Just listened to the podcast!! I enjoyed this! I really resonate with healing in relationships. I believe that friends and family help you become your best self. Having those friends that you get coffee with, go on vacation with, get dinner, or just come to the house and y’all have wine together is essential.
I’ve actually had a sister group myself after highschool. Wonderful purpose of bringing young women together. We were going to go to high schools to discuss mental health and be a sister/mentor to them. Pros and cons within our group. Something i’ve learned is that the ones that participate have to be focused on helping and keep the bond. No person needs to feel like their the decision maker or the leader because it causes turmoil.. Also, you have to be careful who you open up to because someone may take this and tell your business.
I liked Edward’s question, how do I be a better friend for your friends who are going through hardships. I agree with Brittany when she said to ask how can I help. Sometimes people want a listening ear, and they feel relieved after they were able to vent. So I can see that’s something that you could continue to try and work on. Having someone that is solution based is a blessing when you want a solution but it is not always wanted or needed.
Also Edward, I’m glad that you have accepted being okay with showing your emotions. People who really love you want you to cry on their shoulder. You’re a man but you’re also human and it’s not fair for you to have to feel obligated to hold your feelings in or be tough. That stuffing it down and neglecting yourself feeds the problem. I believe in having those hard conversations and crying or letting it out if you need to. I love positive affirmations. Sometimes I’ll sleep with them playing. When I wake up, my mind is clear & weight on my shoulders is lifted. The mind is powerful. The tongue is powerful.
I also loved your reference to the disney movie Soul! That was meant to be a kids movie, but it’s one of my favorite movies. I’ve been wanting to watch it again with Kadar actually.
These conversations about acknowledging hurt and facing it are important. It breaks generational curses or trauma and ideas that “that’s just way it goes” when it’s wrong. I have had or attempted to have these conversations with my close family members, boyfriend, & close friends. One thing i’ve realized is that you have to be honest but also approach the situation with intent the to solve or get better. Not disrespectfully or argumentatively. Both parties also need to be open minded and willing to listen/ have understanding. However, you’re only in control of your own actions. You cannot force someone to understand or consider what you’re saying. Prayer is a big part of this as well. I actually have a lot to say about this and would love to talk about it more in the future.
Overall, these are the things that really stood out to me while listening. I am loving the conversation between you 3! It’s very refreshing to hear a conversation with substance. 👏🏽 Thanks for sharing!!