The (Almost) Post Pandemic Parade
This Week’s Quick Hits:
This week as we are enjoying spring and all the new life that comes in that season, let’s look at some quotes on life!
“A little improvement each day makes a big difference over time.” - Tony Dungy
“Prayer is the pulse of life.” - Andrew Murray
“I believe that the ability to remain calm is an essential skill in modern life.” - Rick Mathis, Stay Calm
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”- Jesus, Matthew 6:27
“Life is a question and how we live it is our answer.” - Gary Keller
“The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye.” - Jimi Hendrix
“Look for opportunities in every change in your life.” - Meir Liraz, How to Improve Your Leadership and Management Skills
“Our Biggest Marriage Mistakes”
Read, Watch, Listen.
Read:
I am on my second time through this book. It has so much information that there was no way I got it all the first time through! I am a health nut of sorts anyway and I love all the advances that are helping us live healthier lives. This book highlights the newest breakthroughs in health technology to help maximize our energy and strength, prevent disease, and extend our health span. Many of the things talked about are in the future but for many of them, the future is not that far off. At times it does seem like an infomercial for the companies Tony is invested in but the fact that he believes in these companies enough to invest in them speaks a lot to me. The book encouraged me to make some needed changes in my lifestyle and I think I am already seeing results.
Watch:
Have you ever wondered why God answered your prayer differently than you thought He would? Join me in this week’s Awesome Marriage Vlog on YouTube as I unpack this question.
Listen:
“Oneness Vs. Codependency - What's the Difference?” With Special Guest Debra Fileta
I am so honored to once again have my good friend and fellow therapist Debra Fileta join us on this week’s podcast. We will discuss how the best relationships are created out of our overflow and not from our emptiness, false beliefs that are harmful to Christian marriages, and much more. Don’t miss this one!
Insights:
The (Almost) Post Pandemic Parade
We are beginning to talk about it but there are still so many unanswered questions. We know how to recover from war, depression, recession, and a myriad of other life seasons but this is our first pandemic in modern history. Among the professionals that I talk to and listen to, the consensus is that we are seeing more depression and anxiety.
Our children and grandchildren were homeschooled, in most cases, by someone who never wanted to be a teacher. Couples often do not accept change well. Working from home for a few weeks was something we all thought we could handle but two years and counting is too long for too many. Then we have people quitting their job just because.
Instead of sitting on the curb watching this post pandemic parade of woes, let’s join in the parade. Change begins with you and your family. Go over this checklist for yourself, your spouse, your kids, and anyone else living in your home.
Mental Well Being:
How are you mentally? Rate on a 1-10 scale with 10 being great.
Have you experienced, or are you experiencing, any feelings of depression? If yes, when?
Have you experienced or are you experiencing anxiety? If yes, when?
Has there been the death of a family member or of a close friend? How has that affected you?
What is the ratio of negative thoughts to positive thoughts in your mind?
Emotional Well Being:
What emotion do you experience the most?
Do your emotions fluctuate? If yes, how often and when?
Have you lost interest in things that once were important to you?
Are you easily agitated?
Do you have feelings of hopelessness? If yes, when?
Physical Well Being:
Do you feel excessively tired or fatigued? If yes, when and how often?
Do you have headaches, stomach aches, or body aches? If so, when and how often?
Are your sleeping habits erratic?
Have you had an increase or a decrease in your appetite? Describe what you are experiencing.
How often are you exercising?
Spiritual Well Being:
Do you feel you are falling away from God? If yes, when and how?
Is it difficult for you to see sin for what it is? When we are away from God, we can develop a dull conscience.
Who are the people currently in your circle of influence? Are these spiritually healthy relationships?
Do you believe that God has a good plan for your life? Why or why not?
Are you having a regular time with God every day? Why or why not?
Next Steps:
Once you go through the questions in each of the four categories, what picture does it paint? Are you healthier than you thought or worse than you thought? With this information, what is your next step? It could be a doctor appointment or a Christian counseling appointment or talking to your pastor or anything else that will help you in the process of your healing.
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