Thoughts
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Emotional and Relational Growth
Emotions can be confusing. Relationships can be difficult. Always knowing what to do is impossible. Still, there are a few guiding principles many husbands find helpful as they grow.
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Men need Men
There is a struggle that is sometimes expressed. In a moment of honesty and vulnerability, a man might express the following: “I do not have many close male friends. I struggle to reach out to other men. I don’t trust them.”
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Recovering Approval Junkie
“I have needed the approval of others for as long as I can remember.” As an adult, I’ve begun to explore what fuels this deep need for approval. Below are a few reflections to consider as you examine your own longing to be seen, valued, and affirmed.
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Trauma and the Brain
In a training seminar, psychologist and trauma expert Phillip Manfield made this statement: “Sometimes traumatic events get stuck in working memory.”
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Emotional Distance
What if you grew up in a home where everyone lived emotionally distant?
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Do You like You?
How Do You Know If You Like Yourself?
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Grow Truth
If you love God- Hold on to your 50% truth until it grows. It will grow into a 75% truth. Then into a 90% truth and so on.
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Three Essential Skills
There are three skills necessary for a rich, full life. If you are not strong in these skills, they can be learned and strengthened. They are essential for a satisfying, well-connected life.
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Negative Skills
Growing up is hard. Becoming spiritually and emotionally mature is a lifelong assignment. Perfection is impossible, but growth is the mission—both individually and relationally.
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Alone
Growing up— Dad took care of himself. Mom took care of herself. No one took care of me.
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Boy Thinking vs Man Thinking
You began life as a child. You used childhood thinking—a child’s way of seeing and engaging the world. It was how you survived and got your needs met. But life requires a transition.
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Available, Responsive and Engaging
There are three terms that define a secure attachment. And a secure attachment is another term for a strong relationship connection. The three words are part of Emotionally Focused Therapy. They answer this question. “When I am in distress will you be there for me?” The terms are Accessible, Responsive, Engaged