Restoring Connections

Matthew Dawson
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Restoring Connections

Thoughts and stories about staying connected to the people you love in the midst of pain and disappointment. Matt & Aurore [Cora] share honest experiences from their own marriage and life at home with 4 kids in rural Aotearoa, New Zealand.

  1. What would it take to make this right

    OCT 9

    What would it take to make this right

    Sometimes someone important in your life does something that causes you so much pain, it’s impossible to imagine the relationship ever being healed. When trust gets damaged this deeply, the thought of it ever being restored is unthinkable. Why would you bother considering what it would take for this person to make things right with you? In this short episode, I unpack some of my own journey and how I’ve found it helpful to reflect on what it would take for the people who have hurt me the most to restore their relationship with me. Whether or not they ever lift a finger to re-earn my trust, knowing what it would take to do so has been a huge part of my own healing in these relationships. Have a listen to hear why and how.

  2. SEP 2

    Why would I even try to understand you?

    Each and every one of us is infinitely complex. Put two people together in a relationship, and now you’ve got infinite complexity times two! With all of that wonderful [or hellish] uniqueness, is it really worth even trying to understand each other? Is it even possible?  In this episode, I interview Cora, who has in many ways, devoted her life to the pursuit of understanding people. As a certified CliftonStrengths Coach, certified Enneagram Coach, Restoring Connections Mentor, mother of four, and wife to a man of profound mystery [that’s a joke], she knows a LOT about what it takes to truly understand someone. She shares openly about what gives her confidence that it’s possible and gives some practical advice on how to overcome obstacles to better understand the people you love most.

  3. AUG 1

    Core Value No.4 - Healthy Boundaries

    Our current podcast series provides short overviews of each of the four core values at the heart of Restoring Connections. They are: Personal Responsibility, Proactive Care, Powerful Communication, and Healthy Boundaries. In this episode, we look a little closer at: Healthy Boundaries - Protecting the Connection and these principles: 1. I learn and keep learning my limits 2. I set up boundaries and break down walls 3. I set boundaries for me and let you set boundaries for you 4. I have a plan for unmet needs

  4. JUL 12

    Core Value No.3 - Powerful Communication

    Our current podcast series provides short overviews of each of the four core values at the heart of Restoring Connections. They are: Personal Responsibility, Proactive Care, Powerful Communication, and Healthy Boundaries. In this episode, we look a little closer at: Powerful Communication - Guiding the Connection and these principles: 1. I prepare myself before important conversations 2. I pursue understanding first and agreement second 3. I tell you about me and let you tell me about you 4. I participate in establishing a clear way forward

  5. JUN 21

    Core Value No.2 - Proactive Care

    Our current podcast series provides short overviews of each of the four core values at the heart of Restoring Connections. They are: Personal Responsibility, Proactive Care, Powerful Communication, and Healthy Boundaries. In this episode, we look a little closer at: Proactive Care - Feeding the Connection and these principles: 1. I care for you because I choose to. 2. I actively care for you even when I'm in pain. 3. I learn about you and care for you according to who you are. 4. I embrace my need to be cared for by you.

  6. JUN 7

    Core Value No.1 - Personal Responsibility

    There are four core values at the heart of Restoring Connections.  They are: 1. Personal Responsibility  2. Proactive Care 3. Powerful Communication  4. Healthy Boundaries These are practices we've gleaned from those we are mentored by and that we learn from regularly. They are ancient truths that we have simply brought together in a new format. Restoring Connections was birthed out of the heartache and disappointments that we have navigated in our closest relationships. In our darkest moments, we had support from others who possessed the strength and wisdom that we needed. The lessons we have learned along the way have formed the core values of our training curriculum. It is now our privilege to support people in their own journey of strengthening their most important relationships and in turn, supporting them to mentor others also.

  7. APR 25

    What Do I Do With All This Pain? Part 2

    Close relationships are going to occasionally involve pain, and very close relationships are likely to occasionally involve a LOT of pain. Naturally, we want to do everything we can to avoid pain, but the reality is that pain isn’t what destroys relationships. Depending on how we respond to pain, it can either lead to confusion (the actual relationship killer), or it can lead to learning, growth, and deeper trust. In this second episode of a 2-part series, I dive into an exploration of healthy ways to navigate through pain wholeheartedly. That means ensuring our words, actions, and feelings are all lining up even when it hurts. I share some of my own personal, painful experiences and some of the practical steps I implement that help me turn painful situations into personal growth, and deeper relationships with the most important people in my life.

  8. MAR 26

    What Do I Do With All This Pain? Part 1

    Close relationships are going to occasionally involve pain, and very close relationships are likely to occasionally involve a LOT of pain. Naturally, we want to do everything we can to avoid pain, but the reality is that pain isn’t what destroys relationships. Depending on how we respond to pain, it can either lead to confusion (the actual relationship killer), or it can lead to learning, growth, and deeper trust. In this first episode of a 2-part series, I dive into an exploration of healthy ways to navigate through pain wholeheartedly. That means ensuring our words, actions, and feelings are all lining up, even when it hurts. I share some of my own personal, painful experiences and some of the practical steps that I implement that help me turn painful situations into personal growth, and deeper relationships with the most important people in my life.

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Thoughts and stories about staying connected to the people you love in the midst of pain and disappointment. Matt & Aurore [Cora] share honest experiences from their own marriage and life at home with 4 kids in rural Aotearoa, New Zealand.

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