Where You're Going Podcast - hosted by John Liddle John Liddle

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, there is solace in connecting with others and uncovering the extraordinary in the ordinary. On the latest episode of the Where You're Going Podcast the insightful and experienced Mark Alewine delves into the essence of "God stories," the power of relationships, and the pursuit of a purposeful life. 
In addition to being a singer, songwriter and worship leader, Mark is an accomplished podcast host. His show, Grit & Glory, Songs & Stories... unveils those "God Stories"...those divine encounters that leave us in awe. He stresses the need for a stash of "God stories," showing how they deepen faith and captivate our listeners with wonder.
We also chat about collaboration...and "co-writing life."
Mark does a lot of songwriting. But the truth is, most of his songwriting is a collaborative effort. It's this fine dance of leading a session while letting others shine. For him, it's all about what's best for the song, not personal preferences, creating a vibe that's both harmonious and super productive.
In the same way, our life is better when we "co-write life!"
Throughout the episode, Mark Alewine shares his treasure trove of experiences and wisdom. Life, he says, is this ongoing learning journey, no matter how much you think you know. 
And get this wisdom from Mark the pastor: vulnerability is where it's at in relationships. He urges listeners to be the kind of person they'd want to have around, building trust and authenticity. 
Plus, he emphasizes the importance of accountability groups, where you find buddies who get you, challenge you, and cheer you on. Talk about the ultimate support system!
If this show means something to you, please share it with someone you know...and let's keep the conversation going!
Episode 17 - Transcript

LINKS:

Mark Alewine Music

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#GodStories #NonAnxiousLife #CommunityMatters #AnxietyFreeLiving #AudioTechnology #SongwritingSessions #PackMentality #FamilyConnections #SupportSystem #RelationshipsMatter #PrideAndAnxiety #MusicJourney #LifeLessons #RetirementStories #MarriageJourney
Transcript

Anxiety is killing us. The problem is, we are CHOOSING it. And Dr. John Delony's new book, "Building a Non-Anxious Life" helps us choose not to be anxious.
Dr. Delony challenges the popular notion of anxiety as an enemy to be defeated. Instead, he suggests viewing it as a smoke alarm in the kitchen, alerting us to areas of our lives that lack safety or connection. By accepting anxiety as a normal response and addressing the underlying issues causing it, we can create a solid foundation for better well-being.
Dr. Delony invites us to reflect on how our identity is shaped by the things we choose to engage with and the things we consciously avoid. He shares his personal experience of deliberately withdrawing from certain activities and relationships due to the fear of self-perceived danger. However, he also emphasizes the importance of choosing connection over isolation, recognizing that our bodies crave genuine human connection for overall happiness and fulfillment.
Dr. Delony opens up about his journey towards redefining success, acknowledging the fallacy of chasing external validation as a pathway to self-acceptance.
He places a strong emphasis on self-care and well-being. Dr. Delony highlights the significance of taking care of our bodies, both mentally and physically. From incorporating regular exercise and movement into our lives to seeking therapy or counseling, he underscores the importance of intentional choices that promote our overall health and healing.
Instead of trying to be all things to all people, he says it's better to embrace simplicity and intentional living. He shares his own journey of scaling back commitments and creating space for what truly matters, be it family, relationships, or personal growth. In today's fast-paced world, this reminder serves as a valuable guide to avoid burnout and maintain balance.
"Building a Non-Anxious Life" helps us adopt a fresh perspective on anxiety, reevaluate the pursuit of external validation, and prioritize self-care. We can embark on a transformative journey towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. As Dr. Delony demonstrates, it's never too late to course-correct, redefine success, and actively engage in shaping our own narratives.
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Links:

Dr. John Delony Show

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From college basketball player, to corporate employee, to SWAT hostage negotiator, to high school basketball coach, Terry Tucker has lived a lot of experiences in his life.

But 11 years ago Terry's life changed forever.

"Terry, in my 25 years as a doctor, I've never seen this form of cancer," Terry's friend and podiatrist said. "You have a rare form of melanoma."

Back then, melanoma was a death sentence. He was given only two years to live. Again, that was 11 years ago.

"I look back on my life and say, Okay. When I was young, I felt my purpose was athletics to play sports. And then as an adult to be in law enforcement, that was another purpose," Tucker says. "And now in all honesty I'm probably coming towards the end of my life. My purpose has changed again to put as much goodness, positivity, love, motivation, back into the world. So I think your purpose can change over life. You can have multiple purposes."

For nearly five years, Terry's life was a rollercoaster of agony and determination. He endured weekly injections of Interferon, a treatment notorious for its debilitating flu-like side effects. Yet, Terry persisted, firmly believing that this was the battle he had to fight.

But the adversary was relentless. Cancer returned, forcing Terry to make a life-altering choice. He made the difficult decision to amputate his left foot, hoping it would put an end to the relentless disease. But the cancer continued its advance, ultimately leading to the amputation of Terry's left leg above the knee.

Amid the turmoil, Terry discovered tumors in his lungs. The battle has seemed never-ending, yet he's clung to hope. For three more grueling years, Terry has continued treatment, uncertain of the future that awaits him.

"It's bigger than me. This isn't just about me," Terry says. "If it were about me, I would have quit a long time ago."

Through this journey, Terry has undergone a profound transformation in his perspective on life. He learned to cherish each day as a precious gift. Sometimes, the most significant victories were as simple as getting out of bed and making it to the couch.

Terry has drawn strength from three pillars: his faith in God, the love of his family, and the unwavering support of his friends. Never has he pointed fingers at God, choosing instead to believe that this odyssey was meant to refine him.

Inspired by his own journey, Terry felt compelled to share his story through a book, Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon And Extraordinary Life.

His motive was not riches or fame but to inspire others to find their inner strength. He believes that every individual possesses unique gifts and talents, and their mission should be to uncover and share them with the world.

Today, Terry Tucker continues his battle against cancer, participating in a clinical trial drug that may not save his own life but carries the promise of benefiting others in the future.

"So if I can bring goodness, if I can bring positivity, if I can bring motivation, I can bring love into your world in a service capacity...I want to be able to serve other people," Terry says.

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LINKS:

motivationalcheck.com

Terry's book: Sustainable Excellence

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Jason Hillier is a pastor at Valley Creek Church in Flower Mound, Texas. He initially had no plans of entering ministry, as he believed pastors were "gluttons for punishment." However, after ten years in the business world, he felt a strong calling from the Lord to serve at Valley Creek Church. He approached the lead pastor and began his journey in vocational ministry twelve years ago. Jason emphasizes that working in a church is not more holy than any other profession. He encourages us to follow God's calling, whether that be in vocational ministry or in their everyday jobs. He believes that everyone can be a "Hope Carrier" and bring the hope of Jesus into their respective areas of influence.
Jason and his church strive to simplify following Jesus, understanding that even the least likely people can be called by Him to change the world. They find inspiration in the disciples, who were ordinary individuals that Jesus chose to follow Him and impact the world.
During the conversation, Jason enlightens the audience about the true essence of forgiveness. Contrary to popular belief, forgiveness is not about forgetting the past but rather choosing not to remember and dwell on past hurts. It involves making a conscious decision to release oneself from the burden of resentment and choosing to let go. By embodying forgiveness, we gain the freedom to live our lives fully and authentically.
Throughout the episode, Jason encourages listeners to not just passively absorb the content but to actively pursue forgiveness in their lives. Forgiveness isn't always a straightforward process; it requires intentional action and a willingness to face our pain. Jason emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and mourning the loss or hurt inflicted before making the choice to extend forgiveness. This process allows for true healing and growth to occur in our lives.
LINKS:

Valley Creek Church
Pastor Jason's Message on Forgiveness (August 2023)

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In Episode 13 of the "Where You're Going Podcast," host John Liddle delves into a powerful conversation with guest Peggy Easterling. Peggy candidly shares her journey of healing, forgiveness, and finding freedom from the shadows of her past. Through her story, we gain valuable insights into the importance of community, self-forgiveness, and the transformative power of God's love.
1. Acknowledging and Addressing Childhood Trauma:
Peggy's childhood memories were once filled with cherished moments of family gatherings after church. However, at the age of eight, her life took a devastating turn when she was sexually abused by her grandfather. Peggy discusses the profound impact this traumatic experience had on her life and her subsequent struggle to trust others.
2. Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support:
Peggy kept the abuse a secret for two days before confiding in her mother. Unfortunately, her parents did not know how to handle the situation, and the abuse was kept hidden to protect her grandmother. This silence allowed the pain to fester, leaving Peggy with a deep sense of self-protection and a mistrust of people.
3. The Journey Towards Healing:
Reflecting on her life in her 40s, Peggy began to address her traumatic experiences head-on. She pursued a psychology degree, which deepened her understanding of cognitive dissonance and how our brains naturally self-protect. Her ambition to help others stemmed from her own experiences of trauma.
4. Surrendering to God and Finding Community:
Peggy emphasizes the importance of surrendering her heart to God and connecting with a community of like-minded individuals in recovery. Through a twelve-step program and a church internship, she found healing and a safe space to share her story. Peggy highlights that healing cannot be achieved in isolation; sharing testimonies within a supportive community is essential.
5. The Power of Forgiveness:
One of the crucial steps in Peggy's healing journey was forgiving herself and others. It's never too late to forgive. Never. Peggy acknowledges the importance of letting her inner child heal and embracing her own resilience.
6. Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Cognitive Dissonance:
Peggy shares the struggle many people face in reprogramming their minds and challenging negative thoughts ingrained by past traumas. By incorporating words of scripture and positive triggers, she was able to combat cognitive dissonance and reframe her beliefs about herself.
7. Embracing a New Identity:
Throughout her healing process, Peggy emphasizes the importance of relinquishing self-protection, masks, and isolation. She encourages individuals to accept God's forgiveness and to view themselves through His loving lens.
Peggy Easterling's journey of healing, forgiveness, and finding freedom serves as a beacon of hope for those who have experienced trauma. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of acknowledging pain, seeking support, and surrendering to God's love. By embracing forgiveness and reframing their thoughts, we can find healing, joy, and a renewed sense of self-worth. Through Peggy's journey, we learn that the path to wholeness is not a solitary one; it is a journey best undertaken within a loving and supportive community.
Transcript for this show
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In a thought-provoking episode of the "Where You're Going Podcast," John brings on brain guru and mental health expert Leigh Richardson from the Brain Performance Center and the "In Your Head" podcast to discuss the captivating but sometimes frightening topic of forgiveness.
With an in-depth understanding of the human brain, Richardson sheds light on the intricacies of forgiveness as a continuous process that fuels personal growth and emotional well-being.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways:
The Common Experience of Hurt: Leigh acknowledges that everyone has been hurt by someone at some point in their lives, creating unresolved emotions like bitterness and resentment. By focusing on what we can control rather than dwelling on the past, we can forge a path towards forgiveness, acceptance, and healing.
The Link Between Forgiveness and Mental Wellness: Inner peace and forgiveness not only improve our relationships with friends and family but also enhance our mental health, reduce anxiety, and promote overall well-being. Recognizing the impact of negative emotions on the body, Leigh emphasizes the need to prioritize forgiveness for a stronger immune system, improved sleep, increased self-esteem, and better heart function.
Not Forgiving Yourself...is Actually Victimhood: Leigh highlights the significance of taking responsibility for our own lives, urging listeners to be the hero in their own story. Moving away from a victim mentality and blaming oneself or others only perpetuates negative thoughts and hinders personal growth.
The Power of Perspective: Our brains are wired to scan for danger and often fixate on negative events. Leigh encourages us to break free from this pattern by shifting our focus towards positive events and experiences, which research show actually outnumber the negative ones about 3:1. Cultivating a positive perspective helps attract positive experiences into our lives.
The Continuous Nature of Forgiveness: Leigh highlights that forgiveness is not a one-time event, but rather a journey that unfolds gradually. Our brains naturally bring back thoughts of the person we are trying to forgive, making it imperative to recognize forgiveness as an ongoing effort. Choosing forgiveness multiple times rather than making a single decision is an integral part of the process.
Personal Choice and Intentionality: Forgiveness is a deeply personal decision. It requires intentional choice and an understanding that the process will be different for each individual. While motivations for forgiveness can be varied, the influence of loved ones encouraging us to let go or finding inspiration from spiritual practices like reading the Bible or listening to uplifting music can significantly impact our journey towards forgiveness.
Speaking and Internalizing Forgiveness: Internalizing and speaking words of forgiveness play a crucial role in the forgiveness process. Speaking forgiveness helps individuals process and release negative emotions, leading to a sense of empowerment and emotional healing. Leigh's generous wisdom serves as a reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness. By embracing forgiveness as a continuous journey, making intentional choices, and prioritizing our mental wellness, we can experience personal growth, inner peace, and freedom.
Whether motivated by the desire for healing, spiritual beliefs, or nurturing our relationships, forgiveness is a powerful tool that unlocks our true potential and paves the way for a brighter future.

LINKS:

Leigh on Facebook

Leigh on Instagram

Leigh on YouTube

Leigh on LinkedIn

Forgive for Good by Fred Luskin

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