Space for Life
By Tommy Thompson
Space for LifeDec 03, 2020
Seasons of a Life Well-Lived: Elaine Metcalf
In this special episode, long-time friend and mentor, Elaine Metcalf, reflects on her life and the various 'seasons' she has navigated. The discussion includes her early days with her husband Bob and the working and faith journey that took them from pioneering ministries in Richmond such as STEP and CBS, to leading international mission work in East Asia.
Elaine discusses the challenges and rewards of making impactful choices in the midst of the everday challenges of work and raising a family.
The conversation explores 'seasons of life' and emphasizes the importance of embracing change, seeking God, and boldly following Him.
Elaine also opens up about her battle with cancer and how she continues to find faith and purpose during this time.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:01 Reflecting on Life's Seasons
02:44 The Power of Mentorship
04:10 Exploring Life's Themes
04:33 The Importance of Hospitality
08:02 The Journey to Richmond
09:36 The Start of a New Chapter
10:51 The Challenges of Starting Fresh
13:28 Finding a Home and a Community
22:24 The Birth of a New Ministry
28:56 The Need for a Bigger Space
29:13 Building Relationships and Community
30:03 Transitioning into a New Season
30:24 The Challenge of Elder Care
31:07 Building a New Home and Adjusting to Change
32:20 Reflections on Life's Unexpected Turns
36:08 The Power of Connection and Hospitality
37:43 The Journey to East Asia
44:54 Facing the Challenges of Cancer
48:13 Reflecting on Life and Faith in the Midst of Trials
54:13 The Importance of Scripture and Inner Growth
56:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Expanding Your Comfort Zone
In this episode, Tommy introduces the concept of “expanding comfort zones”, discussing specific ways to expand them, along with examples of everyday people who have ventured out of their comfort zones. Tommy challenges listeners to step out of their personal comfort zones in various aspects of life like social, emotional, financial, physical, and spiritual. Lastly, the host offers 10 practical ways to step outside one's comfort zone.
00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episodes
01:09 Upcoming Episodes and Invitation for Audience Participation
03:07 Introduction to the Topic: Expanding Your Comfort Zone
04:43 Understanding and Identifying Your Comfort Zones
06:52 Steps to Expanding Your Comfort Zone
08:27 Real-Life Examples of Expanding Comfort Zones
25:21 The Role of God in Expanding Comfort Zones
30:46 Practical Steps to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
36:02 Conclusion and Encouragement to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
The Art and Joy of Journaling: Weezie Thompson
This special podcast episode features a conversation about journaling with Tommy's wife of 42 years, Weezie Thompson. They provide advice for people who want to start journaling, emphasizing the need for individuals to make the practice their own. Weezie shares that she uses her journals to note daily affirmations, express gratitude, record prayers, and log specific life events. They also discuss the impact of journaling on their lives, how their practices differ, and how journaling has helped them navigate life's most difficult challenges, such as cancer and grief.
Both agree that journaling has helped them find peace, analyze life, see God at work more, and adds joy to their lives.
00:02 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:59 The Importance and Practice of Journaling
02:09 Personal Experiences and Approaches to Journaling
04:00 The Evolution of Journaling Practices
05:43 The Role of Journaling in Spiritual Life
09:17 The Process and Structure of Journaling
12:09 The Role of Gratitude in Journaling
17:01 The Use of Journaling for Prayer
20:25 The Aesthetics and Tools of Journaling
25:32 The Joy and Freedom in Journaling
28:48 The Importance of Regular Journaling
29:12 Finding the Right Environment for Journaling
29:49 The Role of Journaling in Personal Reflection
31:26 Journaling as a Tool for Contemplation
31:51 Journaling to Track God's Work in Your Life
32:27 Journaling as a Habit for a More Aware Life
33:33 Journaling as a Memory Keeper
34:50 The Benefits of Journaling
40:31 Journaling Through Difficult Times
49:23 Challenges and Recommendations for Journaling
You can find Weezie's journals and note cards on her Etsy shop at BotanicalsByWeezie
The Power of A Few Kind Words - Tracey Gates
Transforming Lives with 'A Few Kind Words': A Conversation with Tracey Gates
In this episode, Tracey Gates, a wellness coach and author of The Power of a Few Kind Words discusses her practice of intentional kindness. She shares her year-long experience of writing an unexpected letter of appreciation each day, highlighting the transformative effects of this activity not only for her but also for the recipients. The most profound of these letters was the last one - a heart-tugging message to her deceased father. Tracey also shares practical tips for writing appreciation letters.
Additional topics include her father's powerful influence, recognizing the 'love language' of words of affirmation, and her book, 'The Power of a Few Kind Words.' Lastly, Tracey emphasizes that everyone has the inherent power to positively influence others and transform themselves through simple acts of intentional kindness.
00:02 Introduction and Welcome Back
00:38 Introducing Guest: Tracy Gates
03:06 The Power of Unexpected Letters of Appreciation
05:11 The Impact of Kindness on Others
09:17 The Origin of the Kindness Journey
12:33 The Transformational Power of Kindness
16:48 The Legacy of Kind Words
19:21 The Impact of Kindness on the Writer
25:27 The Power of Intentional Kindness
30:33 The Power of Handwritten Letters
31:44 The Impact of a Personal Story
36:11 The Art of Writing Appreciation Letters
45:15 The Last Letter to My Dad
49:40 Connecting with the World Through Kindness
52:23 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up
Listening and Responding to God's Voice: An honest conversation with Michelle Layer Rahal
In this fascinating episode of 'Space for Life', host Tommy Thompson chats with an Indie award-winning author, speaker, writing coach, Michelle Layer Rahal. She discusses her journey as an author, writing her debut book 'Straining Forward', a compelling biography of a Vietnamese refugee's incredible life journey. Michelle emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and responding to it, a theme central to her most recent book, 'Are You Listening?' Michelle talks honestly about the real-life implications of trying to discern God's voice in our lives, dealing with God's silence, and perspectives about the 'dark night of the soul.'
00:06 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:19 The Connection Between the Host and the Guest
01:26 Guest's Background and Career
02:05 Understanding the Role of a Writing Coach
05:12 The Journey of Writing the First Book
16:08 Reading an Excerpt from the First Book
20:06 The Aftermath of Writing the First Book
21:26 The Inspiration Behind the Second Book
25:59 Understanding God's Voice and Responding to It
29:11 God's Perception of Us
29:23 The Power of Listening to God
29:49 God's Constant Presence in Our Lives
30:20 The Challenge of Recognizing God's Voice
31:06 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines
31:40 Understanding God's Character
32:33 Recognizing God's Voice Amidst Other Voices
33:17 The Role of Faith in Hearing God's Voice
34:04 Distinguishing God's Voice from Others
34:28 The Deception of the Devil
35:31 The Role of Dreams and Visions in God's Communication
39:20 The Importance of Community in Recognizing God's Voice
45:42 The Challenge of Recognizing God's Voice in Difficult Times
45:56 The Dark Night of the Soul
51:18 Connecting with God's Voice
51:31 The Role of Scripture and Prayer in Hearing God's Voice
52:21 The Joy of Responding to God's Call
www.michellelayerrahal.com
Becoming a Lighthouse: Emily DuBose
In this episode of 'Space for Life', Tommy has an inspiring conversation with guest Emily DuBose, the founder of Lighthouse RVA. Emily shares her personal journey of faith, starting from her early work at St. Andrews school, to her experiences with various volunteering roles, all leading to the creation of The Lighthouse RVA.
Lighthouse RVA is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive community for women in recovery from addiction, offering a range of activities and opportunities to feel 'normal' and loved. Emily advocates for just taking 'the next step', believing that God's plans will come together in his time. She discusses the importance of community in addiction recovery and how seemingly small and ordinary gestures can significantly impact lives.
00:05 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:53 Discussing the Concept of BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
02:19 Emily's Journey and the Story of Lighthouse RVA
07:26 Understanding Addiction and the Importance of Community
10:01 The Birth of Lighthouse RVA
15:15 The Impact of Lighthouse RVA
19:31 Reflecting on the Journey and God's Guidance
23:39 The Power of Perseverance and Trusting the Process
29:20 Discovering Thistle Farms: A Turning Point
30:31 Taking the Leap: Attending the Thistle Farms Workshop
31:50 The First Steps of Lighthouse RVA
32:48 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Unknown
34:45 The Power of Small Steps and Great Love
36:53 The Role of Community in Lighthouse RVA
39:27 Breaking Down Barriers: The Impact of Lighthouse RVA
41:45 The Future of Lighthouse RVA
42:38 Reflections on Leadership and the Power of the Next Step
43:41 Connecting with Lighthouse RVA
46:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
www.thelighthouserva.org
Empowering Health: Jim and Nicole Holland
Wellness and Transformation: A conversation with Jim and Nicole Holland - Overcoming Health Challenges for a Brighter Future
In this podcast episode of 'Space for Life', Tommy interviews Nicole and Jim Holland, founders of 'Hope 30' and 'Hope Essentials'. The Hollands share their unique wellness journey which began with a focus on improving personal health and evolved into a desire to help others. Jim talks about his transition from being overweight and diabetic to being healthy through natural methods and lifestyle adjustments. He discusses how achieving metabolic health is vital to overall wellness. The pair also focuses on the vital role community, accountability, and positive self-talk play in the process of health and wellness improvement. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of honoring our bodies as temples, considering it essential for spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. The podcast concludes with them highlighting their organic salad dressings, barbecue sauce, stir fry sauce, and upcoming sleep supplements aiming to aid in holistic health promotion.
00:05 Introduction and Personal Health Journey
00:50 Guest Introduction: Jim and Nicole Holland
02:22 Mission of Hope Essentials
04:28 Personal Health Transformation Stories
09:00 The Birth and Growth of Hope30
14:49 The Impact of Community and Positive Mindset
21:26 The Power of Hope and Possibility
29:37 Struggles with Weight Loss and the Importance of Health
31:06 The Concept of Eating 'Foods by God' and 'Foods by Man'
33:02 The Role of Faith in Health and Wellness
33:23 The Journey to Health and the Role of Vanity
35:11 The Body's Ability to Heal Itself and the Importance of Proper Nutrition
41:24 The Importance of Sleep and Exercise in Health
48:53 Exploring HOPE30 and HOPE Essentials
51:05 Future Plans and Final Thoughts
Resources: www.hopeessentials.com
www.hopethirty.com
How to Be Made Well: Amy Julia Becker
Amy Julia Becker reflects on her personal journey, recognising the detrimental impacts of her rigorous striving and pursuit of success during high school and college. While she effectually acquired commendable achievements, she confesses to falling into unhealthy practices that led to a severe eating disorder. Even while suffering, the pressure to perform made her overlook her own health. She discusses how this experience enabled her to understand her need to slow down and relinquish her persistent compulsion to achieve, acknowledging this as a necessary part of her personal wellbeing.
Amy Julia Becker is an award-winning writer and speaker on disability, family, culture, and faith. She is the author of four books, including To Be Made Well: An Invitation to Wholeness, Healing, and Hope, a guest opinion writer for national publications, and the host of the Love Is Stronger Than Fear podcast. Becker is a graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv). She lives with her husband and their three children in western Connecticut.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: @amyjuliabecker
Facebook: @amyjuliabeckerwriter
Twitter: @amyjuliabecker
Website:
BOOKS:
· To Be Made Well: An Invitation to Wholeness, Healing, and Hope
· White Picket Fences: Turning Towards Love in a World Divided by Privilege
· Small Talk: Learning From My Children About What Matters Most
· A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny
Remember 2023 - PEACH
Reflecting on the Year with PEACH: People, Experiences, Accomplishments, Challenges, and Hopes
On today's episode of Space for Life, Tommy shares an end-of-the-year reflective exercise he found beneficial in journaling. This reminiscing activity, coined as PEACH, helps him to review the year that passed. With PEACH, he recollects the People who mattered most, Experiences he lived through, Accomplishments he achieved, Challenges he endured, and finally, the Hopes that keep him forward-looking.
Tommy encourages his audience to engage in this empowering process of remembering 2023 in a way that fosters gratitude, self-awareness, and hope for 2024. He ends the episode by expressing his excitement for upcoming episodes in the new year.
00:02 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode
00:29 The Origin of the Year-End Reflection
02:01 The Importance of Remembering
02:48 Introducing the PEACH Acronym
03:11 Remembering People
04:00 Remembering Experiences
04:53 Remembering Accomplishments
05:34 Remembering Challenges
06:08 Remembering Hopes
06:56 Conclusion and New Year Wishes
Setting a Strong Foundation: Life Mapping Bonus Episode
Tommy Thompson and Patricia Clarke discuss the important addition of setting your foundation in the life map process. They talk about how in establishing values, identity, and powerful words all go into the intention of setting a foundation. Hear both Tommy and Patricia share how finding a core foundation has helped to shape a life of intention and purpose.
Join us as we discuss:
Living a purposeful, sustainable life avoiding burnout
How specifying values shape beliefs and identity
How having a motto can affirm and give strength during hard times
The impact words have in our lives, shaping our lives in unexpected ways
Prioritizing values and goals in your day to day life
The One Thing: Living Your Best with Life Mapping Part 3
Join us as we discuss:
Focusing on a single goal helps make achieving goals easier
How strategically working towards the "one thing" can impact many parts of your life
By fully committing and referring back to one goal, you're more likely to accomplish it
Dreaming 360: Living your Best with Life Mapping Part 2
Join as we discuss:
The importance of clarity and intentionality in dreaming
Balancing your dreams with reality
The power in dreaming especially during hard times
Life 360: Living your Best with Life Mapping Part 1
Tommy Thompson and Patricia Clark discuss the power of life mapping and decision-making. They walk through the significance of having a "life map" to encourage reflection, guide choices, emphasizing the role of clear goals and values in leading a fulfilling life. They stress the importance of intention, flexibility, and self-correction in navigating life's journey, acknowledging the dynamic nature of decision-making.
Join as we discuss:
- The power in living with intention & making purposeful decisions
- The balance of living with both clear direction & spontaneity
- Dreaming and how it effects setting goals & living in purpose
- The tool "Life 360" encouraging reflection & growth
Wes Peterson: Practical Ways to Make this Christmas Meaningful
Dr. Wes Peterson, Executive Pastor of Hope Church, Richmond, Virginia shares his amazing journey around the world serving and leading and living by his calling. He exemplifies the power of a life lived with open hands to God. In this dual episode, we hear Wes’ story and then join in on the creative conversation with Tommy on how we can make this Christmas season meaningful.
Wes is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a Bachelor of Education, Taylor University with an MBA in Global Leadership, and recently Columbia International University with a Ph.D in Organizational Leadership.
The importance of faith in the midst of grief & suffering
- The value of real-world experience in ministry
- Being open handed in leadership with church and nonprofits
- Slowing down and reflecting during Christmas time
Nicole Unice: Be Brave, Be Real
Nicole brings 20 years of leadership and counseling experience to her work as a coach and communicator. Nicole’s passion is facilitating environments of safety & vulnerability so that individuals & communities can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from maximum potential.
As a speaker, Nicole brings both wit and wisdom, with an honest & vulnerable approach that appeals to both faith & leadership environments alike. As a coach, Nicole brings clarity & courage for individuals and teams as they pursue growth.
Her latest book, “The Miracle Moment: How Tough Conversations Can Actually Transform Your Most Important Relationships” invites readers into the practical steps that create moments of breakthrough within relationships. Her books come to life through her popular video curriculum series found on RightNow Media.
Invitations to speak have taken Nicole around the world, but she loves her home in Richmond, VA, which she shares with her husband and three kids. Nicole holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and serves on the board of CHAT, a local nonprofit focused on restorative work with young people in poverty.
Join Tommy in this delightful conversation with Nicole Unice.
Books
Website: www.nicoleunice.com
Instagram: nicoleunice
Storytelling & the Power of Living in Purpose w/ Stacy Hawkins Adams
Tommy sits down with Author & Speaker Stacy Hawkins Adams as she shares her own personal growth journey as a storyteller. Stacy provides valuable insights about her relationships, career, and beliefs, offering inspiration and encouragement to everyone she encounters. Her story reveals her resilience, faith, and commitment to making a positive impact through her writing and living out her purpose.
Host: Tommy Thompson
Website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, & Twitter
Guest: Stacy Hawkins Adams
Join as we discuss:
- Stacy's journey into writing
- Maintaining balance and rest in your career
- The power writing has in bringing people & ideas together
- How faith helped Stacey overcome challenges
- Risks are made when living in purpose
- Living for connection & intentionality
Journey through Addiction to New Life w/ Kathy & Tucker Wrenn
Tommy sits down with Kathy & Tucker Wrenn, mother & son, to share the raw story of Tuckers' addiction, hitting bottom, and path to 5 ½ years clean. Both Tucker and Kathy use their hard lessons learned to help others find their recovery and help families better manage the trauma of having a loved one go through substance abuse. This episode will captivate you with its transparency, but will also give vital information for anyone needing help in the midst of the world of addiction.
Host: Tommy Thompson
Website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, & Twitter
Join us as we discuss:
- The step by step journey of overcoming addiction
- Loving people through their relapses and the process of overcoming addiction
- Insights into the family recovery procress
- Health & financial effects of drug addiction
- Identity changes in the recovery process
- The value of mentorship during recovery
- Setting boundaries, hard conversations, & tough love
- Life after recovery: living a sober & with community
Framing Time
Tommy Thompson and Patricia Clark discuss the importance of framing our lives. In their conversation, they address how individuals can utilize intentional time framing to improve their lives, from daily routines to personal growth, weekly reviews, and even setting annual goals. The speakers share their experiences and strategies for making the most of time framing in order to live a free, intentional, and productive life.
Host: Tommy Thompson
Website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, & Twitter
Co-Host: Patricia Clark
Website, Instagram, & Podcast, "Lifted by Love”
Framing can organize thoughts, set intentions, and achieve goals effectively.
Journaling, reading, and intention-setting can contribute to a relaxed and productive mindset.
Practicing morning & evening framing can help individuals establish a clear mindset in the morning and conclude the day positively,
Reflection, as a part of framing, is important for learning and overall self improvement.
Managing tasks and revisiting long-term goals are great for maintaining focus and direction in one's life.
The Path to Unhurried Living
Tommy sits down with Author, Host, & Founder of “Unhurried Living” Gem Fadling and as she shares her remarkable journey of learning how to live an unhurried life. Gem candidly shares her personal struggles, resilience in the face of loss, and the role of faith during times of tragedy. She talks us through how embracing an unhurried life, managing anxiety, and finding peace through faith have transformed her life and ministry. You'll also discover practical tips for practicing presence and solitude in our fast-paced world.
Host: Tommy Thompson
Website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, & Twitter
Guest: Gem Fadling
Website, Instagram, Facebook, Unhurried Living & Podcast, "I Can Do That!"
God gave us the wisdom to be able to create.
Learn what it really means to experience silence and solitude.
In our solitude, God prepares us for the hardships we will encounter in life.
In order to live an unhurried life, we must create margin.
We live in a fast world full of distractions; we are not made to live that way.
It takes courage to self reflect and make changes in your life.
Friends & Enemies of Intimacy
Tommy and Patricia sit down to talk about intimacy and the importance of fulfilling relationships. Whether you are seeking relationships in marriage or friendship, we are made to have intimacy. In this episode, you will learn about what kind of enemies can get in the way of intimacy, as well as what can create more space for intimacy. Listen to how creating containers, establishing boundaries, and having discipline will lead to more close, intimate relationships in your life.
Host: Tommy Thompson
Website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, & Twitter
Co-Host: Patricia Clarke
Website, Instagram, & Podcast “Lifted by Love”
We not only naturally desire intimacy, but are created for intimate relationships.
In order to have intimate relationships, we need to be able to bring our best selves to the relationship.
Creating intimacy takes strength, awareness, and intentionality in your life.
What keeps us from intimacy? Anger, Busyness, Secrets, Unforgiveness, Impatience, and Stress.
You need to have a container for intimacy by creating space and establishing boundaries.
Without discipline and structures we have chaos. And with chaos, we can’t have a container for intimacy.
There are straightforward ways to create space for intimacy. One way is to establish no phone spaces.
There are ways to establish intimacy through attention, touch, words of encouragement, space, and authenticity.
The Art of Communication: Graceful-Truthtelling
In a world where honesty often clashes with compassion, radical candor butts into radical kindness, Tommy and Patricia discuss the art of healthy communication, the delicate dance between grace and truth.
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The art of communication is having communication with another person that is full of both grace and truth. - Tommy Thompson
In this episode, you will be able to:
Cultivate stronger relationships and effective leadership by finding the delicate balance between grace and truth.
Foster a culture of trust and openness in leadership by embracing vulnerability and transparency.
Discover the power of speaking truth in love and the profound impact it can have on relationships.
Learn practical strategies to communicate truth in a positive and constructive way, even if you naturally lean towards grace.
Recognize your own communication tendencies and strive to achieve a healthy balance between grace and truth for greater effectiveness in relationships and leadership.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:04 - Introduction,
00:02:08 - Importance of Relationships,
00:06:26 - Tools for Improving Relationships,
00:09:30 - Grace and Truth in Communication,
00:14:38 - Finding the Balance,
00:18:55 - Increasing Grace in Leadership,
00:22:38 - Truth-Telling with Grace,
00:26:02 - The Power of Truth in Love,
00:28:19 - The Self-Indulgence of Truth without Grace,
00:31:10 - Increasing Truth with Grace,
00:36:13 - Understanding Boundaries,
00:36:44 - Speaking with Intensity,
00:38:34 - Balancing Grace and Truth,
00:39:57 - Speaking the Truth,
00:40:53 - Conclusion and Reflection,
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Steve Perkins: Practical Strategies for Busy Lives - Achieve Balance and Fulfillment
My special guest is Steve Perkins
Meet Steve Perkins, a friend with a passion for living a life of purpose without sacrificing his family and faith. Growing up in Michigan with a love for sports and music, Steve wrestled with questions like, What do I want to be when I grow up?, driving him to begin a journey of introspection and growth. Despite stepping into the world of engineering, his focus never strayed from his desire to help others find their purpose - a mission that ultimately led him to entrepreneurial success. His conviction to maintaining balance in life, relationships, and faith reflect his belief that a purposeful life should never be at the expense of our personal wellbeing.
Balance is about knowing our own capacity and setting right-sized expectations for ourselves. It's not about comparing ourselves to others. - Steve Perkins
In this episode, you will be able to:
Gain insights on how to manage the imperfect work-life balance implicit in today's hectic culture.
Challenge commonly held misconceptions about your professional path and life mission.
Comprehend the power of self-awareness in unearthing your full potential.
Recognize the importance of establishing routines for a leveled, harmonious life.
Acknowledge how clear goals and targeted intentions can transform your life experiences.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:05 - Introduction,
00:03:21 - Finding Purpose,
00:09:56 - Meeting Tommy Thompson,
00:13:17 - Balancing Life and Entrepreneurship,
00:16:34 - Believing in Possibility,
00:19:06 - Comparing and Judging Ourselves,
00:22:26 - Self-Awareness and Right-Sized Expectations,
00:24:37 - The Power of Systems,
00:29:24 - Shaping Your Life,
00:33:17 - Experimenting with Systems for Success,
00:34:06 - Vision Guides Decisions,
00:35:28 - Balancing Faith and Personal Goals,
00:39:12 - The Power of Vision and Choice,
00:42:41 - Implementing Rhythms and Systems,
00:49:10 - Ditching the Posture of Obligation,
00:50:57 - The Power of Weekly Planning,
00:54:01 - Plan Once, Let It Run,
00:57:14 - Prioritizing Relationships,
01:00:13 - Taking the Holistic Approach,
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Small Steps, Big Results: How Compounding Rhythms Lead to Personal Growth
Do you want to experience exponential personal growth and positive transformation in your life? Are you searching for a proven solution to create lasting change? Compounding rhythm provides the key to unlocking your potential.
Success is not measured by immediate results, but by our faithfulness to the habits and practices that align with our values. It's about focusing on the journey, not just the destination. - Tommy Thompson
In this episode, you will be able to:
Delve into how compounding rhythms can magnify transformative change.
Find out the importance of grace in facilitating personal evolution.
Recognize the impact of tiny, steady actions in sparking major advances.
Unravel methods to dissolve negative identities constraining your personal transformation.
Learn the critical role of accountability mechanisms for ingraining enduring habits.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Stage,
00:02:02 - Understanding Compounding Rhythms,
00:06:28 - The Power of Compounding Rhythms,
00:09:15 - Overcoming Hurdles and Starting Small,
00:15:34 - Areas for Compounding Rhythms,
00:16:51 - Becoming Good Soil,
00:18:21 - Overcoming Overload and Busyness,
00:20:11 - Grace and Asking for Help,
00:22:58 - The Power of Grace and Accountability,
00:26:53 - Honesty and Change,
00:30:23 - The Compounding Effect of Small Actions,
00:35:29 - Casting Off Labels and Changing Mentality,
00:37:46 - The Power of Identity in Habit Change,
00:38:56 - Visualizing Change and Taking Action,
00:43:26 - Putting the Concept into Practice,
00:47:52 - The Challenge and Call to Action,
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Justin Earley: The Art of Deep, Lasting Friendships
Deepening Friendships: Journey with Justin Earley as he navigates the art of vulnerability, forging a path of trust and forgiveness through intentional practices and the transformative power of meaningful connections.
My special guest is Justin Earley
Justin Earley is an accomplished author and business law expert with an interesting affinity for integrating daily work, tech, and business habits into the Christian life. Justin's journey from missionary to lawyer was influenced by his desire to understand and shape the world through law and economics. His passion for writing has enabled him to deeply explore these themes, resulting in three captivating books including his latest, Made for People. With a unique perspective built on his experiences and an underlying mission to form deeper human connections, Justin’s insights into friendship are truly transformative.
I wouldn't be walking with Jesus the way that I am were it not for the friends that have walked alongside me. What does that mean? Why is that true? And how can I sing God's praises and my friends' praises? - Justin Earley
In this episode, you will be able to:
Develop an understanding of how intentional habits contribute to a life filled with quality and purpose.
Unravel how integrating faith with work can bring a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Find solutions to the common struggle of incorporating spiritual disciplines in the midst of a busy lifestyle.
Gain insight into the theological dynamics of friendship and its effect on mental health.
Gain practical guidance on how to establish and maintain powerful, value-driven friendships.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
Tommy introduces Justin Early as his special guest and highlights their previous connection through their books and shared interest in habits and practices for living a better life.
00:01:16 - Reconnecting with Justin,
00:03:10 - Justin's Background,
00:07:26 - Work and Calling,
00:09:32 - The Common Rule,
00:15:39 - The Urgency of Friendship in Daily Life,
00:19:28 - The Gaping Hole of Friendlessness,
00:22:22 - Recognizing Loneliness as a Spiritual Need,
00:25:37 - Loneliness as Hell on Earth,
00:29:49 - The Challenges of Time and Vulnerability,
00:32:25 - The Importance of Deep Friendships,
00:33:56 - Growing into Vulnerability,
00:36:12 - Scheduling Time for Friendship,
00:38:26 - The Power of Honesty and Vulnerability,
Justin shares the transformative power of honesty and vulnerability in friendships.
00:42:29 - Encouragement for the Lonely,
Justin offers theological encouragement to those feeling lonely and lacking meaningful friendships. He assures them that God will meet them in their loneliness and will not leave them there.
Links and Resources
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https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson
www.tommythompson.org
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Beautiful Listening: The Essential Path to the Good Life
We have lost the art of being undistracted listeners. Incessant noise dampens our ability to give full attention. In this episode, Tommy and Patricia delve into the critical importance of listening for living our best lives and give practical tips on becoming better listeners.
In this episode we learn:
- the importance of listening for living the Good Life
- the 4 key relationships for listening.
- 3 different kinds of listening
Robert Wrenn: Reflection and Perspective in Golf and Life
PGA pro golfer and winner of five professional events, turned financial advisor, Robert Wrenn humbly reflects on missed one-foot putts, finding life's unexpected riches, and the power of clearing our heads to navigate new paths in this captivating episode of personal growth and resilience.
In this episode, you will be able to:
· Unearth how reflection can enhance your understanding of both golf and life.
· Embark on novel ways to carve out space for holistic well-being and personal growth.
· Discover the transformative power of humility in refining your golf and life experience.
· Appreciate the profound impact of interpersonal connections in your golf sporting journey.
· Understand the essence of an incessant pursuit of growth in the professional sport of golf.
Golf teaches humility. Even the best players in the world have had to eat humble pie at different times because their game just wasn't there. - Robert Wrenn
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:09 - Introduction,
00:01:16 - Robert's Background and Early Experiences with golf,
00:05:18 - Career Highlights,
00:10:17 - Golf as a Connector,
00:13:45 - Perspective and Coaching,
00:17:32 - The Humility in Life and Golf,
00:19:47 - Reflection and Growth in Golf,
00:22:31 - The Value of Reflection,
00:26:13 - Creating Margin in Life,
00:32:09 - Embracing New Opportunities,
00:36:32 - The Importance of Growth Mentality and Reflection,
00:37:25 - Parallels between Addiction and Being a Professional Athlete,
00:41:01 - Perseverance and Faith in Challenging Times,
00:45:37 - Embracing Ups and Downs in Life,
00:52:30 - Creating Space for Reflection,
00:55:47 - Reflection and Clearing Our Heads,
00:56:18 - Reflecting Supersedes Situations and Seasons of Life,
00:57:19 - New Ground to Discover with Perspective,
00:57:56 - Creating Space in Life for Joy and Peace,
01:01:13 - Liberating Power of Sharing Personal Story,
Resources:
illumefamilyrecovery.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tucker-wrenn-4842197a
· https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher
· https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson
· https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/tommy.thompson.583
· www.tommythompson.org
· https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
· https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
Radical Punctuality: Elevate Your Life and Relationships - Greatest Hits: Season 1
Radical punctuality is about more than being on time. Let's debunk three common myths about radical punctuality: 1) Being punctual means sacrificing spontaneity, 2) It's impossible to change your punctuality habits, and 3) Punctuality defines your worth. 4?) There are more important reasons for punctuality than being on time. 5) Radical punctuality means being present and undistracted. Stay tuned to discover the truth and uncover a game-changing strategy to reframe your relationship with time.
Rushing and enjoyment cannot coexist. Being present, being prepared, that's so critical. - Tommy Thompson
In this episode, you will be able to:
· Understand how infusing radical punctuality in your lifestyle can enhance relationships and amplify health and happiness.
· Recognize the transformative potential of being fully present in each of life's moments.
· Relate punctuality with the potential to ignite meaningful bonds and curate enriching experiences.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:05 - Introduction,
00:01:04 - The Importance of Punctuality,
00:06:44 - Rushing and Productivity,
00:07:18 - Trusting Time,
00:12:51 - Importance of Being Prepared,
00:17:14 - The Connection Between Choices and Disrespect,
00:18:55 - Radical Punctuality as a Statement of Respect,
00:21:03 - Rebelling Against Time and Control,
00:22:38 - Radical Punctuality and Greater Presence,
00:25:09 - Building in Time for After-Meeting Processing,
Connect with me here:
· https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher
· https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson
· https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/tommy.thompson.583
· www.tommythompson.org
· https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
· https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
Who is Your ...? Greatest Hits: Season 1
Unleash Your Potential: Join me as I navigate the paradox of personal growth, discovering the power of prioritizing the who over the how, unlocking the key to success through nurturing the right relationships.
In this episode, you will be able to:
· Gain insights into the substantial benefits of prioritizing crucial relationships in our lives.
· Understand the influence supportive cheerleaders and effective coaches have in our individual progression and success.
· Master the skill of actively seeking, establishing, and fostering precious relationships for overall growth and prosperity.
What you believe about your spouse is who they will become. - Patricia Clark
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:10 - Introduction,
00:06:46 - Cheerleader,
00:14:33 - Coach,
00:20:19 - Faithful Friend,
00:24:24 - Companion,
00:17:16 - The Role of a Faithful Friend,
00:19:32 - The Role of a Companion,
00:21:41 - The Role of Inspiration,
00:26:38 - What If We Can't Find These Roles?,
00:30:13 - Cultivating Relationships,
· https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher
· https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson
· https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/tommy.thompson.583
· www.tommythompson.org
· https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
· https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
Supercharge Your Week: The Transformative Impact of Weekly Reflection
Incorporate, in a very systematic way, a weekly review into your routines, because a week unit is an amazing period of time that allows us to work and operate at our best. - Tommy Thompson
In this episode, you will be able to:
· Learn why a weekly review is critical to making the progress we so desire.
· Hear a sampling of the elements that make up an effective weekly review.
· Find out how best to schedule your weekly review.
· Learn the art of defining and organizing weekly objectives for maximized output.
The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:02:57 - The Importance of Weekly Goals,
00:09:08 - Planning Out the Week,
00:13:13 - Listing Accomplishments,
00:15:00 - Spiritual Component,
00:17:58 - The Importance of a Weekly Review,
00:19:30 - Using Past Weeks as Learning Opportunities,
00:20:43 - Seeking Help When Needed,
00:22:04 - Finding Meaningful Insights in the Weekly Review,
00:22:57 - The Challenge to Try the Weekly Review,
· www.tommythompson.org
· www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson
· www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
· www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
· www.facebook.com/facebook.com/tommy.thompson.583
· www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher
Greatest Hits, Season One: Life as Practice: Unlocking Your Creative, Spacious, and Purposeful Potential
Join Tommy as he explores the power of practice and how it can transform your life. From reframing major life events to intentionally practicing behaviors that align with your growth, discover the secrets to living a purposeful and intentional life.
Life is all about practice. Every choice we make, every action we take, is shaping who we are becoming. Be intentional about what you practice. - Tommy Thompson
In this episode, you will be able to:
Gain insight into how practice provides a robust foundation for a life lived on purpose.
Realize how redefining life events as practice can alleviate stress and propel personal growth.
Understand that practicing purposeful behaviors can expedite your journey towards self-improvement.
Examine the wider implications of seeing all life aspects, from relationships to character development, as opportunities for practice.
Absorb the transformative potential of adopting a practice-centered mindset, marked by grace, anti-perfectionism, and a strong sense of purpose.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:03 - Introduction and Greatest Hits Month
Tommy introduces the episode as part of the Greatest Hits Month, featuring the most listened to episodes from season one. He explains that these episodes are foundational to living a creative and purposeful life.
00:01:36 - Reframing Major Life Events as Practice
00:05:50 - All of Life as Practice
00:09:25 - Shifting Perspectives on Practice
00:14:22 - Intentional Practice and Creating Tracks
00:18:03 - Creating New Practices,
00:19:15 - Practicing with Actions,
00:21:20 - Areas to Practice,
00:24:02 - Setting Goals and Making Practice Tangible,
00:28:57 - Practice for Heaven,
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Shane Schlesman: Mastering the Art of Work-Life Balance
In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, finding the delicate balance between work and rest seems like an elusive dream. But what if I told you that one man's journey took an unexpected turn that completely transformed his perspective? Shane Schlesman, a devoted servant of God, thought he had it all figured out. But when a major heart attack struck, everything changed. Now, he's on a mission to share his newfound wisdom and help others navigate the demanding rhythms of life. Get ready to discover the secret to balancing work and rest in a way you never expected.
My special guest is Shane Schlesman
Meet our guest, Shane Schlesman, a fiercely dedicated leader, committed husband, and loving father. Holding pivotal roles in business and ministry over the past 20 years, Shane currently serves as the lead pastor at West End Assembly of God in Richmond, Virginia. His passion for creating an inclusive, diverse, and intergenerational religious community is truly admirable. Shane, who is known for his resilience and dedication to his role, has both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree. His personal stories and life experiences add depth and dimension to his understanding of faith, life balance, and work ethics.
Stress is a silent killer. We don't realize the impact it has on our lives. Take a hard look in the mirror and make changes in how you manage stress. - Shane Schlesman
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover the critical role rest plays in effectively managing daily stressors.
Uncover tactics to strike a balance between work and rest in an ever-busy world.
Learn the power of surrendering control and letting God guide your life and ministry.
Assess the importance of prioritizing relationships and adopting a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Realize the radical benefits of rest and peace in a hectic and high-pressure world.
Mastering the Art of Work-Life Balance: Insights from Shane Schlesman
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:09 - Introduction,
00:02:40 - Shane's Background,
00:09:51 - Challenges of Being a Pastor,
00:14:54 - The Story Behind Stress Test,
00:16:07 - Shane's Heart Attack,
00:19:08 - A Shocking Diagnosis,
00:20:38 - The Hidden Impact of Stress,
00:23:23 - Lessons from Stress,
00:28:00 - Learning to Rest,
00:34:38 - Working from Rest,
00:39:22 - Jesus as our Shepherd,
00:43:29 - Invitation to Rest,
00:46:52 - Learning to Be Done,
00:48:52 - Counter-cultural Message,
00:50:59 - Stress Test Podcast,
Cracking the Code: Achieve Success through Process-Oriented Thinking
If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by constantly chasing after quick fixes and short-term wins in your personal and professional pursuits, only to find yourself stuck and lacking true success, then you are not alone!
In this episode, you will be able to:
Encounter a fresh perspective on the power of Process versus Outcome thinking for effective goal achievement.
Understand how to define and structure meaningful goals that create lasting change.
Unearth the logic behind adding habits and systems to drive success.
Discover the role of accountability and support in reaching your objectives.
Learn to continuously evaluate and adjust your paths to yield better outcomes.
Process versus outcome thinking is a paradigm shift that can reframe everything in our lives, from problem-solving to personal growth. - Tommy Thompson
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:05 - Reconnecting and Recapping,
00:02:40 - Writing Workshop and Impostor Syndrome,
00:07:04 - Identifying Your Position in the Journey,
00:10:16 - Clear Desired Outcomes and Processes,
00:13:28 - Authenticity and Internal Reflection,
00:16:53 - Finding Your Motivation,
00:18:20 - Shifting Your Goal,
00:21:58 - Moving Beyond SMART Goals,
00:25:21 - Embracing Process-Oriented Thinking,
00:31:58 - Breaking Down Overwhelming Tasks,
00:34:59 - Finding a Sustainable Pace,
00:36:14 - Starting Small with Tiny Habits,
00:38:57 - Finding Your Parallels,
00:40:16 - The Role of Accountability,
00:44:43 - The Power of Community and Body Doubling,
00:50:22 - The Importance of Systems and Habits,
00:52:31 - Adapting the Process,
00:55:48 - Expanding Goals,
00:58:31 - Power of Compounding,
01:00:15 - Find Your Plan, Pace, Problems, and People,
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From Trapped to Transformed: Embracing True Identity with JG Carter
Does this sound familiar? You've been told that in order to grow and find fulfillment, you need to constantly strive, achieve, and mold yourself into what society deems successful. But despite your efforts, you still feel a deep sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. The pain of chasing after an identity that isn't truly yours is overwhelming. It's time to break free from the ineffective action of pursuing an external image of success. In this episode, my special guest JG Carter shares his personal journey from trapped in a success identity to freedom to live above the constructs the world tried to impose.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Uncover the vital role of identity in shaping the trajectory of our lives.
Probe into the unexpected and unintended ways success shapes how you see yourself.
Understand that true identity is received, not achieved.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:05 - Introduction,
00:01:49 - Fun Breakfast Conversations
00:03:15 - JG's Background
00:07:35 - Loss of Identity
00:12:27 - Trapped by Identity
00:17:00 - From Trapped to Free
00:18:01 - Shifting Channels
00:19:27 - Whispers and Rescues
00:22:12 - Limited Identities
00:30:53 - Achieved vs. Received Identities
00:35:26 - The Traps of Identity
00:38:10 - Overestimating Others' Opinions
00:40:08 - Exhaustion and Limitations
00:43:32 - Lifelong Journey of Self-Discovery
00:46:31 - Taking Inventory and Seeking Honest Feedbackhttps://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson
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https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher
www.tommythompson.org
The Transformational Power of Saying Yes with Cary Umhau
Episode Description:
In this captivating episode of the Space for Life podcast, Cary Umhau shares her inspiring journey of saying yes to new experiences and being open to unexpected opportunities. From founding Breadcoin to her involvement with Spacious, Cary's story will leave you craving more of her incredible adventures. Tune in now to discover the power of saying yes and embrace a joy-filled, purposeful journey with Cary Umhau.
I started feeling the most comfortable in places that our culture tells us we should fear. - Cary Umhau
In this episode, you will be able to:
· Embrace the transformative potential of saying 'yes' and fostering an open-minded perspective.
· Discover the joys of including diversity and inclusivity in shaping impactful relationships.
· Uncover the surprising role of playfulness and entertaining activities in forming robust social bonds.
· Learn about Breadcoin, an innovative nonprofit offering dignity, and access to food for those who might otherwise go hungry.
· Explore the significance of flexibility and faith in the divine plan to uncover your true calling.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Getting to Know Cary
00:03:36 - Exploring a Spacious Life
00:07:32 - Hearing and Acting on God's Guidance
00:10:46 - Finding Belonging in Unexpected Places
00:15:55 - Unlikely Friendship and the Birth of a Venture
00:18:33 - Spacious Ventures and Creating Community
00:20:59 - Embracing Playfulness and Spaciousness
00:23:19 - Breadcoin: Innovative Solution to Hunger
00:28:00 - Breadcoin's Impact and Micro Loans
00:31:46 - Feeding Kids in Lower-Income Communities
00:32:49 - Fulfilling the Command to Feed the Hungry
00:33:50 - Bringing People Together Through Breadcoin
00:34:52 - Removing Stigma and Democratizing Food Assistance
00:47:27 - The Importance of Nuance in Discerning Purpose
00:48:07 - Letting God Lead
00:49:00 - Embracing Unexpected Opportunities
00:50:00 - Finding Spaciousness in Life
00:54:36 - Connecting with Cary Umhau
Resources:
· Visit the website of Breadcoin, the nonprofit organization co-founded by Cary Umhau, to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved in their community-funded food token program - www.breadcoin.org
· Check out Spacious, Cary Umhau's organization, and consultancy that celebrates neighborly love and connects communities across borders. Explore their website to discover the open-hearted and expansive things they are doing and find ways to get involved. www.spaciousconsulting.org
· Read Cary Umhau's book, Burning Down the Fireproof Hotel, a spiritual memoir manifesto that explores her journey towards a more spacious life. Find it on major online book retailers or consider supporting local bookstores. https://a.co/d/1VjQE1x
Links:
· Instagram - @breadcoindc and @spaciouscommunity
· Order Space to Breathe Again - https://a.co/d/9o24w8q
· https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/tommy.thompson.583
· https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson
· https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
· https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
· https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher
· www.tommythompson.org
The Art of Finishing Well
I thought I had it all figured out until I stumbled upon a life-changing book that challenged everything I thought I knew. The Life God Blesses by Gordon McDonald opened my eyes to the importance of finishing well in all aspects of life. This realization prompted me to create a list of what finishing well meant for me. Now, as I approach a new season of life, I'm reminded of the power of intentionality. This episode will give you the tools to create your own Finishing Well list.
"Intentionality becomes so much more important in the later seasons of life." - Tommy Thompson
Resources:
The Life God Blesses - Gordon MacDonald
My Finishing Well List
- Faithfulness to my God
- Faithfulness to my wife
- Guide andSupport Chris and Alex, Nina and McKenna, and their families as much as possible
- Live mission as much as I am able, for as long as I am able
- Stay as healthy as my body and age will allow
- Maintain optimism and hope
- Embrace other orientation, always reaching out to those younger than I
- Always continue growing
- Help others thrive!
Overcome Your Rut: Effective Strategies for Getting Unstuck in Life
If you're feeling overwhelmed and stuck in life, trying to make progress but constantly hitting roadblocks, then you are not alone! Remember, feeling stuck is a normal part of the journey. The key is to identify what's holding you back and take action to overcome it. With the right mindset and strategies, you can break through the obstacles and achieve the success you desire.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover the power of naming precisely where you are stuck
- Learn to take lift one leg out of the rut through small, prioritized, intentional steps.
- Learn to elevate out of your rut.
- Recognize the detrimental effects of negative thinking patterns and strategies to reframe your mindset.
- Delve into the benefits of engaging in the grand scheme of life to rise above your current situation.
“We all find ourselves with stuck places in our lives...Today's episode is going to speak directly to those stuck places we're in, and what do we do to help extricate ourselves out of those stuck places and move again forward in our lives.” - Tommy Thompson
Kristin Harris: Faith-Filled Optimism, Pink Ribbons + Cancer Retreat Centers
Kristin Harris is a truly inspiring individual whose life experiences have molded her into a beacon of hope and encouragement for countless individuals touched by cancer. With a history of breast cancer spanning four generations in her family, Kristin has an intimate and profound understanding of the disease. After losing her mother to cancer, Kristin found herself facing her own battle, being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer only a few years later at the age of 32. Throughout her journey, Kristin has become known for her faith, strength, and passion for helping others. Drawing from her experiences as both a patient and a caregiver, Kristin offers invaluable insight, encouragement, and support for those who find themselves navigating the complex world of cancer. Kristin shares the highs and lows of her journey, and how it led her to create Cancer Retreat Centers, a patient-centered integrative cancer care experience.
In this episode we talk about:
- Kristin's story
- Caring well for individuals battling cancer or other ongoing conditions
- The immense impact of community
- Survivor guilt
- Scanxiety
- Finding purpose and passion
- Cancer Retreat Centers
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:03:46) Early Life and Caregiving
(00:09:49) Facing Greatest Fears
(00:13:11) Learning from Mother's Modeling
(00:15:41) Parent's Legacy and Foundation
(00:17:32) The Isolation of Cancer Patients
(00:22:33) The Meaning of Life
(00:26:48) Cancer U-turns
(00:30:42) Survivor Guilt
(00:34:57) Darker Moments and Finding Hope
(00:37:57) Surviving vs Thriving
(00:42:40) Cancer Retreat Centers
(00:48:04) Cancer Retreat Centers Becomes Reality
(00:52:55) Divine Tailwind and Finding Purpose
(00:58:05) Caring for Those with Cancer
(01:04:53) Grace and Self-Compassion
(01:06:27) Finding Purpose in the Midst of Hardship
(01:08:56) Connecting with Cancer Retreat Centers
(01:10:49) Closing Remarks
Connect:
Cancer Retreat Centers: https://www.cancerretreatcenters.org
Email Kristin: kharris@cancerretreatcenters.org
Kristin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivelypink2012/?hl=en
Give to Support Cancer Retreat Centers: https://cancerretreatcenters-bloom.kindful.com/embeds/bfa61536-62b6-4283-a632-907505891c48
If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!
You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.
How To Be Happy: Receiving + Giving MONEY
In this episode of Space for Life, we delve into the vulnerable topic of money and how it impacts our relationships and lives. This is the final episode of the "How To Be Happy" series, and we try our best to talk about the complex topic of our finances today. We explore the imbalances and tensions caused by personal money personalities, and discover the importance of generosity, and trusting in God for a healthier relationship with money.
"The abundance mindset is counterintuitive when it comes to money, but it's the place that Jesus addressed very clearly."
In this episode we talk about:
- Unique money personality
- Cultivating generosity and happiness with finances
- Key ingredients for a wholesome relationship with money
- Recognizing the omnipresence of money in our lives and its impact on our decision-making
- What money can (or can't) buy you
- The principles of abundance mindset and how it relates to financial obedience and freedom
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:28) What Money Can Get You
(00:04:24) Unhealthy Relationships with Money
(00:09:05) Money and Relationships
(00:13:48) Worrying About Money
(00:18:20) Jesus and Money
(00:23:35) Deceitfulness of Wealth
(00:27:14) Joyful Giving
(00:30:07) Trusting God with Money
(00:35:20) Practicing Giving
(00:37:17) Changing Our Relationship with Money
(00:39:22) Reframing Our View of Spouses and Money
(00:42:44) Entering Conversations About Trust
(00:43:40) Money Represents Reality
(00:44:49) Final thoughts
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You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.
How To Be Happy: Receiving + Giving TALENT
Does everyone have talent? In this episode, Patricia and I share our view that we absolutely believe that every single person has unique talents to offer. We continue our How To Be Happy series by talking about talent, and the act of giving and receiving our talents.
Living into who God made us to be, to the gifts he created us to have, is so critical to having a happy, joyous, fulfilled life. - Tommy Thompson
In this episode we talk about:
- How everyone has talents and giftings
- Fostering a collaborative atmosphere that empowers talent growth
- Being lifelong learners in order to share more of our talents
- Adopting an abundance mindset with talent
- Balancing giving and receiving our talents
Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:03:26) The Scarcity Mentality (00:09:08) Our Talents (00:15:57) Giving and Receiving our Talents (00:17:54) Over Harvesting Talents (00:18:54) The Importance of Balancing Talents (00:21:31) Learning and Growing Talent (00:25:51) God and Teamwork (00:28:01) Overcoming Weaknesses (00:29:24) Exponential Growth
If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!
You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.
How To Be Happy: Receiving + Giving HEART
In this episode, we focus on giving and receiving our hearts. Although heart isn't what we typically think of for giving and receiving, opening our hearts up and balance of giving and receiving allows us to experience deeper, more meaningful relationships, and greater joy and happiness.
"Opening our heart is the choice to risk and perhaps experience that our hearts are broken. Are we going to open and expose and take the risks, or are we going to go into survival mode and shut down and put on the tourniquet to our heart?" - Tommy Thompson
In this episode we talk about:
Discovering the profound impact of giving and receiving with an open heart in shaping your relationships
Cultivating vulnerability and openness as valuable pillars for strong connections with others
The unique challenges of vulnerability in relationships
Enhancing your discipline and focus to build robust and genuine connections with others
Incremental steps to nurture more meaningful bonds with those around you
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:42) Giving and Receiving Heart
(9:27)Balancing Joy and Suffering
(12:53) Balancing Giving and Receiving
(17:17) Practicing Vulnerability
(20:05) Finding the Rhythm of Giving and Receiving in Relationships
(22:18) Developing Skills for Open and Rich Relationships
(25:07) Creating a Future Life Vision
(26:11) Reflection and Learning from Failed Friendships
If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!
You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.
How To Be Happy: Receiving + Giving TIME
As we dive into the 4 key ways we give and receive, time is perhaps the hardest to embrace an abundance mindset with. By almost all accounts, time is the most obviously scarce resource we have. After all, everyone is limited to the same 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 52 weeks in a year. However, in this episode, we challenge the way we tend to think about time. Time can be abundant, and we can be in the position to freely receive AND give time. Listen in as we talk about how happiness can be found through receiving and giving time.
"Believing that time is abundant is a step of faith, but it's a path to joy." - Tommy Thompson
In this episode we talk about:
- Embracing a mindset of time abundance
- The art of punctuating time
- Experiencing the power of lingering and connection for deeper relationships
- Shifting gears from time scarcity to time abundance
- Discovering the true potential of slowing down for a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:46) Living in Abundance (00:08:19) Practicing an Abundance Mindset (00:12:46) Finding Punctuation (00:18:39) Importance of Punctuating Time (00:20:29) Spacing Time (00:22:44) Learning to Receive Time (00:26:44) Linger and Look (00:30:08) All of Life is Practice
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You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.
How To Be Happy: Embracing the Abundance Mindset
Discover the hidden world of abundance and joy in all areas of your life by balancing giving and receiving. In this episode we continue the "How To Be Happy" series by diving into the diverse ways we receive and give. This episode outlines 4 key areas that we find happiness through giving and receiving (time, money, talents, and heart) that we will be diving into in the coming weeks.
When we participate in acts of love, we step into the realm of abundance. And when you give away out of love, you receive in the giving. - Tommy Thompson
In this episode we talk about:
- Transforming your mindset from scarcity to abundance, impacting the way you give and receive in life.
- Discovering the four essential areas of receiving and giving: time, money, talent, and heart.
- The delicate balance of giving and receiving in unlocking authentic joy and happiness.
- Conquering your vulnerability fears to strengthen bonds and create deeper, more meaningful relationships.
- Unlocking your potential for personal growth by recognizing and addressing out of balance tendencies in your life.
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:01:47) Scarcity and Abundance Mindsets
(00:09:00) Receiving and Giving
(00:11:51) Giving of the Heart
(00:17:05) Final Thoughts
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You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.
How To Be Happy: A Real Life Happy Story
When we learn to give that way with receiving, it brings so much joy. And that's the joy that I so deeply desire for other people to experience. - Tommy Thompson
Happiness is found in the rhythm of receiving and giving in all areas of our lives. Hear Tommy tell a real life happy story of receiving and giving through one of life’s most difficult struggle, the struggle of grief.
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:03:12) The Beginning of Giving
(00:06:01) The Perrin School
(00:09:14) The Miracle
(00:14:30) Redeeming Suffering
(00:18:32) The Joy of Giving
(00:19:29) Settling for Small Happiness
(00:20:15) Abundance Mentality
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You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.
How To Be Happy: The Art of Giving + Receiving
How can we be happy? This is perhaps one of the most common questions people ask themselves. We often think happiness is found in things like work, the experiences we have, or maybe through our relationships. Although these things are good, this episode suggests that true happiness is found in the balance of giving and receiving. This episode serves as part one of a new series all about how to be happy.
Topics Discussed:
- How happiness takes both giving AND receiving
- Reflecting on our current imbalance without self-judgment
- Recognizing the equally vital roles of self-care and caring for others in the pursuit of happiness
- Evaluating and attaining the equilibrium between giving and receiving to enhance wellbeing
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:18) Four Categories of Pursuing Happiness
(00:09:01) Pursuing a Pathway to Happiness
(00:13:47) Receiving and Giving
(00:16:58) Balancing Receiving and Giving
(00:18:31) Finding Happiness Through Giving and Receiving
(00:21:22) Assessing Yourself Without Judgment
(00:22:38) Reframing Happiness
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You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.
Seeing With New Eyes
We talk about:
Identifying the lenses we see the world through:
The value of having meaningful relationships with people who can speak truth into our lives and cover our blindspots
The importance of using compassion when we examine ourselves
Practical tips to develop new ways of seeing and experiencing life
"In order for us to get better, we have to be able to name that lens without judgment. In this, there's recognition. And in that recognition, we can hopefully move forward."
Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(4:19) Acknowledging Our Lenses(8:05) Healing Our Lenses(12:56) Seeing with New Eyes(16:22)Overcoming Discouragement(18:22) Overcoming Faulty Lenses(22:58) Intentional Practices(28:02) Fearful Lenses (32:55) Truth-Telling Relationships(37:28) Creating a New Lens(43:03) Practicing Self-Compassion(47:34) Identifying Stuck Places(49:45) Seeing with New Eyes
Potential Ways You Could Begin Seeing with New Eyes:
Acknowledge that everyone has a lens through which they see the world.
Seek out close relationships that can mirror back to you how you are in a loving way.
Use the Bible as a tool to reframe the way you view your own reality.
Practice gratitude by writing down things you are grateful for.
Look for tangible reminders of the messages you want to reinforce.
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Stay Connected:
www.tommythompson.org
www.facebook.com/facebook.com/tommy.thompson.583
www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher
www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson
www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson
Ruth McKeaney: Hungry for Home
In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Ruth McKeaney. Ruth has spent years passionately cultivating a sense of home and family culture in her own life. Through her experiences in flipping homes and raising her five children, Ruth has discovered the importance of creating a space that nurtures life and love. With a background in law and an adventurous spirit, Ruth's journey has been filled with challenges and growth. Her desire to create a strong family culture and share her passion with others led her to write her book, Hungry for Home.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(1:15) Hungry for Home
(2:24) Ruth’s Story
(16:23) How ‘Not Writing a Book’ Turned into Writing a Book
(28:58) Distinguishing Between Bigger Than Yourself and ‘Crazy’
(36:44) Supporting Your Partner in a Marriage
(45:29) Practices to Stay Centered
Principles of Life
This episode is all about the non-obvious patterns and realities of life. These truths exist for good and for bad, whether we like it or not.
(0:00) Intro
(1:04) Principles of Life
(7:41) Principle of Naming
(15:46) Principle of Firsts
(22:03) Principle of Environment
(30:16) Principle of Finishing Well
(34:59) Principle of Space
(43:36) Principle of Small Changes
(49:20) Principle of Divine Multiplication
(56:38) Principle of Proximity
(1:01:31) Principle of Recency
(1:05:59) Outro
Os Guinness Talks About Signals of Transcendence, Coming to Faith + Habits to Stay Centered
In this episode, I had the privilege of having a conversation with Os Guinness. Os is an author, social critic, and the great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer. Os has spoken at many of the world’s major universities and at many political and business conferences across the world. He lives with his wife Jenny in the Washington DC area.
Os shares about his early childhood in China during World War II, signals of transcendence, coming to faith, and practical ways to stay centered on our call.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(3:26) Os’ Story
(10:36) The Call and the Great Quest
(14:14) Signals of Transcendence
(24:51) Coming to Faith
(28:57) Why It’s Hard to Examine Life
(32:50) Habits + Practices to Stay Centered
How to Deal with Distraction
Distraction is one of the greatest maladies in our world today, but distraction isn’t all bad. This episode dives into the difference between acute and chronic distraction as well as provides practical tips and applications to combat chronic distraction in our lives.
Chapters:
(0:00) Intro
(1:11) Assessing Distraction
(4:33) The Foundation of Distraction
(10:11) The Law of Proximity
(14:15) Practical Tips and Applications
(18:12) Undistracted Times + Places
(21:24) Practicing Focus + Experiencing the Joy
(24:00) Distraction Experiment
(25:47) Putting Distraction in It’s Proper Place
(27:52) Final Thoughts
Creating Space
In this episode of Space for Life, we will be exploring the fundamental principle of why it is important to create space in our lives. We will be discussing the purpose behind this, why it is challenging to achieve, and how to begin to get a taste of experiencing space. Our discussion will cover how space facilitates growth, nurtures relationships, enables us to live our purpose, and allows us to experience joy.
Chapters
(0:00) Intro
(0:48) Why Space is Important
(4:01) 5 Categories We Need Space For
(7:38) We Can’t Be Our Best in Busyness
(9:50) Competing Values Behind Busyness
(15:13) How Do We Begin Creating Space
(19:22) How to Taste What Space is Like
(30:44) Space for Growth + Takeaways