282: Developing a Healthy Sense of Self

The mandate on masculinity is to protect, provide, and connect. However, modern culture has slowly deviated from the path to becoming a man, creating a world of orphaned boys who lack accountability, transparency, and the exchange of truth. The result is a lack of courage, love, and safety. But is there hope for a course correction? In this episode, author and speaker Danny Silk joins the conversation. He opens up about his broken childhood, the healing he found in facing himself in marriage, and the courage that was necessary to become a man. He shares insight into the power of brotherhood and discusses the seven dragons every man must battle to step into his authentic design. If you want to build the momentum needed to face fears and live a connected life, this episode will inspire you and give you hope, regardless of your gender. 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! OUR NEW COURSE CONNECTED CONFLICTS IS OUT NOW!  If you want to learn how to create safer connections and gain confidence in conflict this revolutionary course is exactly what you’re looking for! https://justinandabi.com/courses/connectedconflicts/

An idea etched into the minds of many of us is that finding the right person will make us complete. From a young age, entertainment, religious traditions, and family cultures perpetuate this fantasy. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves years into a relationship feeling deceived. If another person can't fulfill us, what’s the point of a relationship? In this episode, Justin and Abi discuss the fantasy of being fulfilled through marriage, which wreaked havoc on their relationship. They openly share their pain, and in an impromptu turn of events, they process a very complicated conflict in real-time. If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be a fly on the wall as a couple faces some of their most difficult marriage hurdles, this episode is a must! 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!

Marriage is not for the faint of heart. As two become one, it can feel more like two worlds colliding in unforeseen, catastrophic ways. Without healthy models and a supportive community, marriage can feel like a place where we go to waste away. But what if it was designed to be a place where we learn to come alive and thrive? In this episode, Justin and Abi celebrate their 16-year wedding anniversary. Stepping into another year, they sit down to share about the pitfalls they’ve faced and what they wished they’d known when they first started. They share how facing themselves through the mirror of each other has led them to a fuller life. Lastly, they give tips on how to approach committed relationships that are vital to any thriving connection.  If you want wise insight on relationships, from seasoned veterans who spent years learning how to clean up their messes, this episode is just what you’re looking for! 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’re all looking for acceptance, love, and connection. It’s no surprise that for many of us, it’s easy to suppress our opinions, beliefs, and desires, for the sake of fitting in. Having our autonomy, and sense of self, can create conflict and disconnection. But what if the price of blending in comes at the cost of living an authentic and fulfilled life? In this episode, Justin and Abi explore the  impacts of an underdeveloped sense of self and how to healthily transition to a lifestyle of power and identity. They discuss ways we perpetuate victimhood while looking at ways to approach life in a balanced and powerful manner. They address the pendulum swings and pitfalls in developing autonomy, while also giving keys to help transition into a lifestyle of confidence and respect for others. If you want to learn how to foster more authentic relationships filled with mutual respect and healthy boundaries, this episode has some great tools for your belt! 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!

There is very little in life we can be totally certain of. The certainty we do have is often an illusion, much like control. When that illusion is shaken, many of us lose our sense of stability. We can quickly find ourselves feeling powerless to circumstances, but what if it’s possible to become confident in the most uncertain times? In this episode Justin and Abi share vital keys to creating stability in the craziest situations. They explain how embracing the reality that life is seasonal and is always changing has established peace beyond understanding. They also explore how an eternal perspective and connecting to yourself is necessary to gaining power over unsettling times. Lastly, they take a look at how a pessimistic attitude blinds us to the unimaginable possibilities all around us. If you’re needing to learn how to let go of the how and learn how to connect to the here and now, this episode is perfect to help you with ways to clear the clutter and settle in. 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!

It’s easy to bury the past, and the dead, in our hearts, but left unprocessed things can start rotting. The loss of those we loved, reviled, and were indifferent about can leave us with many unspoken and unresolved matters. But, what if it was possible to have much-needed hard conversations even when the person you’re dealing with is dead? In this episode, Justin and Abi discuss unique ways of approaching loss. They explore powerful moments of reconciliation with the dead through healthy reflection and inner dialogues, while also tackling the necessity of forgiveness and the reality of the redeemed eternal self. Lastly, Justin shares wild stories of being visited from beyond the grave, but does he really see dead people? If you’re looking to truly put to rest those that you’ve lost, this episode will give you plenty to think about! 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!

In the messiness of humanity there is a world of pain and suffering all around us that we can’t deny. For some of us, reconciling that there’s a good God that could have created a world filled with tragedy and trauma, feels nearly impossible. For many others the greatest hurdle isn’t the world around us, it’s the pain that strikes our personal lives that leaves us confused and questioning our faith.  In part 2 of this mini-series, Justin’s best friend Marcus returns to discuss ways to stay anchored to the idea of a good God when circumstances seem to differ. Justin shares openly about Abi almost dying and its surprising impact on his view of God. Together they address spiritual bypassing, the destructive nature of accusation, and the powerful role being present plays in discovering a faithful Papa in trying times.  If you’ve ever had difficulties that caused you to question your faith, this episode will help you be honest with yourself while making room for exploration and authentic conversations with people you trust. 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!

In part one of this deeply emotional and impactful two-part series, Justin and his best friend Marcus share stories of a radically loving God. Reflecting on their own experiences, they shine a light on how the intimate knowledge of a good and present God has far-reaching emotional and physical impacts. Through miraculous stories of God’s faithfulness and intervention, they remind the world that we’re not alone, left to figure it all out on our own.  If you enjoy a dose of hope and a giant injection of goodness, this episode is just what you’re looking for! 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 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!