building a sustainable life.

Featured image for “Chrismas is empathy in the flesh”
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

Chrismas is empathy in the flesh

December 24, 2020
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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
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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
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Guest Blogger: Dr. Chris Adams Executive Director Center for Vocational Ministry Azusa Pacific University Senior Research Associate: The Flourishing in Ministry Project University of Notre Dame Keep perspective. God is with us, no matter what happens. The hope of Easter resurrection is alive! The Christian Church is the most resilient movement in history, having survived and even thrived during wars,

3 Key Strategies for Personal Wellbeing – Guest Blog: Dr. Chris Adams

July 14, 2020
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Healthy key relationships don’t just happen. They are built over time, flowing out of a healthy well-being, with intentional interactions to develop relationships. In three blogs we have have explored the following builders of healthy key relationships. 1 Experiencing belonging and connectedness. 2 Proactively construct enduring relationships 3 Communicate effectively and transparently Today we explore the fourth builder: healthy conflict

2 steps to managing conflict

May 27, 2020
Featured image for “2 builders, 2 impeders and 2 destroyers of Effective Communication”
2 things that build trust: Listening and Affirmation Have you noticed that when you talk with emotionally healthy influencers and leaders you feel listened to, affirmed and encouraged? There is something about the way they consistently listen with empathy and speak with clarity that builds trust. You are made to feel safe and valued and that you belong. There are

2 builders, 2 impeders and 2 destroyers of Effective Communication

May 20, 2020
Featured image for “Identifying Depleters”
The gravity that pulls me under The last blog spoke of buoyancy upthrust. Today we examine the gauges that indicate weight that pushes one under. What pulls you down?I call these things depleters. It took about six months to accumulate the list of things that drain my buoyancy. Here are eight depleters I have identified. Conflict I don’t run from

Identifying Depleters

May 11, 2020
Featured image for “5 Things that give emotional buoyancy.”
How is your buoyancy? Buoyancy is the ability to float. Also, it’s the cheerful and optimistic attitude or disposition. It’s your verve, your vim, your va-voom. In floating terms, there are two forces at play, weight that pulls down and buoyancy that is upthrust. One of the 5 key gauges to keep watch on is your emotional well-being. This measure

5 Things that give emotional buoyancy.

April 27, 2020