Deconstructing Shame

In the online discussion about body image, there's often a disconnect when it comes to the terms that are used. Some people talk about "body shame" with an understanding that it is a negative and toxic emotion that can lead to serious trauma and mental illness. Others will talk about "body shame" to refer to what they see as a healthy motivation to eat healthier foods and exercise more regularly. How can people who are using the same phrase to refer to almost opposite ideas have an effective conversation about how we can best take care of ourselves?

Continue ReadingDeconstructing Shame

Taking Responsibility For Your Life After Divorce

If you are a human and living life, then you have without a doubt experienced another human doing something that has hurt you or made your life more difficult. In these situations we need to have a lot of self-compassion for ourselves but we also need to learn and start taking responsibility for our emotions and reactions.  Being a coach for those going through a divorce, coach Tanya Hale helps her clients learn how to take responsibility and move out of being a victim. As you will hear Tanya say today, when there is a villian, there is always a victim. We all need to learn to take responsibility for our agency so that instead of being a victim we can be a hero.  This episode contains so many truths we all could use. We hope you listen and apply what is being taught. The concepts taught here apply to all of us but if you happen to be going through a divorce, then make sure to look Tanya up and get a free consultation call so she can help you do it faster and better.   

Continue ReadingTaking Responsibility For Your Life After Divorce

Common Ground in the Debate Over Teaching Kids About Race in School

The debate over how race – and America’s history with racism – should be taught in schools has come to feel black and white: you’re either for it or against it. But race isn’t black and white, and neither is the issue of how to teach kids about race in schools. In this episode of the podcast, we’ll hear from two mothers and a teacher with especially complicated views on when it’s helpful to talk about race with kids – and when it can do more harm than good. While their views on CRT and teaching the history of slavery differ, both mothers would like to be able to trust teachers to navigate race-related topics in a way that leaves all children feeling affirmed, not ashamed. And teachers need trust from parents to navigate the issue successfully. Is it possible our deep divide over teaching kids about race is not a question of curriculum, but rather of trust?

Continue ReadingCommon Ground in the Debate Over Teaching Kids About Race in School

Matthew 4; Luke 4–5

In this episode we'll talk about Matthew 4 and Luke 4-5. We'll cover three separate insights. First, we'll discuss Jesus' experiences with Satan's temptations and how yielding to temptations will never bring ultimate happiness. Second, we'll review the example of Jesus' first interaction with Simon Peter. We'll talk about the importance of following the promptings of the Spirit, regardless of how they might conflict with conventional wisdom. Third, we'll discuss the concept of self-care, review examples from scripture about how the Savior did this intentionally, and talk about how important it is to take some sort of emotional break on a regular basis.

Continue ReadingMatthew 4; Luke 4–5