In this episode, Ganel-Lyn interviews Jesika Harmon, co-founder of “The New Norm.” The New Norm is a growing movement that seeks to help teenagers AND parents push against the digital tide of social media and live in real life.

In regards to raising children in the digital age, Jesika offers some heartfelt advice for parents: “Teach your kids to learn how to live in real life—because it’s real relationships, real people—real, tangible things that bring you happiness and help you connect.”

Learn more about The New Norm at https://www.newnorm.org

Often, when one family member is struggling with mental illness, all members of the family are affected in various ways. What may be reality for one person may be completely different for another, so it is important to talk openly and connect in meaningful ways that can help everyone to cope together.

In this episode of The ReConnect Podcast, Ganel-Lyn sits down with Julie Lee, host of the “I See You” podcast, to discuss coping with mental illness in a family.

Julie explains that saying “I see you,” means that I am aware of you, your life, and your needs. In other words, you are not invisible. Connection comes when we learn to truly see each other and are willing to do what it takes to help.  We need to find out what kind of connections each person needs in order to feel “seen.”

Coping with the negative emotions associated to family trauma can be hard. Sometimes healthy connection requires a disconnection first. Taking a break from family members can be a good way to reconnect with yourself and your Creator to make sure that you are mentally healthy. It is possible (and important) to recognize how other people’s trauma, actions, or emotions have affected you without making them feel shame for it. A boundary that is created in love can lift and heal relationships, by giving you the space to understand yourself and how you are dealing with trauma within the relationship.

We must also recognize that mental illness can have different outcomes for different people. Your struggle with depression may not (and probably won’t) look the same as someone you’ve watched go through it before. You can have a different outcome.

Toward the end of the interview, Julie Lee shares this heartfelt message directly to the listener: If you are struggling with mental illness, “I believe and know with all my heart that there is a next step for you.” Nobody is “extra.” If you’re willing to put in the extra work and stay, you’ll never regret it. The world needs you.

To learn more about Julie Lee and her podcast,  visit : www.iseeyoupodcast.com

The ReConnect Podcast is produced by Anasazi Foundation. Anasazi Foundation is a wilderness therapy program for at-risk youth, and our mission is to help turn hearts homeward. Learn more about us at Anasazi.org. You may also find inspiration in reading our book, The Five Legends.

In this episode, Ganel-Lyn interviews Dan Davis, the founder of Stiry—a video production company in North Salt Lake City, Utah. Dan shares how a period of unemployment led him to a "perspective moment," wherein he discovered his true calling in life.

Dan encourages listeners to “Find ‘perspective moments’—a time that you felt inspired, or discovered something, or wanted to be more… and then discover what you felt you should do as a result.” 

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The ReConnect Podcast with Ganel-Lyn Condie, sponsored by The Anasazi Foundation! We are so glad you have found us and hope that you will find encouragement and practical ways to reconnect with your loved ones and yourself here.

As humans, we are all wired for connection, but in the world we live in, it is easy to lose sight of ourselves and each other. Too often, when we need each other the most, we feel the least connected and able to reach out.
 
This can tend to happen in the daily grind of family life, but there are 3 transition times during your day which are opportunities for reconnection just waiting to happen: getting everyone out the door, coming home, and going to bed. Take a look at the dynamics of your family members during those times, how connections are established (or not established), and everyone’s stress levels.
 
If you felt like you were short with one of your kids or missed an opportunity for genuine connection with them as they told you about your day because you were distracted by something going on in your own mind, be honest with them, circle back, and try the interaction again. You don’t always have to tell them why you were distracted in detail, but even your simple admission that you are frustrated because of something someone said to you will let them in enough to establish that connection that was previously missed.

Think about some examples in your own life or daily routine where reconnection can occur. Personalize it to your specific family situation and structure. Perhaps you can pick up a connection that has been strained for a long time, practice forgiveness, change the narrative, or just strengthen the relationships you have or want to have.

As you start this journey, keep this quote in mind: “Work towards that which matters to you.”

Connect with us:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL46s7WxeczJ14xUXeG6WK8W70feCO8uLf
https://www.anasazi.org/ 
http://www.ganellyn.com/