271: A Vulnerable Conversation About Trauma

Creating connected relationships where we feel like we’re authentic and thriving can seem difficult for many of us. Underlying issues that we don’t understand within ourselves can get in the way of having the experiences we desire. At the center of these difficulties are often codependent behavior patterns that affect an estimated 90 percent of the American population.  In this episode, Abi and her best friend Pietze explore codependency and its impact. They discuss two of its main forms, how it’s an adaptive behavior we learn to survive, and ways it limits our authenticity. They also share powerful insights on breaking free from these unhelpful patterns that can redefine how you experience relationships altogether! If you want to be more authentic and get a better understanding of yourself, while getting some killer tips on how to create ideal connections, this is a MUST listen to episode! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

We’ve all lost relationships at some point in our lives. Whether we created the disconnection, they did, or we both played a role, those losses can be difficult and messy. Sadly, these losses can seemingly leave us worse off than if we never knew the person, but what if it doesn’t have to be that way? In this episode Abi and Justin shine a light on powerful approaches to relational loss. They take a look at having gratitude for what was, how our grief matters, ways to have compassion for others, and surrendering what we think relationships need to be. Justin shares how you can make the most out of the love that existed in even the messiest relational endings. Abi discusses the ways some of us simply have incompatible triggers. Together they explore what relationships might look like through an eternal perspective. If you want to learn how to get better at dealing with loss, this episode is chock full of golden nuggets. Don’t miss out! AND NOW WE’RE ON YOUTUBE! Come WATCH US at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

For many of us, our beliefs around spirituality and faith can lead us to heightened levels of anxiety and mental torment, without even realizing it. Our thoughts on God can induce looping mental gymnastics that keep us feeling unlovable and fearful of impending doom. Obsessive-compulsive thoughts of needing to be perfect, in order to please God, can rob us of peace and a life filled with goodness. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode friend and fellow Life Consultant Rachel Hughes joins Abi and Justin to address spiritual OCD and paranoia that comes from having a broken view of God. They look at ways trauma and attachment play a role in our approach to faith, the impact of ideas about God that oppose goodness, and the role looming punishment plays in robbing us of peace. Lastly, they discuss how an understanding of a God that has unrelenting love grounds us in peace, while restoring a sense of connection that is vital to having a sound mind. If you’ve ever battled with finding peace in your expression of faith, this episode might shine a light on some of the reasons that keep you from feeling settled and confident in your spiritual journey. Don’t miss out! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Connection is tricky. For some, distance in a relationship seems terrifying, leaving us feeling abandoned and alone. For others, a consistent sense of being close can feel overwhelming, resulting in feeling pulled on and suffocated. Either way, it can lead to unnecessary relational breakdowns when we lack the proper education. Understanding secure attachments can be a game changer! In part two of this two-parter, Abi is joined again by her lifelong best friend Pietze as they continue to create clarity around attachments. They take a deep dive into secure attachments, how a balance of closeness and independence is extremely healthy, and steps to people can take to foster a feeling of safety in any relationship! This two-part episode has the potential to change your relationship dynamics forever. Don’t miss out! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Creating functional and healthy relationships can feel like a mystery. It’s easy to believe we’re broken and don’t do connection well. But what if understanding our attachment system could redefine how we relate, create compassion for others, and improve our relationships?  In part one of this two-part episode, Abi sits down with her lifelong best friend Pietze to discuss attachment styles. They explore attachment theory, how attachment styles develop, and how these styles can wreak havoc on relationships. Together they vulnerably share about the messes they’ve made through not understanding this in their own world. Lastly, they highlight the impact of attachment styles on our connection to God, how we can feel closer to Him, and how healthy attachments can repair the most broken parts of our stories. If you want more clarity on relationships and hope to develop healthy connections, this two-part series will rock your world! AND NOW WE’RE ON YOUTUBE! Come WATCH US at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

In this story of life, death, and rebirth Abi sits down with Justin to discuss his week-long expedition with breath and cold plunge master Wim Hof. Justin candidly shares about his process of being pushed to the brink of his body's capacity, the fear of death he faced, and the healing from trauma he found in the arms of an unlikely person. In the afterglow of his journey, Justin fondly reflects on a community of strangers that fostered radical love that paved the way for a restorative healing experience. If you want to hear an inspiring story that reminds you how good humanity can really be, this is a MUST listen to episode! AND NOW WE’RE ON YOUTUBE! Come WATCH US at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

What if a vulnerable conversation could be enough to foster the comfort needed to relieve panic and anxiety? Many of us have history’s littered with painful and traumatic moments that impact our everyday lives. On difficult days, sometimes a loving presence and caring questions are just enough to free us from our funk, while bringing repair to parts of our past. In this episode Justin sits down with a grumpy gal named Abi, who isn’t in the mood to do a podcast. Through thoughtful questions, Justin navigates Abi’s swirl of emotions until they’re able to shine a light on moments of trauma needing love and attention. Through a vulnerable recap of her history, Abi slowly softens until tender tears can be expressed. In this vulnerable and live healing experience, Justin and Abi discuss the impact of trauma on a person’s life and model the simple, yet profound ways we can support someone we love in the midst of their messiness. If you’ve ever wanted to see a practical example of loving someone in a painful moment, without having to fix them, this episode is an informative roadmap filled with truth, transparency, and tenderness. Watch it now, your loved ones will thank you later. Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Also come join us for our once a year life transforming course, Living Fully Alive. Enroll now for Living Fully Alive 2024. Class starts March 13th: https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

In 2011 Brene Brown launched a cultural shifting TED Talk called The Power of Vulnerability. Now, with over 20 million views, her clinical research has validated what an entire emotional health industry had been spending years trying to help the world understand, that vulnerability is a vital key to connection and happiness. The question is, if it’s so vital, how do we practically express vulnerability?  In this episode Abi and Justin share about misperceptions of what people believe is vulnerability, while shining a light on practical ways to live vulnerably and build deeper connections. They open up about the fears they’ve had to face in order to live vulnerably while highlighting the incredible ways vulnerability has changed their lives.  Lastly, they discuss the powerful role that boundaries play in creating a balanced life of vulnerability and how anyone can grow this impactful emotional muscle. Whether you’re new to this concept, or a seasoned vet, this episode has thought-provoking ideas that are an invitation to create a life full of hope, healing, and goodness! Don’t miss out. Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Also come join us for our once a year life transforming course, Living Fully Alive. Enroll now for Living Fully Alive 2024. Class starts March 13th: https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

We’ve all had times where we followed our intuition and it didn’t work out the way we hoped it would. For many of us these kinds of disappointments can lead to not trusting ourselves. This breakdown in trust can feel like a safer route, but more often than not the consequences of not following our intuition can be a mundane life filled with regrets. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode Justin and Abi talk about he impact of following your intuition. They share hopeful stories of how their intuition paid off and stories where they got it wrong, yet found beauty in the midst of mistakes. They discuss the reasons people don’t follow their intuition, the price you’ll pay in order to do so, and what you’ll gain by connecting in. If you’re wanting to learn how live a life of experience, adventure, and fulfillment, this episode is full of thought provoking ideas to help guide you in that direction! Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Sign-ups for Living Fully Alive 2024 are happening NOW! https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

At a young age many of us find ourselves losing our innocence through situations that leave us feeling unsafe. In order to protect ourselves, slowly over time, we unconsciously fortify our hearts. In the process we disconnect from a source of joy and wonder that is at the epicenter of creativity and life, in hopes of avoiding pain. In doing so we find ourselves living a mediocre existence. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? In this episode Justin and Abi shine a light on the child within. They discuss the reasons we find ourselves shut down to the goodness life has to offer, the ways we can reconnect, and beautiful aspects of what life can look like when safety is restored to our hearts. If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing the ability to express your joy well and process your pain healthily, this episode will give you fantastic tips on how to begin coming alive through the child within! Don’t miss out. Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Sign-ups for Living Fully Alive 2024 are happening NOW! https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/