What if I told you I believe I have the key to true happiness and freedom from resentments and anger towards the person who abused you? Then what if I told you that you held the key to that freedom and happiness within YOURSELF, would you be willing to do what it takes to feel that happiness and freedom?
Good, now that you have said yes, what if I told you that I found that gaining that freedom and happiness was as simple as forgiving that person who abused me? Now wait a minute Randy that’s asking a lot. Yes I know, and it was my biggest roadblock to true happiness and freedom as well. Today, I can honestly say, that for me, forgiveness has been the key to enabling me to find true freedom and happiness. And as difficult as it may be to consider, I believe that can be especially true for survivors of abuse or anyone that has resentments and contempt for people that have harmed them. Eleven years ago I would have laughed at that statement. It seems that all anyone would say to me whenever I talked about how much I despised my abusers was – you just need to forgive, forget, and move on Randy. These are what I consider to be three of the most damaging words you can tell a survivor. My reply was always the same; you have no idea what they did to me. If what happened to me happened to you, you’d feel this way yourself. Today I will say that in fact, one way to achieve true freedom and happiness actually is to forgive and move on. However, that is a process that will take time. How much time is up to you, this is your journey. For myself it was about three years into my recovery, when I reached the place that I was finally able to fully forgive my abusers. One of my biggest fears was believing that forgiving meant condoning the abuse, or letting my abusers off the hook. I knew that my hatred and rage were poisoning me—while, ironically, having no effect whatsoever on my abusers. But I was terrified to let those feelings go, for they had come to define me. Without them I didn’t know who I would be. So how could I forgive them and give up the feelings that had kept me safe for thirty-plus years? What I learned along my journey was that first and foremost forgiveness was solely for me and not the person that who had harmed me, and in forgiving, the chains that bound me to that abusive person were severed. Even more important in my view, is understanding what forgiveness is not. Josh Howerton, a pastor in Spring Hill, Tennessee, has stated my thoughts succinctly (with my comments following in parentheses) about what forgiveness is not: 1. Forgiveness is not approving or diminishing the abuse or sin. (The sinfulness of the abuse never changes.) 2. Forgiveness is not enabling the abuse or the sin. (Forgiveness actually defuses the power of the sin.) 3. Forgiveness is not denying a wrongdoing. (It can never be denied that you were abused and hurt.) 4. Forgiveness is not waiting for an apology. (You forgive the abusive person , whether or not he or she ever apologizes.) 5. Forgiveness is not forgetting. (You will never forget.) 6. Forgiveness is not ceasing to feel the pain. (It’s okay for it to hurt, but you just don’t stay stuck in the pain.) 7. Forgiveness is not a onetime event. (Sometimes you need to forgive on a regular basis.) 8. Forgiveness is not neglecting justice. (You can forgive and still pursue justice.) 9. Forgiveness is not trusting. (You need to be exceedingly careful about whom you trust.) 10. Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. (You are not required to allow your abuser back in your life to have a relationship with him or her.)[1] Hopefully this interpretation of forgiveness will help give you a broader view about what forgiveness might look like, and will enable you to think about beginning to move forward towards the freedom and happiness you deserve to have. There is a whole chapter in my book Healing the Man Within dedicated to forgiveness. PS - If you want to be truly free and happy, start the progress of forgiveness today - it's a choice! NEW BOOK: Order Your Copy of Our Book - How to Heal and Restore your Marriage by clicking the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2Y81W5 FOLLOW US ON: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heala... Instagram: https://instagram.com/healandr... VISIT US AT: www.healandrestorecounseling.com [1]Josh Howerton, 10 Things Forgiveness Is Not, 2012, retrieved from http://www.bridgesh.com/.2012/01/sermon-note-10-things-forgiveness-is-not/.
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![]() Forgive! Why does this one word cause so much anguish and grief for people when in reality it should bring peace and happiness into one’s life? Can it be that most people have no idea what forgiveness really means? Or for that matter who the forgiveness is really for? Honestly, for many years I misunderstood forgiveness and have come to find that a large majority of people misunderstand it as well. Why? I believe it is a result of the way the church and clergy has presented it to the public and their congregation. It is my belief that forgiveness has been used as a fear tactic more than a method to achieve the ultimate happiness and freedom in ones life. Who among you have either had these words spoken to you or have spoken them to others? “You just need to forgive, forget, and move on.” These words are death words to many abuse survivors. I am going to ask you to never speak these words again to anyone. Now with that being said, with love I will say that in order to obtain true freedom and happiness, we must forgive. However, this is a process. How long of a process depends on the person and the amount of harm done to a person and pain that person is carrying. However, we will never forget. For years, I wrongly thought that forgiveness is about the other person— that, somehow, if I forgave another individual, I was doing something nice for the person who hurt me. I thought it meant what they had done to me was okay. But that didn’t sound like a good deal at all, especially when it came to my stepfather and mother. To me, forgiving meant condoning the abuse, or letting them off the hook. I knew that my hatred and rage were poisoning me—while, ironically, having no effect whatsoever on my mother or stepfather. But I was terrified to let those feelings go, for they had come to define me. Without them I didn’t know who I would be. The fact is, forgiveness is not about approving what others have done to us or trying to make them feel better about themselves. In fact, forgiveness doesn’t have much to do with the other person at all. The reality is that forgiveness freed “ME” from the emotional prison I had been trapped in for thirty-eight plus years. Often times the people we are holding resentments against have no idea we are doing so. The reality is that many of them have no idea that they have even hurt us. My mentors believed and suggested that I never ask for forgiveness. I was advised not to go to someone and tell them I forgive them for a wrong they have done to me. First off, in recovery we make amends and then take action. The action is sitting down with people we have harmed, rather they think so or not, and apologize for the wrong we have done to them. Then we take the necessary action steps to not hurt that person again, never asking for forgiveness. Why you ask? Asking the other person to forgive us is requiring action on their part. Remember, we are the ones required to take action, not them. Often times people have heard the words “I am sorry” come out of our mouth’s countless times. Thus, when we sit down to make our amends with them and they hear the words I am sorry, it is just more empty words with another false promise attached to it. They want to see a change in our behavior, not just empty words. Therefore, asking the other person for forgiveness is asking them to take action they likely are not ready or just flat unwilling to do. Their rejection of our request could send us spiraling right back down the rabbit hole of shame. On the other hand, walking up to our perpetrator or someone that has done us harm and saying “I forgive you for___________” could send a victim of abuse spiraling back into a world of doubt and unbearable shame. Often times these kinds of encounters are met with words and statements such as; What are you talking about? I never did that to you. Remember this, forgiveness is for you and not the perpetrator. It is between you and God. Now there is a caveat to this. If a person that has caused you harmed or abused you is to come to you and ask for forgiveness, then it is your responsibility to forgive that person. Intellectually we can forgive fairly quickly. However, the true forgiveness of the heart takes time. Remember it only took one day to get the Israelites out of Egypt, but forty-years to get Egypt out of the Israelites. Never forget that forgiveness is a process. So, what does forgiveness mean? Þ Forgiveness means that we accept our pain. – Acceptance does not mean approval. Þ Forgiveness means that we accept responsibility for how our pain has impacted others. Þ Forgiveness means letting go of our “right” to punish another person. Þ Forgiveness means that we can no longer justify our bad behavior based on other people’s bad behavior. Þ Forgiveness means we wipe the slate clean. What was more important to me was to know what forgiveness did not mean. Below is a list of what forgiveness is not. 1. Forgiveness is not approving or diminishing the abuse or sin. (The sinfulness of the abuse never changes.) 2. Forgiveness is not enabling the abuse or the sin. (Forgiveness actually defuses the power of the sin.) 3. Forgiveness is not denying a wrongdoing. (It can never be denied that you were abused and hurt.) 4. Forgiveness is not waiting for an apology. (You forgive the abuser, whether or not he or she ever apologizes.) 5. Forgiveness is not forgetting. (You will never forget.) 6. Forgiveness is not ceasing to feel the pain. (It’s okay for it to hurt, but you just don’t stay stuck in the pain.) 7. Forgiveness is not a onetime event. (Sometimes you need to forgive on a regular basis.) 8. Forgiveness is not neglecting justice. (You can forgive and still pursue justice.) 9. Forgiveness is not trusting. (You need to be exceedingly careful about whom you trust.) 10. Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. (You are not required to allow your abuser back in your life to have a relationship with him or her.)79 True forgiveness requires self-examination and the willingness to be wrong. You don’t want to mistake sanctimonious false forgiveness for the real thing. Sanctimonious forgiveness appears when you seem to be forgiving another person but are only actually establishing your superiority. That is a common misunderstanding of the expression Be the bigger person. It only hurts you in the long run to pump up your ego by “forgiving” others because you are “bigger” than them. Don’t do that to yourself. Being the bigger person requires you to have the strength to look inside yourself and find ways that you have wronged others. Being the bigger person means realizing that everyone makes mistakes, and your behavior is not the same as who you are. You can love a person and hate his behavior. True forgiveness requires you not to confuse the two issues. It means looking at another person and understanding that everyone does the best they can, but sometimes life gets the better of them. It means extending the same compassion to others that you give yourself. That can be exceedingly difficult if you haven’t learned how to first forgive yourself. Okay, how do I start this forgiveness process? Start by first forgiving yourself. This is probably the hardest thing to do, however it is difficult, if not impossible, to forgive others before you forgive yourself. Cultivate feelings of love and appreciation for people whose behavior you don’t like. Without condoning their behavior, see if you can find empathy for the pain that hurt them so much that they feel they have to hurt others in order to feel better. Focus on the present and make space for peace to enter your life. Release the pain of the past, and let peace enter your life. Cultivate compassion. See if you can go beyond empathy and actually wish for happiness for the people who have hurt you. Again, you are not doing this for them. They won’t feel it; you will. As you allow love to grow in your heart, overtaking anger and hatred, you will find greater happiness and peace. Whether you are a Christian, Buddhist, Native American, hold any other faith, or none at all, your path to an abundantly free and happy life is to forgive those who have harmed you, no matter what their offense was. Until you forgive, you are still hostage to your abusers. When you do forgive, you set yourself free. So, forgive, really? Yes. To read more on Forgiveness purchase Randy’s book – Healing The Wounded Child Within – Randy has dedicated a whole chapter to the subject of Forgiveness. PS - Click this link to get your copy of "Healing The Wounded Child Within " on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Wounded-Child-Within-Guide/dp/B07SPH7VCK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=29BATNXA8F9VY&keywords=healing+the+wounded+child+within&qid=1703541869&sprefix=healing+the+wounded+child+within+%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-4 NEW BOOK: Order Your Copy of Our Book - How to Heal and Restore your Marriage by clicking the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2Y81W5 FOLLOW US ON: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heala... Instagram: https://instagram.com/healandr... VISIT US AT: www.healandrestorecounseling.com ![]() Understanding Spiritual Abuse Spiritual abuse is a distressing form of mistreatment that occurs within religious or spiritual contexts. Unlike physical or verbal abuse, spiritual abuse targets the core of an individual's beliefs and faith, leaving lasting emotional and psychological scars. This phenomenon is complex, and its manifestations can vary, making it challenging to identify and address. Here, we'll explore the nature of spiritual abuse, its impact on individuals, and ways to foster healing. Definition of Spiritual Abuse: Spiritual abuse involves the misuse of power within a religious or spiritual setting to control, manipulate, or harm individuals. It can take various forms, including psychological manipulation, intimidation, isolation, and exploitation of one's faith. Perpetrators may use their spiritual authority to justify their actions, creating a toxic environment that undermines the victim's sense of self and connection to their faith community. Another form of spiritual abuse and one I believe is even more damaging than the above definition, is the moment a child is abused, rather it is emotionally, physically, or sexually, the spirit of that child has been assassinated. If they are lucky and get the proper help, they can get their child spirit back quickly. However, for so many others, they will be lucky if they ever get it back. The good news is it is definitely possible with a good therapist, mentor or coach walking with them. Forms of Spiritual Abuse/Church Hurts:
Impact on Individuals: Spiritual abuse can have profound effects on victims' mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It may result in anxiety, depression, loss of faith, and a distorted self-image. The trauma from spiritual abuse can extend beyond the individual, affecting their relationships and ability to trust others, including within spiritual communities. Recognizing and Addressing Spiritual Abuse:
Promoting Healing:
Spiritual abuse is a profound violation that affects individuals on a deeply personal level. Recognizing its existence, understanding its forms, and actively working toward prevention and healing are essential steps in fostering healthy and supportive spiritual communities. ![]() When I started my recovery journey in 2006, it seems like everybody from my therapist to my mentors had one vitally essential tool in their toolbox that they highly suggested I take advantage of - a "Gratitude List." They suggested I use it even if and especially if I felt as though the world and the people within it were against me. I took their suggestion, often times digging my heels in. At first it seemed as though there was no positive effect. However, as when we we are starting any new behaviors, the positive results are not always immediately noticeable. I will say that by the end of the first week of using the gratitude list, my attitude did begin to shift. My suggestion is that you make a list of five things you are grateful for, even if it is the same five things. We can all find five things in oour life we are grateful for. Then, take one of those things you are grateful for and write out why you are grateful that one thing. I will guarantee that if you consistently practice this when you are feeling down, within a day or two you will start feeling uplifted and happy. Showing gratitude towards others is another way I use to lift up my spirits. I always look for how I can complement or show my gratitude towards others, especially when I am having a not so good day. This has never failed to improve my attitude of maditude, especially when I see that persons face light up with appreciation. Showing gratitude is also a wonderful way to express appreciation and strengthen relationships. Here are some ways you can show gratitude:
![]() Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. It traditionally involves giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It's a time for families and friends to come together, often over a large meal, to express gratitude for what they have. For many, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things they are thankful for, spend quality time with loved ones, and enjoy traditional foods like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Additionally, some people use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to engage in acts of charity and give back to their communities, helping those who may be less fortunate. Overall, Thanksgiving holds different meanings for different individuals and families, but at its core, it's a holiday centered around gratitude, togetherness, and appreciation for the blessings in one's life. Expressing gratitude is an important aspect of Thanksgiving. Here are five ways to express gratitude during the Thanksgiving celebration:
During this holiday season when things have the possibility of becoming stressful between yourself, your spouse, and family, practice these three things written by St. Francis: "It is better to Comfort than be Comforted" "It is better to Understand than to be Understood" "It is better to Love than to be Loved If you can practice these three principles, you will find that a peace will overcome whatever stress and difficulties may arise during the holidays. ![]() Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and appreciative for the good things and positive experiences in one's life. It involves recognizing and acknowledging the kindness, generosity, and positive aspects of people, situations, and events, even in challenging or difficult circumstances. Expressing gratitude can have various positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to increased feelings of happiness, improved relationships, and a greater sense of contentment with life. Gratitude is often considered a fundamental aspect of positive psychology and is associated with improved overall health and resilience. Practicing gratitude can take many forms, from simple acts like saying "thank you" to someone who has helped you, to keeping a gratitude journal where you write down things you're thankful for each day. It's about cultivating a mindset that actively seeks out and appreciates the positive aspects of life. Why is Gratitude Important? Gratitude is important for several reasons, and it has a positive impact on both our mental and physical well-being. Here are some of the key reasons why gratitude is important: • Promotes Positive Emotions: Gratitude helps cultivate positive emotions like joy, love, and contentment. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, which can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction. • Improves Mental Health: Expressing gratitude has been linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety. It encourages a positive outlook and reduces toxic emotions like envy, resentment, and regret. • Enhances Relationships: Showing appreciation fosters stronger relationships. When you express gratitude to someone, it communicates that you value and appreciate them. This can lead to improved social connections and deeper bonds. • Increases Empathy and Compassion: Practicing gratitude encourages us to recognize the contributions of others in our lives. This can lead to increased empathy and compassion towards others, as we become more aware of their efforts and sacrifices. • Reduces Stress and Enhances Resilience: Gratitude has been shown to reduce stress levels. It shifts our focus away from negative aspects of life and helps us to see the bigger picture. This can enhance our ability to cope with challenges and bounce back from adversity. • Promotes Physical Health: Grateful individuals tend to engage in healthier behaviors like regular exercise and a balanced diet. Studies have also suggested that gratitude may have a positive effect on blood pressure, heart health, and the immune system. • Enhances Sleep Quality: Cultivating gratitude has been associated with better sleep. Reflecting on positive aspects of the day before bedtime can calm the mind and improve sleep quality. • Fosters a Positive Outlook on Life: Gratitude encourages a more optimistic and positive mindset. It helps us focus on what's going well rather than dwelling on what's going wrong, leading to an overall more positive outlook on life. • Increases Self-Esteem: Recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives can boost our self-esteem and self-worth. It reinforces a sense of accomplishment and value. • Promotes Altruism and Prosocial Behavior: Grateful individuals are more likely to engage in acts of kindness and help others. This promotes a sense of community and social cohesion. • Enhances Overall Well-Being: Overall, practicing gratitude contributes to a higher sense of well-being. It creates a positive feedback loop, where feeling grateful leads to more positive experiences. Incorporating gratitude into your daily life can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to others, or taking a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your day. It's a powerful practice that can lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Remembering the following three principles set forth in the prayer of St. Francis, if applied, will defuse any stress and difficulties that may arise during this Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday – “It is better to Comfort than to be Comforted” – “It is better to Understand than to be Understood” – “It is better to Love than to be Loved” – St. Francis of Assisi HOLIDAY EVENT: Armor Up Your Marriage for the Holidays - a Unique 4-part program guaranteed to reduce your stress and make your holidays more enjoyable. Register today at: www.healandrestorecounseling.com NEW BOOK: Order Your Copy of Our Book - How to Heal and Restore your Marriage by clicking the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2Y81W5 FOLLOW US ON: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heala... Instagram: https://instagram.com/healandr... Follow us on our podcast @ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-l-boyd/episodes ![]() The concept of God has been a subject of contemplation and interpretation for countless generations. The essence of God is love in its purest form. So if God is love what is love? The answer to that is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” God is absolute unconditional love. Absolutely no strings attached. Why is it so hard for us to except this as being the truth of who God is? The answer has always been right in front of us, we just have not been able to see it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss one of the biggest if, not the biggest reason - we project our parents face and roles as parents onto God. The act of putting our parents faces and roles on God is actually a bigger issue than most of us realize within the religious world as we know it, whether that is a Christian faith, Buddhist faith, Mormon faith or any one of the many world religions. We must remember in many of these faith based practices, we look at God as our Father, Abba. A father that loves us unconditionally and forgives us of all our sins and wrong doings without questioning. The reality for so many is that they had a father here on earth that has fallen way short of these standards. Their love and forgiveness was conditional, contingent on certain conditions, or rules on them giving of their love. A fathers love is supposed to simulate Gods unconditional love, no strings attached. Sadly, there is a very large number of us that grow up with a father that displayed the latter attributes I mentioned above. When we grow up in a home where we may have been abused in any way, it can cause a deeply profound hurt, as well as confusion and dysfunction. Distrust can then be unleashed in a young person’s life in overwhelming ways. These things are ways the enemy, Satan, uses to pull us away from God. These have nothing to do with who God is, yet we come up with a view of God that judges or punishes us based upon how we are meeting our fathers (parents) expectations and conditions. When such abuse does occur, the picture of a father that God the Father intended us as a child or young adult to see, one of a role-model, becomes skewed, shattered and confusing. The good news about all of this is that you can overcome this dilemma. I have, that is why I believe this is a vital subject that must be talked about. For those of you that grew up in a home where the attributes of God the Father were displayed to you by your father or parents, you have been given a gift that many in this world only hoped for, cherish it. To those of you that grew up in a home where your father did not or did not know how to display Gods attributes, yet you have worked through the process and have developed a relationship with God the Father, I am proud of you. For those of you still struggling with this, I invite you to reach out to me at healandresorecounseling.com and I will be more than happy to journey with you on this quest. I would also encourage all parents to listen to the Heal And Restore podcast titled – A Message to Parents - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-l-boyd/episodes/A-Message-to-Parents-e29cjko Get Your Copy of Our Book - How to Heal and Restore your Marriage by clicking the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2Y81W5 FOLLOW US ON: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heala... Instagram: https://instagram.com/healandr... VISIT US AT www.healandrestorecounseling.com ![]() In keeping the theme of our last podcast "Recovery Tools for Life" - my blog post this week will reflect on the same topic. Recovery is a deeply personal journey, often marked by challenges and triumphs. Whether you're overcoming addiction, healing from trauma, or striving for better mental health, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. These personal recovery tools serve as pillars of support, helping individuals regain control of their lives and find strength in vulnerability. In this blog, we'll explore five essential tools that can empower your recovery journey.
Conclusion Your personal recovery journey is unique, and these tools are here to support you every step of the way. Remember that progress may not always be linear, but each day is a new opportunity for growth. By embracing self-reflection, building a supportive community, setting meaningful goals, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating resilience and acceptance, you are equipping yourself with the strength and resilience needed to overcome any obstacle. Trust in your own capacity for transformation, and know that you have the power to create a brighter, healthier future. Get Your Copy of Our Book - How to Heal and Restore your Marriage by clicking the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ2Y81W5 FOLLOW US ON: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heala... Instagram: https://instagram.com/healandr... VISIT US AT www.healandrestorecounseling.com Regenerate ![]() When people hear the word “recovery” in church or any other public forums, many tend to turn and run from any further conversation by closing their mind to hearing the truth about what recovery truly is. Why do they do this, you may ask? Automatically people relate the word “recovery” as having a problem with alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling or any other type of addiction. A persons automatic response may generally be something like this; “I’m not one of those people. I do not struggle with any kind of addiction.” Recovery is not working on and overcoming an addiction, that is sobriety. There is a big difference between the two. So what is the difference between sobriety and recovery? Sobriety is simply not drinking, not drugging, not overeating, not gambling, etc.. In other words, one works on their addiction. In today’s treatment world, that often times include putting one on some other sort of medication. For example, like an opiate blocker to help them overcome the addiction. Nothing to address the underlying issues of the addictions. We must understand that liquor, drugs, overeating, etc. is ONLY but a symptom of why one drinks, drugs, overeats, gambles, etc. One must get down to underlying causes and conditions of the addiction. This is where true recovery happens. So you may be wondering now, what is recovery? Here is one definition of recovery; “A process of change through which individuals improve their spiritual and emotional health and wellbeing, live a God and self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” Heal and Restore Counseling defines it as, “returning to the person God intended you to be before the ways of the world corrupted you.” Sounds almost like an impossible task. For many it can be. For those that are willing to do the hard work required to journey on the path of recovery, it is very much possible. All that is required is to have an open mind and a willingness to do the hard and sometimes painful work. In the Bible, Paul gives us very specific instructions on what this transformation requires in the book of Romans. Specifically Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” The words conform, transform and renew are all verbs, action words. In other words, there is a tremendous amount of action that is required on our part. The transformations and renewing of our minds doesn’t happen with a simple snap of our fingers. It happens over time as we take action in the renew process or recovery process. Most of us have developed years of thought patterns and behaviors that are deeply rooted in the fiber of our being. So, how do we transform and renew our minds? How do we transform one's thinking patterns and beliefs. Here are five steps you can take to apply this principle in your life: Awareness and Reflection:
Remember, transforming your mind is a continuous process. It requires self-awareness, effort, and a commitment to personal growth. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healandrestorecounseling/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/healandrestorecounseling?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg== Heal and Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/episodes ![]() In the dance of marriage, communication takes center stage. While speaking is undoubtedly important, equally vital is the often underestimated skill of listening. It's the quiet counterpart to words, the bridge that connects hearts, and the cornerstone of a thriving relationship. In this blog, we'll explore why listening is paramount in a marriage and how it can transform a partnership.
Conclusion In the symphony of marriage, listening is the harmonious note that brings it all together. It's the quiet yet powerful force that nurtures understanding, trust, and emotional intimacy. By making a conscious effort to truly hear and acknowledge your partner, you lay the foundation for a marriage that not only endures but flourishes. So, let your ears be the gateway to your partner's heart, and let the art of listening be the cornerstone of your extraordinary journey together. FOLLOW US AT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healandrestorecounseling/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/healandrestorecounseling?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg== HEAL AND RESTORE PODCAST https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-l-boyd/episodes/A-Message-to-Parents-e29cjko |
AuthorCathy and I have been happily married since 1983. However it has not been without our share of issues, yet we have persevered through all of them. We have three amazing kids that have grown into well respected and loved adults in their communities. We are the proud "Papo" & "Mami" of three beautiful granddaughters and 2 handsome grandsons. We enjoy spending quality time with our family. Randy enjoys cycling, working out, hunting, fishing, and playing the guitar. Cathy loves working in the garden, cooking, and camping. Together we love traveling. Although we have been blessed to visit several foreign countries, our favorite place to travel to is the beautiful island of Maui where we spend most of our time together laying on the beach enjoying the serenity of the Maui energy. Archives
July 2024
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