Darlene Brock and Julie Bender call on licensed psychotherapist and life coach Dr. Zoe Shaw to find out how we can begin to find peace and purpose in a world we can’t control. It’s no secret that the world feels a bit crazy right now. With everything going on in politics and the news, it’s easy to feel anxious and overwhelmed in your personal life.  Rather than shrinking back, Dr. Zoe urges us to guard our minds and step into our strength and our convictions. She explains how we can better listen to others, refocus our energy out of the negative and combat the things that concern us. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, STRONGER in the Difficult Places. Submit a question to our free Ask Dr. Zoe column. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, Grit and Grace Life may earn a small commission. Quote of the episode: “That anxiety is there; we have to speak it, and then we have to walk through it." —Dr. Zoe Resources: Grab Dr. Zoe’s new book, “A Year of Self-Care: Daily Practices and Inspiration for Caring for Yourself." “Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad” by John Eldridge “It’s All Under Control” by Jennifer Dukes Lee  Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

This Grit and Grace Life

How to Find Peace and Purpose in an Out of Control World with Dr Zoe – 164

We’re back! After what co-host Julie Bender calls “the shortest summer ever,” her and Darlene Brock catch up on life and give a preview of the great things in store as they return with new episodes of This Grit and Grace Life podcast. But the summer hiatus wasn’t all road-tripping and mountain-hiking. The team at Grit and Grace Life spruced up the website and revamped the podcast to better meet you where you are. We’ve realized that the world continues to spin out of control, but we know answers can be found. The podcast takes on a new format, where Darlene and Julie pose the questions you’re asking and answer them with practical steps to help you walk through your challenges and move forward in a world that’s ever changing. You’ll hear from some of This Grit and Grace Life’s beloved guests, like Dr. Zoe Shaw and Christy Wright, as well as a few new friends who come with experiences worth sharing. So mark your calendars and join us each Tuesday as we equip you with the tips and encouragement you need to tackle this life with—what else?—grit and grace. Brought to you by The Grit and Grace Project®.   Quote of the episode: “We have seasons of life, and they’re ever changing—so we have to find new roads.”  Darlene Brock Don't miss this worthwhile advice from some of your past questions: What do I do if my boyfriend didn't propose? Can I get past a betrayal in my marriage? What's the right way to discipline my toddler? https://youtu.be/FXAINPCQxfc   Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

We’re Back! – 163

With life traveling faster than we can keep up, many of us are facing storms that threaten to take our joy, sanity, and peace. What we all need right now is wise words for women to handle this grit and grace life. We don’t need a quippy cliché or a half-hearted platitude but real practical truths to apply as needed. To offer that, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender take to the mic to share six insights on life that benefit every woman. Since they are taking a recording break for a few months, they wanted to leave you with these hard-won words of wisdom. After listening to this episode, remember that there are 161 other episodes, plus more than 1,500 articles at gritandgracelife.com to catch up on. We trust you’ll have plenty to encourage you to seize and savor each day of your summer, like we plan to. We'll be back in the fall with something new that we think you'll love as we all strive to successfully live This Grit and Grace Life! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! We also encourage you to check out Julie's show, The Julie Bender Show, wherever you stream podcasts!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw Would Jesus Unfriend You? 100 Things a Grit and Grace Woman Believes True Beauty is Found in a Woman's Strength Quote of the episode: "Tough times never last, but tough people do." Dr. Robert H. Schuller Check out this related episode:  How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 075 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, may earn Grit and Grace Life a small commission.

Wise Words for Women in Our Grit and Grace Life – 162

Is social drinking just a glass of wine at dinner (the answer is yes), or can it become something else (the answer is also yes)? Current statistics show that many women find themselves in a struggle with alcohol, experiencing a significant upswing after the stress of 2020. With this knowledge in hand, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender interview Lindsey Encinias, writer for Grit and Grace, who bravely shares her battle overcoming alcoholism. In this personal story, she recounts contributing factors- her family history, the tragic loss of her father while she was a teenager, and wrestling with her identity after leaving an exciting corporate role after becoming a mom. Even though it appeared her other mom friends seemed to be day-drinking on play dates as much as she was, she found she had hit rock bottom. With no place to turn, she sought help to overcome the desire that had consumed her thoughts and plans. Lindsey’s story sheds light on a growing problem that you might be facing or know someone who is. She shares the freedom she has found on the other side of this fight. We hope that telling her story will encourage women with the same struggle; they can break free, too. Lindsey is a bracelet obsessed, cheese-loving woman, passionate about sharing her wild journey in hopes of helping other women. She is a fourth-generation Texan who cheers the loudest for Oklahoma Football. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she got back to Texas as fast as she could. She now lives in the suburbs of Dallas with her two precious children and adoring husband. Lindsey is a former corporate meeting and event planner who traveled the world with bright eyes in her twenties. She will never turn down a plane ticket or the chance to plan a party! Today, her happy place is curled up watching cooking shows or reading a good book with her little family by her side. Read more of Lindsey's story here. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love My Dad’s Suicide and the Hole in My Heart 5 Slogans From AA That Will Make Every Woman Wise Change Happens When God is in Your Addiction Recovery Raising Great Girls: How to Do the Job with Darlene Brock   Quote of the episode: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill

Behind Her Struggle With Alcohol With Lindsey Encinias – 161

Life ebbs and flows. Some days are filled with excitement and hope. Then there are others where you feel just plain “meh.” When the mundane feeling lingers beyond a few days, it’s time to ask yourself if you’ve become stagnant. Since we all face these emotional roadblocks, we wanted to tackle them. The first thing Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share is a simple way to determine if you’re in an actual rut. Then, if so, how to begin the battle forward, reminding you to give yourself much-needed grace as you determine why you’re feeling this way. Next, they suggest an exercise you can use today to help you get back on track. This episode is the perfect balance of “you got this” and a reminder that sometimes it’s okay to “just be” —basically, the unique blend of grit and grace for your current place. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love This Is How to Avoid Stagnation and Get More out of Life Stuck In a Rut? Here’s How to Get Some Perspective 7 Tips for Taking Life One Bite at a Time Quote of the episode: "Be bold and just be you and tap into your grit and grace" - Julie Bender Check out these related episodes:  Now Is the Time for a Reset – 152 and Don’t Start the New Year Stuck in a Rut – 021

You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck Anymore – 160

Do other people’s opinions affect how you feel about yourself? Often find yourself trying to please others, hoping they will see you as you want to be seen? If so, you’ll appreciate this episode. Darlene Brock and Julie Bender interview Cherlyn Decker—a speaker, writer, and coach who has helped hundreds of women turn their struggles into a source of strength. They discuss everyday battles many women face: people-pleasing, mom guilt, and obsessing over what others think of them. Cheryln shares practical tools that can help you turn from these harmful habits, encouraging you to look back on past life experiences for how they “stack” on each other to help you build your confidence. Cherlyn Decker is a speaker, writer, and coach who has helped hundreds of women turn their struggles into a source of strength. Cherlyn believes that it’s only when we face our challenges that we can take back control and triumph over them. When Cherlyn isn’t busy helping women, she loves spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters at their home near Denver. Most weekends she can be found loudly cheering at her daughter’s volleyball game or curled up on the couch with a blanket, a book, and a cup of tea. Learn more about her on her site, or follow her on Instagram and Twitter! You can get her book ROAR Back: Transforming Struggle Into Strength here. Cherlyn suggested the app/tool "AnyList." Check it out here! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Now Is the Time to Ignite Your Confidence Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Stop Being a People-Pleaser To the Working Mom Struggling With Guilt Quote of the Episode: "A strong woman won't be held back by people-pleasing.” - Cheryln Decker Check out these episodes we mentioned: Stop the Mommy Wars: Every Mom is Doing Something Right – 017 and To the Working Mom: Stop Feeling Guilty – 034 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, Grit and Grace Life may earn a small commission.

Stop People-Pleasing Now With Cherlyn Decker – 159

The job of "mom" can be tough! A mother nurtures, disciplines, clothes, feeds and does her very best to protect, all while balancing many more jobs both in and out of the house. With each day abundantly filled, do you find it challenging to invest enough time in building the strong relationship with your kids that you desire? Mom, you are not alone! In this episode, we give five ways every mom can build that relationship at any stage of their kids' lives. We share things you can do to develop their character while making treasured and lasting memories. Darlene (mom of adult daughters, Nonie to two, with a published parenting book) and Julie Bender (former single boymom, now considering another child with her new husband) talk through what it takes. You can achieve this sometimes overwhelming but not impossible goal: creating strong relationships as you raise great kids. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 8 Things Moms Should Say to Raise Strong Kids To the Mom Who Feels Like It Never Ends Stepmother: The Most Difficult Job in a Family 10 Simple Things You Can Do to Raise Quality Kids Mom, You Know When Your Kid Needs a Win Ask Dr. Zoe – How Can I Parent Positively When My Kids Drive Me Crazy? Raising Great Girls: How to Do the Job with Darlene Brock     Quote of the episode: "It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” - Ann Landers Check out these episodes we mentioned: Real Advice Any Grit and Grace Mom Can Use Now – 134 and These Strategies Will Help You Raise Great Kids – 063 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, Grit and Grace Life may earn a small commission.

5 Ways to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Kids – 158

It can be tough to heal from trauma and pain from abuse in your past. It becomes even more challenging when you've kept it to yourself for years, hiding it from others. Author, speaker, and coach, Jill Monaco, has lived this life story and joins Darlene Brock and Julie Bender to share her experience with sexual abuse at the hands of church leaders. She offers hope as she walks us through her road to healing. This honest discussion will help you know how to spot signs of abuse (some are clear, others more subtle) and what to say (and not say) to someone in this heartbreaking scenario. Abuse may be a part of your life story, or maybe you're listening to better understand those around you so that you can provide them with grace. No matter what your past looks like, this episode will bring more compassion and empathy and offer hope. This is a hope-filled must-listen for so many reasons. Jill Monaco is the founder and CEO of Jill Monaco Ministries. She is a speaker, podcast host, and best-selling author who developed Freedom Coaching®, a model that blends hearing God, prayer, and coaching tools. Her first book The Freedom Coach Model® went to #1 on the Amazon best seller list. She also serves singles by publishing the online magazine, SingleMatters.com and the program From Looking To Loving: Find the Breakthrough You Need So You Can Have The Relationship You Want. Purchase her book Freedom Coach Model Get the Overcoming Audio Series and Workbook Listen to her podcast In the episode, Jill mentioned two books for healing from past abuse and trauma: Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse and The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Overcoming Shame from Abuse in a Grit and Grace Life A Fake Smile Will Not Cure Depression, So Do This Instead Ask Dr. Zoe – How To Interact With a Narcissist Quote of the episode: "Some people see scars, and it is wounding they remember. To me they are proof of the fact that there is healing.” -Linda Hogan Check out these episodes we mentioned: What Are the Unexpected Gifts of Depression? With Melissa Maimone – 095 and The Complicated Heart – Loving When It Hurts With Sarah Mae – 149 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, Grit and Grace Life may earn a small commission.

Find Healing and Freedom From Sexual Abuse With Jill Monaco – 157

Are you feeling a bit lost? Unsure of who you are? Perhaps the demands and circumstances of your life have taken over, and you don't know what defines you. Is it what you do? The titles you hold? The roles you play? The opinions of another? Women go through numerous changes and seasons, some by choice, others beyond our control, each bringing questions about our identity, an inner struggle to know who we are. Co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender ask pointed questions to get to that elusive answer. What defines me? Our priorities, principles, and convictions will lead us to that answer. In this episode, we want you to remember that the first thing you are is a strong woman of grit and grace! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love How Do I Know What Defines Me? I am single. I am widowed. I am married. I am divorced. I am a mom. I have no Read more How to Live out of Your Strengths, Not Weaknesses Knowing who you are is something most of us strive for all the time. While watching the 2016 Summer Olympics, Read more True Beauty is Found in a Woman’s Strength The Read more What Does It Take to Be a Strong Woman of Grit and Grace? What defines a strong woman? Can I become strong? How do I find my purpose? Do I have to Read more Can God Use Messy People? (Video) — Want to read about a present-day woman who made a pretty messy mistake? Read How My Husband and Read more Quote of the episode: "Do not let a moment in time, a circumstance you find yourself in or another person's opinion define you." -Darlene Brock Check out these episodes we mentioned: A Strong Woman Plays Her Hand With Grit and Grace – 138, Can You Really Leave Your Past Behind You? – 028, If You Want To Grow in Faith, Try These Simple Things – 144 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

As Life Changes We Ask, What Defines Me? – 156

Self-care. Sound good? Or do you feel guilty even thinking about it? Perhaps it’s okay for someone else, but you don’t have time to take care of yourself? Dr. Zoe Shaw joins Darlene Brock and Julie Bender to explain what self-care is (and isn’t) and how it is an essential part of your grit and grace life. Society tells women, “you can do it all, and you have to,” but at what cost? Often, Christian women wonder if self-care is biblical, feeling they must always put others first, especially if they have a husband and/or children. Is this true? In her new book, A Year of Self-Care, Dr. Zoe gives you an easily read daily how-to, and she unpacks some of what you’ll read in this episode. You don’t want to miss this conversation. We’re giving you permission to take a little time for yourself, grab your coffee or a cup of tea and tune in. Then commit to taking better care of yourself, starting today. Want to get a FREE copy of A Year of Self Care? Enter our giveaway on social media! Just share a screenshot as you're listening to this episode, make sure to tag @drzoeshaw AND @thisgritandgracelife (make sure you add the correct tag depending on which platform you're sharing on). Every post counts as one entry! Giveaway ends 2/16/2021. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman. You can ask your question of Dr. Zoe by clicking the box! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Establishing Healthy Boundaries in the Grit and Grace Life Healthy personal boundaries are the key to healthy relationships. Without them, healthy relationships are impossible. Read more This Is Why You Need a Self-Care Day (And What to Do) My husband, Gary, woke me up one pre-sunrise morning. “Feels like the flu,” he said. We’d been here before. I Read more Self-Care: What to Do When It Feels Like Another Commitment A few different approaches can be taken when it comes to self-care. I’ve probably read two dozen articles titled Read more This Is How I Enjoy My Life Even When It’s Overwhelming Are you in one of those seasons of life where it seems like any second your world Read more What Happened When This Mom Stopped Doing All the Things “Ryan! You need to unload the dishwasher!” I could seriously feel my patience slipping away as I Read more Quote of the episode: "Self-care is a daily exercise. One that is free but priceless. It's a continual reckoning with your soul where you make a declaration: I am worthy to be cared for." -Dr. Zoe Shaw Check out these episodes we mentioned: How We Can Stand With the Black Community With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 136, Are You the Proverbs 31 Woman? Should You Be? – 092, and Want to Be a Strong Woman? Set Healthy Boundaries – 103 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

How To Make Self-Care Part of Your Life With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 155

Do people still say "carpe diem" or is it merely an overused cliché? Darlene Brock and Julie Bender think it's a relevant phrase, especially now. In this episode, they are inviting you to embrace its meaning for 2021. Who knows what tomorrow brings, today is what you have. The unexpected twists and turns from last year reminded us that life can change in an instant. It’s grit and grace that will help you seize the day; this episode will tell you how to do so while inspiring you to take hold of every moment 2021 brings. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love How to Pick the Perfect Shade of Red for Every Skin Tone I work part-time at a clothing store and when I use the word “red” with “shirt” or “dress” in the Read more How to Have Your Own Coffee + Bible Time If you follow me on social media (you should, by the way) you likely see me post on Facebook Read more There’s No One Right Way to Feed Your Faith Spring is in the air, at least that’s what the retailers have told us with their chocolate bunnies and Read more This Is My New Exercise Regimen (for My Faith) I love new beginnings. I’m a girl who enjoys looking back, reflecting, evaluating, and dreaming for the future. For Read more Quote of the episode: "Forever – is composed of Nows." -Emily Dickinson Check out these episodes we mentioned: Now Is the Time for a Reset – 152 and If You Want To Grow in Faith, Try These Simple Things – 144 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

This Is How Carpe Diem Can Change Your 2021 – 154

The fresh start of a new year often causes us to evaluate many areas of our lives, including personal finances. With that in mind, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender brought Rachel Cruze (two-time #1 national best-selling author and financial expert) to the show to share a whole new framework we can use! She’s taking us all the way back to our childhood to consider how we were taught about money and what that says about how we use it. You’ll love how Rachel’s concepts will improve your relationships, your confidence, and your ability to know yourself and your money! We're confident this episode will pay you back! Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of The Rachel Cruze Show. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. She’s authored three best-selling books, including Love Your Life, Not Theirs and Smart Money Smart Kids, which she co-wrote with her father, Dave Ramsey. Her latest book Know Yourself, Know Your Money: Discover WHY You Handle Money the Way You Do and WHAT to Do About It will release in January 2021. Follow Rachel on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or online at rachelcruze.com. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Managing Your Money So It Doesn’t Manage You There are a few things that seem to drive us all crazy, for me some days there may be Read more This Is How to Balance Money and Marriage Like a Pro When you made vows “for richer or poorer” to your sweetheart, you probably didn’t realize the role that money Read more The 7 Ways I Paid off Student Loans Do you know what the three scariest words are in the English language? Student… Loan… Debt! For something as Read more Quote of the episode: "You can't let fear be your financial advisor." -Rachel Cruze   Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Know Yourself, Know Your Money With Rachel Cruze – 153

There’s probably no better time for a reset than now! Closing the curtain on 2020 seems like the best idea we’ve heard. But, a grit and grace woman knows that no matter how challenging her circumstances are, she finds strength by going through them, not around them. So, this year deserves a proper send-off. And since it was such a tough one, we're probably all due for a massive shakeup. This week, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender offer suggestions on exactly how to do that. Do you feel stuck? Is there a relationship that is off? Are you in the right job? What a perfect time to consider what you might want to change and evaluate how you’re spending your time, energy, and influence. If you’ve felt stalled out (as most of us have), take a hard look at your priorities to figure out where you want to go. Don’t let the frustrations of this year carry you into the next. Press play and choose to start fresh. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Why You Need to Forgive When Forgiveness Seems Impossible If you aren’t sure of what a charged word looks like, consider the word forgiveness. If forgiveness was a Read more Stuck In a Rut? Here’s How to Get Some Perspective A Chick-Fil-A commercial caught my eye the other day. The company is advertising chicken for breakfast. Now I’m not Read more Now Is the Time To Release 2020 Back in December 2019, I was on maternity leave taking care of my three-month-old son, Read more Is There Any Good 2020? If You Say “Yes,” Don’t Feel Guilty When my son died by suicide back in 2015, I was halfway through a four-year Read more 5 Slogans From AA That Will Make Every Woman Wiser My former chosen method of numbing pain included self-medicating with pills and toxic relationships. It’s taken years, open sharing Read more What Happens When You Welcome God Into Your Recovery My breathing is shallow before I step into the stale, dimly lit room. I take a seat, nodding a Read more Why It’s So Important to Have a Mentor and to Be One Too For 12 years (or more) we are taught. Being enrolled in school gives us structure and a guidebook to Read more Quote of the episode: "For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." -T.S. Eliot Check out these episodes we mentioned: The Complicated Heart – Loving When It Hurts With Sarah Mae – 149, How to Get Over the Pandemic That’s Not Over – 139, and New Year, Strong You! How to Reflect on Your Year in a Helpful Way – 114 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Now Is the Time for a Reset – 152

It’s the end of the year, and we’re wondering if it’s genuinely possible to balance all the parts of our life. Especially after 2020! Are we able to do everything that demands our attention, with the hope of enjoying it, too? Heather Brown, creator of the lifestyle blog My Life Well Loved, joins Darlene Brock and Julie Bender for this very conversation. When you listen, you'll gather tips from this inspiring lady on how to grow your faith, keep your marriage thriving, and avoid mommy guilt. Heather's hack for getting her picky toddler to try new things truly surprised us! You’ll appreciate the ladies’ different opinions in this conversation (unique to their personalities, experiences, and generation). But they all agree that self-care cannot be the last thing on our growing lists. This podcast is the perfect listen if you need a recharge and want to be present and enjoy the holidays with those you love. Heather Brown is the creator and editor at My Life Well Loved born of her passion to empower women, inspire confidence, and elevate living a life well loved. She's a mom to three-year-old, Leyton, and 10 month old, Finn, wife to Eric, and a healthy lifestyle advocate! She's defined by her faith in Jesus, her Southern roots, and a deep love for people. MLWL is a destination for fitness, fashion, mom hacks, wellness tips, and most importantly, fun! Find and follow along with her on Instagram here. Get Heather’s post about the Enneagram here. Grab her meal planning eBook here. And read more about picky eaters and food therapy with tips from a dietician here. Get the Marco Polo app we talked about here! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love This Is How a Good Friend Prays There’s a story in the Bible about four men who brought their paralytic friend to Jesus to be healed. Read more How to Use The 5 Love Languages for Strong Friendships A few years ago, I read Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, and have viewed Read more 7 Simple and Memorable Valentine’s Day Date Ideas Because we don’t all have a budget like The Bachelor to take a Maserati to a private jet plane that lands Read more Why You Need to Support Other Women and 5 Ways to Start She sat across from me on the floor, on a multi-colored pillow. We were in a room full of Read more Quote of the episode: "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." -Maya Angelou Check out these episodes we mentioned: How Strong Women Can Have Healthy Friendships – 150, If You Want To Grow in Faith, Try These Simple Things – 144, and Rest Easy Moms, Here Are the Things That Matter – 102 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

A Well Loved Grit and Grace Life With Heather Brown – 151

Do women really need friends? Do they need female friendships? What does it take to create a bond that flourishes? How do you know when a friendship should end because the harm outweighs the good, bringing hurt instead of joy? Can women have long-term friendships? Can they be “just friends” with men? These are just a few of the issues that co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender consider while unpacking how to deepen relationships with friends who are safe, those you can trust. Also, they'll discuss how to cut off a bond that has turned toxic. It takes both grit and grace to have quality friendships, and we encourage those! Strong women surround themselves with other strong women—those who can inspire, love, and do this #gritandgracelife together! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Why You Should Just Have That Hard Conversation (And How to Do It) Have you ever had that sick, anxious feeling in the pit of your stomach? The one that occurs when you know there’s a conversation you need to have with someone you don’t want to have it with? Or maybe Read more How Friendship Changes as an Adult After graduating college and getting married one month later, I really struggled with making and maintaining friendships. I’m finding that being an adult and experiencing difficulty/disappointments in friendship isn’t a coincidence—though it did leave me bitter in the beginning. Here Read more How Self-Awareness Will Make You Successful “What do you want, Jen?” I thought it was a dumb question. I didn’t have time to think about what I wanted. I was leading a rapidly growing organization, overseeing a multi-million dollar building project, and writing my first book. Read more People Are Becoming Increasingly Lonely: Here’s How to Fight It As I sat down with my second cup of coffee to follow my morning ritual, I scanned my emails when an article caught my attention: Study Reveals Loneliness at Epidemic Levels in America. The results of the study conducted Read more When Your Best Friend Breaks Up With You Friendship is a true gift and a unique relationship, unlike any other I’ve experienced. We don’t talk about friendships breaking up as much as we talk about our romantic relationships; maybe it’s because the unique relationship between girlfriends is Read more 5 Words All Good Friends Need to Know How to Say If I asked you to describe a good friend, I bet the answer your picture would paint would look a lot like mine. The canvas would fill with kindness and caring. We would see laughter and loyalty. There would Read more This Is How a Good Friend Prays There’s a story in the Bible about four men who brought their paralytic friend to Jesus to be healed. So many people were gathered to listen to Jesus teach that the men could not get their friend into the Read more In Need of Mom Friends? 7 Ways to Reach Out Like a deer caught in headlights, I was blindsided when I became a mom. I found myself in the throes of mommyhood right after my husband and I moved from Honolulu to the heart of Dallas. It took months to Read more Establishing Healthy Boundaries in the Grit and Grace Life Healthy personal boundaries are the key to healthy relationships. Without them, healthy relationships are impossible. Yes, you heard that right. Impossible. That is because boundaries provide a necessary and very important distinction between yourself and Read more Quote of the episode: "My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." Henry Ford Check out these episodes we mentioned: Grit, Grace & Girlfriends: How to Make Healthy Relationships – 003, Great Friends: 9 Qualities to Be One and Find One – 031 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

How Strong Women Can Have Healthy Friendships – 150

A podcast for strong women and those who want to be.

hubhopper

This Grit and Grace Life

hubhopper