building a sustainable life.

Featured image for “Three ways to practise curiosity”
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

Three ways to practise curiosity

December 17, 2020
Featured image for “3 keys to humility”
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

3 keys to humility

December 10, 2020
Featured image for “Five steps to gain emotional restraint”
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

Five steps to gain emotional restraint

December 3, 2020
Featured image for “4 keys to self-regulate emotions”
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

4 keys to self-regulate emotions

November 26, 2020
Featured image for “5 things to moderate emotional impact”
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

5 things to moderate emotional impact

November 19, 2020
Featured image for “Our emotions impact others.”
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

Our emotions impact others.

November 12, 2020
Featured image for “4 Practices in reducing Stress”
This blog is by Max Rankin. Max is one called to come alongside and help. He is part of the leadership of Verve Lead. His practical insights will help many. Flick a link to this to someone who would benefit. Leave a helpful comment below. “I am not stressed but….” If you have heard something like this then read on…

4 Practices in reducing Stress

November 5, 2020
Featured image for “When the well-being tank is empty”
No one intends to become emotionally depleted. It’s a scary place. I’ve been there and don’t want to ever go back. This blog helps explain what that place is and how to help others who find themselves there. If you feel emotionally empty take some comfort in this: “You will get better. Your tank can refill. You have a shepherd

When the well-being tank is empty

October 27, 2020
Featured image for “Is it selfish to maintain your emotional well-being?”
What would happen if you hit another crisis? On top of dealing with COVID and the normal challenges of life? Would you go under? If so, what can you do to strengthen buoyancy? Yes, verve can be lifted. My big encouragement here is to find someone to help you build emotional well-being. That person’s role is to help you see

Is it selfish to maintain your emotional well-being?

October 20, 2020