We explore how understanding brain function can unlock a growth mindset and enhance spiritual resilience, beginning with five brain basics that affect our thinking patterns. • Our brains are naturally negative with a "negativity bias" that makes us Velcro for bad experiences and Teflon for good ones • The brain constantly scans for danger, which helps survival but can create unnecessary anxiety • Worry becomes habitual when we allow our brains to amplify stress and focus on what could go wro...
Have you ever wondered why some people bounce back stronger from life's harshest blows while others feel stuck and broken? Tune into our latest episode of the Resilient Solutions Shortcast, where I will unpack the four primary ways we react to trauma, adversity, and challenges. Drawing from my experience as an Army Chaplain, Licensed Mental Health Professional, and Crisis Response Specialist, I offer a unique lens on resilience. Inspired by Dr. W. Lee Warren's transformative book "Hope, the F...
Discover how debunking common myths can breathe new life into your marriage. Join me, John Thurman, as we tackle the widespread misconception that thriving relationships hinge on shared interests. It's not about forcing hobbies but about meaningful engagement with your partner. We also shed light on the idea that a peaceful relationship is inherently superior, revealing how well-managed arguments can actually foster growth and communication. Lastly, find out why venting every emotion unchecke...
Unlock the secrets to fighting fairly in your marriage and learn how to communicate effectively with your partner. Join me, John Thurman, as I share ten proven tips to help you and your spouse handle conflicts constructively. Drawing from over five decades of marriage and insights from Dr. John Gottman's research, we tackle the common pitfalls in relationships where conflicts are recurrent and often unsolvable. Learn how to keep disputes private, prioritize solvable issues, and protect your c...
We explore practical strategies to enhance intimacy in marriage, discussing the importance of trust, communication, and connection. Couples can reignite their passion and strengthen their bond with ten actionable tips. • Understanding the reality of no-sex marriages • The essential role of communication in intimacy • Importance of giving full attention • Acknowledging and encouraging positive attributes • Being assertive without being critical • Avoiding the critique trap in conversati...
Can you imagine what your marriage would look like if you stopped believing in relationship myths that only hold you back? Join me, John Thurman, as we unravel some of the most pervasive misconceptions that could be affecting your relationship dynamics. In this episode, I debunk three common myths about marriage, including the idea that genuinely understanding your spouse is a one-time achievement and that perfect romance is a constant in significant relationships. We'll explore how cultural ...
Do you ever struggle with your faith? I have, and after you read How to Forge a Resilient Faith, you will have additional tools in your faith toolbox. Here are the Six Principles of a Resilient Faith: The First Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is to Demonstrate Active Optimism or a Vibrant Faith.The Second Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is Taking Decisive ActionThe Third Principle of How to Forge a Resilient Faith is to be Guided by God’s WordThe Fourth Principle of H...
One of the questions I ask many clients is, “What is your purpose or mission in life?” The inquiry usually leads to a pause, and they often say, “I’ve never been asked that question before.” If they have a church background, they say something like, “To love and serve God” or “To get married and raise a family.” But for the most part, they lack a personal mission statement or a clearly defined purpose. They usually need more focus, and a specific point to aim for. Focus is essential to livi...
Watch out for anger.Get closer to your partner. Be creative in finding ways to support your partner and grow your relationship.Integrate fun, special days into your routine.For Guys only - get off the couch and engage with your wife.By the way, be sure to download my 21 Ways to Improve Your Marriage ebook. Here is a link to the entire article. Let John know what you think!
Here are the 4 Tips - Be sure to check out the entire article to learn the right way to encourage your kids. Tip# 1 - Model Resilience Tip# 2 - Raise a Problem Solver Tip# 4 - Praise Your Child Purposefully and Intentionally Tip# 4- Set the Pace, be the Example because these life skills are more caught than taught. Let John know what you think!
Resistance Resistance is essentially stress inoculation. It refers to the ability of an individual, group, organization, or even an entire population to resist manifestations of clinical distress, impairment, or dysfunction associated with critical incidents, terrorism, and even mass disasters. Resistance is a form of psychological/behavioral immunity to distress and dysfunction. Resilience The second is resilience. According to Dr. George Bonanno, resilience is a naturally-occurring tool mo...
There are three final stages in How to Grow as a Man of Faith Pt 2: the Lover Stage, the King Stage, and the Sage Stage. The Lover Stage The lover needs the warrior to act decisively and restrain his passions. The lover stage (the 20s to 30s) is the awakening of the heart. This could manifest as a love of poetry, nature, music…and eventually romance. This is the stage in which men learn how to love themselves by loving others. It can also deepen your awareness of how you are created in Go...
How to Grow as a Man of Faith Pt # 1: The first three stages. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 NLT To grow as a man of faith, you must understand the stages of masculine development. This is the first part of a series that will show you a map as you continue your journey. A man of faith is someone with a sense of purpose. He knows he has a life mission and understands what it means to b...
Here are the Four Ways: 1. What are the results you are seeking? 2. What measurable actions are you going to take? 3. What is Your timeline? 4. What is your motivation for doing this? Here is a link to the entire article. Let John know what you think!
This is the second in the How to be a Man of Faith in Today’s World series, where we will examine the second half of Dr. Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules of Life as well as some important scriptural concepts to remember as you and I seek to be the men God has called us to be. Summary: 7. Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient). 8. Tell the truth. Or at least don’t lie. 9. Assume the person you are listening to knows something you don’t.&n...
Laughter is a powerful tool that can have long-term positive effects on your health. It can improve your mood, relieve pain and infuse you with hope. Laughter has the power to enhance your autoimmune system and decrease the risk of heart disease. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, help with depression, lower blood pressure, and increase the production of endorphins which make you happy. Benefits of Laughter: It connects you with othersIt can smooth out differencesIt strengthens and promo...
In this episode, you will be able to identify your "Dad style" and learn how to be a better dad using Faith-Friendly Tools. Dad Types The Distant or Passive DadThe Angry, Abusive DadThe Inconsistent DadThe Dependent DadThe Overindulging DadThe Balanced and Engaged DadThe Eight Traits of a Growing Christian Dad They are learning how to love their wife and kidsThey are learning to lead their familiesThey are working on being better communicatorsThey provide for their familiesThey actively purs...
According to the March 1-3, Harris Poll, the annual “Stress in America” survey found that more American adults rated inflation and the Russia-Ukraine situation as major stressors than any other issue in the poll’s entire 15-year history. American adults reported feeling emotionally overwhelmed and fatigued, with 87% agreeing it “feels like there has been a constant stream of crises without a break for the past two years.” What is the Antidote? Gratitude is the thankful appreciation of things...
One of the keys to having a resilient, long-lasting marriage is to do what you can to make sure your wife feels good about your relationship. Do you know the 6 needs of a happy wife? 1. Women need love. 2. Women are emotional. 3. Women want security. 4. She doesn’t want you to fix it; she just wants you to ...
Americans are facing epic shifts in inflation and an unprecedented rise in gas prices! Researchers with the American Psychological Association report an 80% increase in stress and anxiety due to the current worldwide crisis with the Russian unfounded invasion of Ukraine. The Scriptures teach us to "cast all of our fear and anxiety on the Lord." 1 Peter 5:7 In today's show, I reveal how to reframe FEAR and Anxiety by using a proven method that comes from my Cognitive Behavior Therapy t...