for everyone, I suggest we can create a more unified and Christ-like community.

In conclusion, I emphasize that the best way to resolve differences is not to try to resolve them, but rather to understand that we are all part of the same human experience and should welcome everyone into our circles with love and understanding.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

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Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here

In episode 171, I talk about the emotional roller coaster that can happen when supporting a loved one, whether that's a missionary, companion, spouse, or child.

I share why our brains are wired to want to mirror others' emotions and try to "fix" their problems, but explain why that can actually be exhausting and counterproductive.

Instead, I suggest ways to step off the emotional roller coaster, such as recognizing when you're mirroring their emotions, reminding yourself that their experience is theirs, and accessing more grounded emotions like curiosity, acceptance, and compassion.

By getting off the ride, you can be a calmer, more effective support rather than getting caught up in the ups and downs. I share how this allows you to show up in a more useful way and avoid blaming yourself when your loved one is struggling.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

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Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here

Hey everyone, here on podcast episode 170, I'm excited to dive into the topic of shame in this episode. Shame is a complex emotion that many of us struggle with, especially during the unique experiences of serving a mission.

In this episode, I explore the differences between shame and guilt, highlighting how they can be intertwined yet distinct. I share insights from Brene Brown's research, outlining the four elements of shame resilience: recognizing shame, practicing critical awareness, reaching out to others, and speaking openly about shame.

By understanding shame as a natural human emotion, rather than something to be feared or avoided, we can learn to process it in a healthy way. I encourage listeners to approach shame with self-compassion, recognizing that we all experience it and that it doesn't make us inherently flawed or broken.

Throughout the episode, I emphasize the importance of normalizing the discussion around shame and other emotions. By sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we can reduce the isolation and shame that often accompanies these feelings. Whether you're preparing for a mission, currently serving, or a returned missionary, I hope these insights empower you to navigate the emotional landscape of the mission experience with greater understanding and resilience.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

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Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here

Here on episode 169 we are talking about 'When a Missionary Is Having a Tough Time'. As the LDS mission coach, I'm excited to share this episode on supporting missionaries who are having a tough time. Whether you're a current missionary, a returned missionary, or a missionary parent, this episode is for you.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Restore faith gathering, where I connected with many of you and heard your powerful mission stories. Those conversations reinforced the importance of understanding and compassion, as we all have our own burdens and struggles to navigate.

In this episode, I aim to provide perspective on how we can better support our companions, roommates, or loved ones who are facing challenges during their mission experience. The key is to avoid viewing their struggles as a burden or an inconvenience.

Instead, we must approach it with love, kindness, and a willingness to help carry their cross, just as Simon of Cyrene did for Jesus. By focusing on learning the lessons we need to learn, rather than what's not getting done, we can embody the Savior's example of bearing one another's burdens. I hope this episode inspires you to be a source of comfort and support for those facing difficulties, remembering that we all have our own battles to fight, and that's okay.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

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Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here

In episode 168. Look How Far You've Come, I share an important perspective shift that can make a big difference in your mission experience and beyond - focusing on your gains rather than the gap.

I was inspired by a message from my coach, who encouraged our group to celebrate our progress and achievements. So often, we have a tendency to fixate on our shortcomings and how far we have left to go. But I explain how this mindset can actually hold us back, creating feelings of discouragement and inadequacy. Instead, I suggest we "measure backwards" - looking at how far we've come rather than just focusing on the distance to our goals.

By reflecting on our past accomplishments, even the small ones, we can build genuine confidence and motivation to keep moving forward. I share personal examples of how this has played out with my missionary clients, helping them recognize their impressive growth. I believe this gain-focused mindset is key for thriving during and after your mission, so I encourage you to give it a try.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to share this episode all about rubber band emotions. As the LDS mission coach, I've noticed that emotions play a huge role in our lives, especially for those preparing for, serving, or returning from a mission.

One of the key things I've learned is that trying to avoid or postpone uncomfortable emotions is like trying to hold a rubber band stretched out - it just creates more tension and pressure until it snaps back. Instead, I encourage you to lean into those emotions, give them a name, and let them move through your body. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but I promise it's so much better than the emotional letdown that can happen when we try to ignore what we're really feeling.

Whether you're a future missionary, a current missionary, or a returned missionary, I hope this episode will empower you to embrace the full range of human emotions. Remember, there are no "good" or "bad" emotions - they're just information your brain and body are trying to give you. So let's dive in and learn how to process those rubber band emotions with grace and self-trust. I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here

Episode 166 - Back to Real Life, after an incredible 3-week family vacation in Europe, I've been navigating the transition back to my "real life" routine.

As exciting as the trip was, I've found myself feeling exhausted, unmotivated, and craving the consistency of my normal schedule. I've realized this ebb and flow between craving novelty and craving stability is a natural part of the human experience. Sometimes we long for the excitement of new adventures, while other times we just want the comfort of the familiar.

In this episode, I share strategies to compassionately navigate these transition periods, whether you're returning home from a mission, starting a new job, or simply adjusting to a new semester. The key is to avoid judging yourself and to find ways to introduce novelty into the mundane while also allowing yourself grace during the more routine phases.

Above all, I encourage embracing the "green grass" of wherever you are, rather than always thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. By finding joy and purpose in both the exciting and the ordinary, we can move through life's ebbs and flows with more ease and fulfillment. I hope these insights help you as you navigate your own "back to real life" moments.

As always, if you found this episode helpful, I want to invite you to subscribe if you aren't already, share this episode with your friends and missionaries you know, and write a review. I know this work will help missionaries around the world and it would mean so much to me if you did. Until next week my friends.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Get the Full Show Notes HERE

Free PDF Download:  Preparing Missionary Cheat Sheet

My Free Training for Preparing Missionaries:  Change Your Mission with this One Tool

RM Transition Free Video Series:  3 Tools to Help RMs in Their Transition Home

Free Guide:  5 Tips to Help Any Returning Missionary

Schedule a Free Strategy Call:   Click Here