140: Letting Go of Your External Battles

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!

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!