Who else has trouble with empathy and pride? I think the truth is that we all do at times. Sometimes we get impatient with the people around us, sometimes we don’t want to ask for help and we’re not interested in helping. We have all looked down on others and found ourselves superior in our own minds on occasion. Some

This time of the year can be especially stressful … especially this year. The holidays are already a stressful and hectic time for many of us, but a new layer of tension is added by the pandemic…will we be able to see our family? Should we see our family? There might be pressure to stay home, or pressure to attend

Beginning as children, we are often told the importance of empathy. We are taught not to push other kids on the playground, or take their toys because “how would you like it if they did that to you?” This is usually our first brush with the concept that other people have feelings, just like us. They can feel hurt and

Here is a benchmark of Healthy Christian Leaders: Display a modest view of one’s importance, abilities and strengths. How do they do that? By demonstrating altruism, empathy and curiosity, seeking to learn in all situations. This blog explores the practice of curiosity. When I was struggling with burnout, one of the things I noticed was a significant decline in my

Displaying humility When I was two, my parents took me on the train to Alice Springs in central Australia. My dad was an engine driver, so it was a really novel thing for me. During the journey, my mother gave me a tin full of biscuits for a snack. I looked around at all the people on the train and

What causes you to forgo emotional restraint? One of the most embarrassing things a parent deals with is a toddler throwing a tantrum in public. The good news is that most children learn they do not get the outcome they want and grow out of this behaviour. When leading a youth camp, I took car keys from a 18yo male

Here is the benchmark: Healthy Christian Leaders self-regulate emotions. Being aware of the impact emotions have upon others, they take action to manage their emotions. One of the signs I was not emotionally well was becoming more critical in conversation. It became harder to hold my tongue—cynical and critical words flowed. Kindness was replaced with sharp bluntness. I found it

Emotions impact us and others Emotions have a big impact in our life. If we are feeling sad, our work will suffer. Anger often causes loss of clarity and distracts us from the important. Fatigue is a thick fog that immobilises. Gaining an understanding of your emotions is very important. Ignoring them is disastrous. Giving them unfettered reign is likewise

Self-regulating emotions It is wonderful how the emotion of happiness is contagious. One of the great gifts we can bring to our families is to bring the emotion of happiness home. When happiness is bubbling up inside of us, it starts to bubble inside of others. Laughter and smiles flow from one face to another.Likewise, the emotion of sadness travels