Thriving Twogether

Revisiting Stephen R covey's classic The seven Habits of highly effective people left me in awe. I took several paragraphs of notes. And I want to to share some of the things that I relearned. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

There's a small little book called sisu there's some wonderful tips and ideas. One of the ideas for sisu is social resilience. The idea that we can bounce back more effectively if we work on our relationships. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

How would it feel to be back up to Joe Montana? Steve Young found that out. He found out how anxious and difficult it can be to live up to others expectations. He found out in college what it means to be an 8th string quarterback with no potential to ever play in a game. He found out what anxiety and physical pain feels like. And in a very intriguing book he shares what he's learned during his lifetime on and off the field. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Undisturbable, unflappable. The Epic quote from Martin Luther "I have so much to do today I need to spend another hour on my knees." Synergy as explained by plants. And a whole host of other wonderful ideas from Stephen R Covey. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

DaVinci painted the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper evoking images of emotion and motion. In Walter Isaac's biography of Leonardo, we learn what a true guru does to be able to master his craft. What if you took his same hunger and thirst for knowledge and applied that to your relationship? It's said that he would carry his masterpieces around for up to 10 years constantly improving them and learning new ways to evoke the right image. How many years are you willing to work on your marriage masterpiece? What's the last bit of wisdom you've learned that you can apply to your relationship? Perhaps great artists aren't made overnight, nor our great marriages made overnight. Perhaps over decades you'll become a master at your relationship craft. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What are some of the relationships that we can strengthen? And how can we strengthen them so that they provide enduring help and guidance in our lives? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Buckminster Fuller said something like this, "do more and more with less and less until we can do everything with nothing." How does that relate to relationships? What systems teams and concepts are you implementing now so that you can have more and more happiness in your family and better and better connections with less effort? Also in today's episode how a billionaire neglected his family but obtained fame and fortune. And learn how presidential mothers connected to their families through time and sacrifice. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

John Adams is one of the most interesting founders of America. The only thing more impressive than is accomplishments is his character. And of course his amazing wife Abigail. I recently finished a biography by David McCullough where I learned a ton that I wanted to share about these amazing people whose character stands as a beacon to everyone who cares to notice. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Think Again by Adam Grant is again my focus this week. Start with helping people open their mind before trying to change their mind. Unlearn. Improve not just prove. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Adam Grant is a master storyteller. In his book Think Again he shares many wonderful ideas applicable to marriage. He suggests that we become more of a scientist where we're open-minded and willing to challenge our assumptions, our habits and our traditions. He uses many wonderful stories and quotes to help us become more teachable. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

In today's episode I explain how slow is fast. Various athletes over the last 30 years experienced great results by slowing down. How can you slow down in your marriage so that you can have peak joy? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What did Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso teach us in regards to marriage? Unity, preparation, and self-reliance are just a few of the things we can learn from these two distinct approaches to martial arts and marriage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

I love reading and rereading John C. Maxwell books. And although I've read a number of his books on leadership and tried to apply the principles, this book on communication is one of my favorites for marriages and family. Isn't it true that we all try to communicate, yet to be able to truly connect deeply and intimately involves work and practice. In today's episode I share some of the highlights from his wonderful masterpiece. I hope these ideas will benefit your family for a long time to come. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

About a month ago Dan wrote in his daily blog about the more willing we are to be proven wrong, the more likely we are to find answers. And I would submit the more likely we are to be proven wrong then the more likely we are to form lasting true friendships and connections. Those who seek to learn from others genuinely often have the greatest learning and the best lives built on long-lasting connections. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Steven St. Any talks about flexibility is key to putting a puzzle together. The puzzle of relationships, work, and anything that is important. Flexibility, diversity, appreciation are some of the key things to successful marriage as well. Want unity? Get good at gratefully putting puzzle pieces together. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Merriam-Webster says animosity is: antipathy, hostility, friction, antagonism, enmity, animus, opposition, aversion, acrimony, bitterness, rancor, resentment, dislike, ill feeling, bad feeling, ill will, bad blood, hatred, hate, loathing, detestation, abhorrence, odium, malice, spite, spitefulness, venom, malevolence, malignity, grudges, grievances, disrelish. And what is generosity? Listen to today's episode see what generous people do in their relationships. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Penn and Kim Holderness are very fun to watch on the Amazing Race. In last night's episode they said something extremely profound for marriages and families. As they were navigating and becoming a little bit stressed they expressed their core philosophy as a family. "We think that others are always doing the best they can." Wow! Isn't that a game changer! Being benevolent and kind thinking, the best of others, and not putting them under the bus is a great step in showing mutual respect and high regard for all of mankind. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Are you familiar with the classic book Grit by Angela Duckworth? There's rarely a word so important to successful relationships as grit. Grit is a combination of enthusiasm and endurance. It's having the courage to try different approaches to get the ultimate result of success. Grit is learning that losing is a necessary part of winning. Grit is the opposite of ghosting, quitting and not showing up. And grit is very very mundane, pedestrian, and boring. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Looking back on over two decades of being married with a girl of my dreams, I think there's a few bits of advice that I wish I would have given heed to over two decades ago. Find out what those bits of advice are in today's episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

It was Earth Day and I was in the third or fourth grade as a recall. We were given a small pine tree seedling. I went home and planted it somewhere in our yard and didn't give much thought to it after that. Yet of course trees and marriages need more than just thoughts. Both need nurturing, nourishing. What's the one thing you'll do today that takes less than a minute but yet will yield huge returns as it blows your spouse's mind. For instance when is the last time you said I love you, or I'm sorry, or let me fix that right now? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Have you read the new book by the Holderness family? It's got a lot of insightful tips and ideas on how to finance better, become more intimate, solve contentious arguments and work through extended family challenges. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Dallin H Oaks once talked about ensuring that our strengths don't become our downfall by implementing humility into our lives. Alex Haley, the renowned author of Roots, once told the story of a turtle on a pole and then explainef a turtle doesn't get there by himself. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Like Boston said: Amanda. Have you noticed that Amanda LaRusso in the Cobra Kai series is one of the few characters who remains true? She's often consistent in her love, forgiveness and expectations. She'll connect and she'll even confront those that she should but she'll do it in a calm manner. Be like Amanda. Seek to prevent confrontation. Don't be a jerk to a jerk. Be calm yet protective of everyone especially those on the margins. Expect the best of children and spouse. Be present. Calm. Collected. Connect. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

If you're familiar with the movie Dune or the book Doom then you're probably familiar with what Lady Jessica said about the least common denominator. Ensuring that the essential component that is depriving your relationship is revived will ensure that your relationship thrives. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Oscar Wilde has an interesting statement that says everything popular is wrong. In today's episode discover some of the things that are popular but don't add any value to your relationship. And discover some of the things that add value to relationship that may or may not be popular. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Two Finnish words show us some great teachings. Kanssa means with and Vastaan means against. In the classic book on swimming called Total Immersion, we learn that you want to swim with the water and become slippery not against the water and try to plow your way through like a barge. Same goes for marriage, we should work with our family not against. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Thomas Monson said no failure needs to be final. So how can we ensure that our spouse doesn't permanently fail? How can we be present for them emotionally physically and spiritually? In today's episode I go into describing what it means to be resilient and to be there for our spouse. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Gary Stevenson said that kindness causes healing. Notice that he did not say anger pushiness or frustration helps others and ourselves to heal. Rather kindness causes healing. Also noticed that he didn't say kindness facilitates or may cause healing. He talked about causation not correlation. Where could you apply kindness so healing will happen more readily in your relationships? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

With mutual esteem and high regard for one another because of our love of God it's easier to respectfully disagree. We confront rather than contend. We closely listen to another to change ourselves and to come up with a better solution instead of changing others. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Have you ever seen the Zen Dog show on Disney? Perhaps you've learned quite a few things from the show as I have. Walk with your companion not in front nor behind. Or connect don't control. Or perhaps don't raise your voice and treat each other with respect. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Have you read Seth Golden's new masterpiece called The practice? I took down several notes from The Practice and in today's episode I talk about how to apply them to your relationship. Learn about the discard pile and how big it should be, and learn about the genius of and. And and find out what is the difference between an amateur and a professional in marriage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Today I talked about 10 steps to Kaizen, the Japanese word for continuous and never-ending improvement. Companies such as Toyota, Nestle and Canon have sought to follow the principles of Kaizen. In today's episode I discuss how we can use Kaizen in our families. And I discuss how the British bicycling team use Kaizen to get just a little bit better and experience explosive growth from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Gerald Jampolsky is the author of Love Is Letting Go Of Fear and he said “Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a better past.” I can't think of a better way of expressing forgiveness and simultaneously hope. Hope is expecting that the future will keep getting better, because we know who the Author of our story is. And forgiveness is also knowing who can take poor situations and make them better. Let go, and let God. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Joy Mangano's life story found in the Book Inventing Joy brings hope and inspiration. This is what I learned: you don't have to be good to get started you just have to start. Shift your skis don't necessarily stop. Celebrate the small wins. Questions ignite invention. "Over, under, around or through." Amway, then KMart, then QVC. Circle back to people instead of cutting them out of your lives, see the best in others instead of the worst. Always reinvent yourself. Her business grew 25X moving from QVC to HSN. Fix problems with attention and patience. You don't have to be good to get started. Speak up. Treat others fairly especially when they treat you unfairly. Mix family with business. Failure fills your basket with opportunities. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Liz Wiseman's book Multipliers is a treatise on how to become true leaders. It contains sage wisdom about avoiding being diminishers and creating multipliers. What is a multiplier? It's someone who challenges others, encourages others, and finds the good in others. She gives examples from Ernest Shackleton to Magic Johnson and from political candidates to business leaders. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

According to Webster's dictionary ossification happens when bones become hard. Babies have little to no ossification. Their bones are malleable and un-hardened. What are some of the attitudes and traditions that have ossified in your life? What can you learn to become more malleable, more teachable? Has your love harden to towards a certain group of people? Or an individual? Now's the time to figuratively grab your baby toes and become un-hardened. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Ferris bueller said it best back in the 1980's: life moves pretty fast and if you don't take time to look around you might just miss it. Part of that taking time so that you don't miss it is counting your blessings, and looking to your Maker for help in fast times. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

You know there are many ways to measure success when it comes to running a triathlon a biathlon or perhaps mountain biking. There are group rankings, age rankings, and your personal best time. My favorite is your personal best time. Recently I've heard a few relatives talk about their personal best time. They glow and radiate as they talk about the success they've had competing against themself. Now is the time to focus on your personal best emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Seek today to be better than you were yesterday and last week. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Blogger Joshua Becker who often talks about minimalism gave some great advice about misconceptions and assumptions. Are in-laws really horrible? Do the terrible twos really exist? And what about faith and finances? Find out what assumptions he says are completely false and my thoughts on them as well. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Melissa went out of town for about 8 hours. So what did I do? Well I didn't go golfing. Nor did I play basketball. I did spend a little bit of time with a friend at the gym. But what I spent most of my day doing is making sure that she would come back to a clean house and less stress. What do you do when your spouse goes out of town? And does your spouse know of your love? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A motorcyclist told me that the best way to avoid an accident is to practice in a controlled environment with no one else around for the inevitable accident situations that will happen. He told me about watching videos of people playing motorcycle limbo and practicing difficult situations before they occur. And that led me to think about marriage. How can we practice so that we're ready for income loss, death of a spouse or loved one, or interfering in-laws? Furthermore how are we preparing for when children move out of our house? Or for when are best friend betrays us? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Ask your children how their day went. Ask your children what you can do for them. Ask your spouse how you can be better. Ask your spouse what you can do to help. Ask your maker what you can do to see miracles in your life. Ask for forgiveness. Ask your boss how you can be a better employee. Ask yourself where you can be better than yesterday. Ask yourself what questions you're not asking that you should be asking. Ask for help. Ask other askers what questions they've had the most success with. Ask how you can make more money. Ask how you can spend less money. Ask how you can be more grateful. Ask how you can be more loving. Ask how you can be more positive. Ask how you can travel more. Ask older people how they've attained joy. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

"That is something I've learned from Phil, calming the body. No matter how much pressure there is in a game, I think to myself: It's still just a game. I don't meditate, but I know what he's getting at. He's teaching about peacefulness and living in the moment, but not losing the aggressive attitude. Not being reckless, but strategic... He believes it, the Zen, the poise. It comes from his meditating, gaining the ability to stay in touch with your body and your inner self, calming yourself when tension is all around. What I do is I challenge myself in big games. I try to find a quiet center within me, because there's so much hype out there and I don't want to fall into it. I don't want to rush. I'll start off rebounding or getting everybody else involved, until I get an easy shot, a layup or a free throw or something, then boom, I'm off and running. I will have controlled my emotions and not gotten overhyped or lost my focus. These are things Phil has taught me. I will not expend great energy until I can find out where I fit in the scheme. That is a game in itself. It keeps me sharp." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

How to win in marriage? It's like sports: chemistry over history; Psychology AND math; Fun over duty. Discipline and desire; Work not merely good looks. Leadership and teamwork; Encouragement and praise not force and coerce. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Flawed Not Flawless at work, at home, with family. Recognizing not aganozing over our flaws. We are fallible and yet fixable. Play life loose and with love not without mistakes. Errors, turnovers are to be set aside not fretted over. Track your wins, set aside losses. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

It was a fence that had been built 15 or more years before. A chain link fence that separated two driveways. But at the suggestion of a teenager the fence came down and in its absence unity, fun, play and love sprung up. What fences do you have? And is today, this very minute the day the fence will come down? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Misunderstanding your spouse because we assume we know is extremely common. True you may know your spouse's favorite color or their favorite food but have you considered talking? The more we talk to each other and the more we listen to each other the better we understand each other. And why is understanding each other important? Because we tend to respect those that we understand. And we truly deeply love intimately those we have taken the time to listen to. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Top Podcast episodes? They were about Lincoln, Ferrari's, Intimacy, healing, mulligans, catch me if you can, cobra Kai or Miyagi do, seeing angels, and too much pruning. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What does your spouse want and need? Chocolates? Flowers? Help? How about when your spouse is stressed? More compassion less passion. More doting less domineering. More staying less scurrying. More respect less inspect. More we less me. More orchestra less solo. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Do you remember that episode where Mr Rogers and his neighborhood had a black man cool his feet in a pool? Do you know why he did that? Find out in today's episode and find out one of the most misunderstood and oft neglected words is in marriage. Who needs your compassion today? Will you be remembered as compassionate? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What did Nelson Mandela say about leading? Do teachers preach and tell? In two days episode I talk about two of the most important principles of parenting and marriage. Both leadership and teaching are vital components of preventing many of the most perplexing problems. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Avoiding some of the bumps and the challenges in life or being able to endure them more effectively depends on shocks. Shock absorbers help us endure the vistitudes of life more effectively. And so how dodaily devotions to Deity help dictate your renewal and vitality? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What's the difference between a significant other and a vital partner? Respect, permanence, and a sense of appreciation. Seek to complete not to compete with each other. Seek to compliment and enhance each other instead of finding the fault with each other. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

You know there's always that ugly spot in our yards, and in our marriage, and our relationships? What to do about them? Perhaps one of the most rewarding and peaceful experiences is noticing a weedy, patchy spot and then improving it, making it better. Make sure to enjoy the green luscious lawn but also make time and effort to improve the patchy spots. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

From the book The Lost Art of Listening. Empathy is part intuition part effort. It takes two people to share an emotion: one to tell and one to listen. Being listened to shapes us and not being heard twists us. Intent=impact. Beware Transference. Less well not poorly. Suspend self. Arguments are like ping pong games- it takes two to keep them going. We don't restate so that we can show we understand rather we restate so that we can try to understand. It's not differences of opinion or hot topics that can cause challenges with us, rather the emotions that it causes. It's the way hard things are said that determines if they're heard. Speaking with emotional chargedness ensures that your audience will not listen. If you interrupt then make sure it's to get them to talk more. Feelings are facts to those experiencing them. Tell me more. changing your relationship with your parents doesn't mean changing them but rather changing your reactions to them. Accept people for who they are and you will not have to keep changing them. Accept that this is the way they've always been and you're not going to change them. Accept them. Self restraint not self-denial. Your parents are your final exam. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

You know there are certain things that we should never minimize. Certainly we can minimize debt, anger, selfishness, focus on self, or a myriad of other things so that we can maximize experiences and relationships. In today's episode I share what I learned from a blog post from a Lisa Avallan via Josh Becker's blog. She shared nine things that are vital for us to maximize so that we can have true happiness in life. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

When's the last time you watched a movie by the Kendrick brothers? Or what does Narnia and Kicking and Screaming teach about families? No family, no marriage is perfect but we can learn to set aside ego and selfishness to lift our families and here's a few movies that will teach you how. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

When interacting with your spouse or your children do you come from a position of vulnerability and love or from the Inquisition position? In other words how you enter situation is how you exit a situation. Your attitude and feelings towards another person help shape how they react to you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What does Brian Regan, Blendtec blenders and fusion drinks have in common? In today's episode I talk about harmony over melody and how diversity in unity is vital. Learn about how love is like a blender. And how you can celebrate fusion not bland sameness in politics, religion and in any other hot topic --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Have you ever watched karate Kid one two or three? Then you know about Mr Miyagi and Daniel Larusso. The master is Mr Miyagi who's equanimity calmness and words are fused with confidence and stand in contrast to Daniel's passion, impulsivity and aggression. What personality is most needed and effective in your relationship? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

If you were to see a rattlesnake on a mountain we're out in a field would you pet it? Would you gather it up and put it in your backpack and take it to town and show it to your friends? Of course not. What about your temperature? Are you more of a thermostat? Or a thermometer? Who chooses how you will respond toxic people, difficult situations, and horrible experiences? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What's the best thing to do when listening? Do we prepare to say something when the other speaker's done? Or maybe we can just interject and tell them how to solve their problem. What is the purpose of listening? I've learned that listening to listen is one of the most selfless wonderful things we can do to help other people. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

The Japanese word Wa means subjecting your needs for the good of the team. In families it's each person subjecting their needs for the good of the family. Others suggest sacrificing egotism for altruism. For Melissa and me, removing self from the team is like the times we struggled to observe the plastic covering on our dishwasher and stove.We had no idea the plastic was on for months and that it was the reason for why we couldn't get the appliances looking clean. Give family members the benefit of the doubt. See the best in them. Make sure you remove the plastic covering in your relationships --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

How do you know if you love someone? Because you spend time and money and work towards their happiness. Melissa and I discovered The Adventure Challenge: Couples Edition which helps us to invest time and money into our relationship. There's also the family edition of The Adventure Challenge which is very fun too. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Do you remember what Cinderella said at the end of the most recent Cinderella movie? I forgive you. Those words and probably even more importantly that belief is one of the most critical things in marriage. Do you remember how Scotty Pippen responded to the criticism of his migrane game? Did he retaliate or seek revenge or blame? Nope! What's the secret behind the responses of Cinderella and Scottie Pippen? Did you know that Josh Waitskin, the inspiration behind The Search For Bobby Fisher, also had a similar method? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What is something your spouse would really, really love? -It's hard to stay angry long with someone for whom you're praying. -Sequoia: unlike many trees, they reach out and interlock their roots with the Sequoias around them. -make a commitment to daily let go of unrealistic expectations and become your spouse's greatest encourager. Dreams: Imagineer at Disney World. In the World Book. Humility: Randy's dad's Bronze Star for valor. 50 years and no mention of it. Does a car matter? Arguing about a double charge? Brick walls & Tenacity. His wife and Brown University. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

The Arbinger Institute packed The Anatomy of Peace with transformative tips. Below are my notes. When hearts are at war we can’t see clearly. How we disagree is more important than if we disagree. Don’t horribleize others. Justification: Do you need enemies more than you need peace? Create a out-of-the box safe place for others by not blaming others. Care enough about others to be curious. Judging happens when we care more about our self than others. If continuous correction isn’t fixing the problem, then more correction won’t work. Fix your way of being instead. Invite not incite change. Invite cooperation. Strengthen the relationship if your teaching doesn't seem to work. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A phenomenal book called Fierce Conversations offers several insights. For instance option Q might be better than my current three options. And where there is anger there is fear, so replace fear with faith. How we enter conversation is how we emerge from them. Learn how to deliver the message without the load. Life is curly. Confront means to search for truth. Multiple truths exist for each problem. Become a crucible: a strong, resilient vessel in which profound change can take place. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

1. His Needs, Her Needs 2. The 5 Love Languages 3. Intended For Pleasure 4. Crucial Conversations 5. The Last Lecture 6. The Love Dare 7. Rock Solid Relationships 8. Change Your Questions, Change Your Life 9. Purity and Passion 10. Anatomy of Peace 11.Fierce Conversations 12. Dealing With Differences In Marriage 13. Parenting The QBQ Way 14. Essentialism 15. The Family You've Always Wanted 16. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families 17. Boundaries In Marriage --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

My son and I enjoy looking at Ferraris, Maseratis and Porsches. Occasionally the showroom contains an Aston Martin or a Rolls-Royce too. This last time we visited the showroom we noticed that most of the cars had ceramic brakes. The ceramic brakes were noticeable on each high-end vehicle with vibrant colors like canary yellow and fire engine red. When we arrived home my son began his research on ceramic brakes. He discovered ceramic brakes are a great option instead of metal brakes or organic brakes because ceramic brakes help high-end vehicles stop quickly. Furthermore he learned that ceramic brakes don't heat up as much as metal brakes or organic brakes. And they leave less residue. What about cost? They cost quite a bit more the metallic brakes or organic brakes. Ceramic brakes are a great marriage metaphor. Marriage demands a high cost to ensure that we won't heat up with anger not leave contentious debris or residue and will be able to stop our erroneous behavior quickly. I think of several people who are the ceramic brakes in their relationship. They remain calm, help stop high speed, erratic behavior and ensure smooth marriage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What did a rib injury teach me over the last couple weeks? I learned to stop, pause, reverse, and listen more. I put aside my own agenda, planning, and even my workouts. I found out what it means to have three Saturdays in a row. Sometimes we go fastest when we stand still. Or as my wife and Stephen R. Covey often have said "to go fast we must go slow." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

One of the most important things in life is faith. Faith in God faith in yourself and faith in others. But Faith doesn't make everything easy, just easier. Faith is not a direct path but rather faith is like a pinball machine. We're bounced all around we go up and down and sometimes we hit the jackpot and sometimes we fail. But ultimately we win as we trust in a higher power. And as Thomas S. Minson once said, "The future is as bright as your faith." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Dan, a blogger, taught me about a Formula One Psychologist who taught a team to see problems, say the problem and to fix them. Additionally it's important to see others goodness thank them for who they are and to continuously be gracious with them. What if we did both? What if we had the courage to tell our teams and families where we can do better to accept correction and also be constantly finding the good and others and telling them about it? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

The Dutch Masters, the Impressionists the Realists and many more used a great idea to be able to revise their work and save money. They painted many paintings on the same canvas. they painted layer upon layer upon layer as they sought to get better and better and better. For them it wasn't a matter of if they were going to be perfect at first or even very good at first. they knew that it would take many many lessons and practices before they could create something Worthy of their best talents. But each time they tried to Begin again more intelligently. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Eternal love elevates, embraces, endures, exalts, enriches, eliminates. Collaborate with don't dominate spouse. Layers of paint. Correcting Errors. Progress creates success. Etenivät not menivät. Incomplete family members should be completely loved. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

I was in the back of the group that was trekking for miles and miles a day. The man in front was kicking rocks out of the way to make the path easier for those that followed. Another friend gratefully noticed the kind gesture and observed that people often remove rocks-- stumbling blocks and obstacles-- for us. What obstacles and stumbling blocks or rocks are you kicking out of people's lives? What rocks are you eliminating for your spouse? How are you making their life better? Yet other times we may need better shoes/Moccasins to withstand the rocks. Better shoes are a cheery disposition. A penchant to forgive, casual conversations, deep respect and admiration for each other. Daily work or betterment. Kick rocks, get better shoes to advance on your trek Removing obstacles from our friend's path is angelic. And appreciating those who remove obstacles from our path is gracious. And we often need to toughen our feet to withstand the rocks on our pathway. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Stephen R Covey talks about the compass and the watch in the classic book First Things First. I suggest using the compass and the watch analogy or metaphor as an opportunity to remember who we should love first and when we should love. Furthermore the compass and the watch teaches us that direction is more important than speed and that sometimes we should just relax and enjoy the process more so than the result. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Oftentimes all we need is a revision, remodeling, a new version. But occasionally we need to rip out the entire foundation and build a brand new house. In other words sometimes just managing our anger, or trying to listen better or be Kinder is not going to work. We need a new heart not just better heart medication. We need a knee transplant not just a chiropractic adjustment. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Lessons from Frozen, a 95-year-old prophet, and multiple relatives. In today's episode I explore what it means to not be a fixer-upper, to avoid the technician mentality and find the silver lining during storms. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

So who's better Johnny lawrence? Or Danielson? In marriage we often think that Johnny Lawrence's style is better or perhaps Danny Larusso's style. But when it comes to parenting or loving each other in marriage it's important that we understand strength and mercy. Splits and squats. Yoga and weights. Male and female. Yin and Yang. Completeness. Unity. Not sameness! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

I believe it was Warren Bennis who said it's rare that we prune too much. He was talking about business leaders, but I believe this goes for marriage as well. What should we prune? Maybe start with hobbies, and maybe too much work. But whatever you do don't prune or cut away time with family and with friends. And when in doubt seek input from your spouse about what you can prune so that your marriage tree can thrive! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Yesterday I journaled a thought: I should notice and appreciate angels (those who spread light and lift others) more than demons (those who seem opposed to me and my efforts). Then I came across my blog post from eight years ago and thought I'd share it again. As children we are full of dreams and excitement. Everything is fun and positive and we quickly forgive. We play. We love. We dream. We create. Somewhere in our lives we tend to get a little cynical and less trusting. We become intellectually haughty: superior to optimism, dreams and faith in others. We critique. We don't create. We question progress and doubt ability. Then as we get older we seem to rediscover our childlike values again. Dreaming becomes delightful. Playing with children or grandchildren brings supernal joy. We see the good in everyone. We encourage others. The happiest people are those who skip cynicism. They keep their childlike ability to give, love and forgive. I wonder what would happen if we skipped the middle? What if we skipped cynicism? Sure would be fun to try. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Less Effective vs More Effective Marriages Me/mine vs Ours/yours Lust vs Love. Force vs Allow Push vs. Retreat/Relax/Relent Take vs Give Action vs Action over time (see Brave Marriage Podcast) Livefor sex vs Lifelong sex. Destroy vs Create. Now vs Evolve. Yell vs Learn. Fix vs Empathize. Spouse is a priority vs Spouse is your top priority. Frantic vs Still. Panicked vs Chill. Yell vs Collaborate. Urges vs Intimacy. Unchanging vs Iterations. Version 1.0. vs Version 209. Anarchy vs Order. I've got this vs God's got us. Lecture vs Learn together . Blame vs Take responsibility. Demand trust vs Be honest and trustworthy. Escape alone vs Vacation together. Despair vs Trust. Argue vs Discuss Tough Issues --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Two fathers compared notes on their recent loss of temper. One man devotedly and dutifully visited Home Depot to buy an electric chainsaw so he could eliminate branches for a childrens party. He evaluated his options and repeatedly returned to the store because he was missing essential ancillary parts. Finally he began to feel immense pressure when the party started and he hadn't completed his task. Ultimately he yelled at his family when his dog and son approached him while sawing down the branch. The other father was enjoying a family trip to the lake when he learned how difficult it is to back up a small trailer. The trailer zigzagged repeatedly as the father fumed until a teenage employee volunteered to speedily back the trailer up in a straight line. Solutions to avoid exploding? Remember Billy Joel singing "tell her about it"? Tell your spouse your challenges early on in the difficulty. Get vulnerable so you don't explode/erupt. Tell your partner how you're trying to please them but you keep falling and falling. And don't expect perfect results as you seek to help those you love. Frustration happens when you love someone but cant help them effectively. Thankfully your spouse is much more pleased with your efforts than your results. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A friend was trying to teach some youth. He wanted to impress upon them the importance of loyalty. I let my friend know that these youth and myself had his back. We would be loyal and concerned with his welfare and the responsibility we had. Who has your spouse's back? Who considers their needs? Wants? Their opinion? What do they value? Do you seek their comfort ahead of yours? Their wishes? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages is a classic. As I discussed words of affirmation with a friend I realized that affirmative words are like A1. They're good to help us feel loved but we need to feel loved deeply despite others' positive or negative words. Just like Ruth's Chris filet minion is sufficient without steak sauce. We are amazing and good enough without being told how good we are. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Have you ever seen the movie Father Of The Bride 2? There's a hilarious scene in the movie where Steve Martin is trying to get a Doberman Pincer to retreat. He can't remember the command to get the dog to retreat so he says "release! relent! retreat!" but it doesn't seem to work and the dog ends up chasing him. Some of the most important words in marriage are retreat, relent, release. We're prone to use military metaphors and attack our spouse or sports metaphors to be aggressive. But there's nothing so honorable and noble as to avoid criticism, belittling, caustic remarks, satirical remarks, sarcasm and snarky attacks. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

For several years I visited a dentist who had an employee that loved to give praise and encouragement. She constantly told me how good my teeth looked, how white, how straight. She praised everything- genuinely and often. Although I often asked for advice on how to take better care of my teeth or eliminate pain, she praised me without offering ideas for betterment nor education on how to maintain white, straight teeth. One day I had to use a different dentist office. After taking X Ray's and cleaning my teeth, this dentist and his assistant offered several tips and ideas to improve my teeth. Try an interdental brush, use this toothpaste, avoid acidic food and drinks. There was no praise, but massive education and concern. Which approach works best in marriage? Both. Marrieds are benefited by not only discerning challenges and offering hope and solutions but by extending constant encouragement. Which dentist are you most like? Ready to add another approach to your marriage? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

I'm sure you read the book or watch the movie, but do you remember the word slantways? It's how Willy wonka describe the direction of the elevator that him and Charlie and his grandpa we're going to travel in. It's also the best way to describe the solutions that we have in marriage. We don't need to just go up or down we can tried many different approaches. Furthermore the way Charlie is in the movie and in the books is a great template for how we should be in marriage: Kind, humble, grateful, others-focused. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Apparently preventing weeds takes thought, money and time. Our flowerbeds seemed filled with more weeds than flowers. At first we pulled weeds multiple times each year. And we sprayed weed killer. Those solutions didn't last. Then Melissa and I collaborated to find impenetrable weed barrier. But experience showed us weeds can penetrate after a few years. So we devised a tactic: lay two layers of weed barrier crossways. And for good measure we buried the weed barrier with rocks. Relationship weeds are anything that threatens your family.: pornography, violence, apathy, distractions, diversions, and much more. What is the one double layer, crossways impenetrable weed barrier best suited to prevent weeds in your relationships? Can you heap rocks ontop of your weeds so they won't Are you stuck pulling the same weeds? Some excellent weed barriers are couples counseling, giving, repenting, simplifying, debt elimination, and companion bragging. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Dan did it again. He deepened my understanding. He taught me about curiousity. Last year he taught me about shutting the barn door. So what if curiosity was a reliable way to be more creative? How would it change the way you approach your relationships? Is getting curious better than getting frustrated/mad? Which one produces multiple solutions and sustains long term relationships? To what extent is creativity simply a by-product of curiosity? Would getting more curious enhance your relationships? Engrained "solutions" are often merely ineffective traditions. Effective solutions come from seeking/inquiring after several fact based options. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Melissa took me to our small garden to show me the difference between a small plant with a big tomato versus a large plant which will eventually yield many tomatoes. She explained to me that it's more important to grow large tomato plants so that you get many tomatoes instead of focusing on just growing a large tomato. Plant focused instead of fruit focused. Grow the plant and many tomatoes will follow. Focus on the tomato and you might just lose the plant or have a small plant. It's the system, not the result. The process not the goal. The business, not the service or product. The relationship, not the obedience/control. The person, not the objective. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Just Mercy and Harriet are what I've been watching. Forming a business partnership with a person of color is what I've done. And I'm seeking to understand what broken systems, incorrect traditions and prejudices need to corrected. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

My neighbor's lawn turned from brown to green in a few days. He didn't fertilize it. He has no sprinklers. So how did he get a rich, lucious green lawn? A soaker hose. Soaker hoses emit water slowly and constantly. And over time you see the desired result. Getting involved in your family is like a soaker hose. Consistent, slow effort with rich results. But you often don't see the results during the watering. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Focus is often cited as the key to fulfillment and success. But what if your focus is money first? Or work first? Or family first? Or church first? Stephen R. Covey taught that being too focused on any good thing causes us to ceed power to that value and to unfortunately derive our joy/pain from that value. Real joy and gratitude come from Divine connections. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

There are many problems in marriage and by properly identifying the problem, trusting God and working together you can get answers for some. But for many problems we should simply move forward trusting that the Professor and textbooks have helped us become self-reliant thinkers and accomplishers. We don't need to always be told to go. We should think, go and expect excellent results. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Drip, Drip, Drip. Drop by drop a humidifier changes the environment allowing for better breathing, deeper sleep, a healthier life. Marriage is like a humidifier. What are drops in marriage? Listening to an inner voice, selflless love not self love we not me, respecting more than teasing , mutual goals, gentleness, daily repentance, harmonious daily and weekly planning, enriching dates, worshiping together, forgiveness, saving money, paying off debt, we go not ego, and traveling. Sure it would be nice to have the results of our efforts immediately and abundantly like a monsoon. But lasting marriages are built by drips and droplets, dew and even distillation. But not by monsoons.A humidifier. Not a monsoon. #humidifernotamonsoon #marriage #love #faith #hope #thrivingtwogether #foreverlove #marriage coach #relationshipcoach #relationshipcounselor #lastingmarriage #enduringlove #togetherwecan #fiercemarriage #remotemarriagecoach #change #better #forever #happy #happiness --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Celebrate goodness (Discernment): finding, seeing and expressing good. Children: nice work on studying each day. I'm not too worried about a C as long as you're challenging yourself. You're a hard worker! I love you're smile! I'm glad to be your parent. Spouse: I'm excited to see where we're going and what we are becoming! Finances: we keep getting better using money to create money. It's fun helping others with what we've been given. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Thriving marriages are like long, slow freight trains. You observe, enjoy and take the long view when watching a long train unlike short, bullet trains that quickly go from origin to destination. Similarly spouses require patience and appreciation and not microwave fast, forced results. Worthwhile relationships are like a marathon not a sprint. Hard work, unity, consistency and character matter more than speed, talent and ego. It's not what's important now? But what matters most forever? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

At one period in his life Van Gogh created one new art piece every 36 hours over a decade. 2,100 artworks. I've visited museums in Paris, Amsterdam, New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, DC to admire Van Gogh's masterpieces. People admire your marriage masterpiece even though it seems average and ordinary. The hard, daily, mundane intense labor made him a great artist as he created masterpieces. He painted 43 selfies. And several versions of Sunflowers as he became and created. Is building your marriage hard, mundane, pedestrian, intense? Can you see how you are creating a masterpiece? And becoming a masterpiece? What are you making as you daily create? And who are you becoming? We know of several of Van Gogh's masterpieces but he had hundreds of lesser works that transformed him from good to great. From a creative student to a legendary artist. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

"An open mind is like an open parachute." -Lord Dewar. Our quality of life and advancement depend on what we know and apply. Applying principles gleaned from others is invigorating. As is learning something new. We know certain ideas and don't apply them. And that's an application issue. But what about those ideas we don't know about? That's an ignorance issue. Can our biggest problems be solved best with better application? Or more knowledge? Maybe both. A very wise person, who never obtained a college diploma, took memory courses, a math course, spent numerous hours in book stores and libraries and studied foreign languages. He thirsted to know what he didn't know. Open your parachute. Learn new things. It might be the best way to solve your vexing puzzles. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

I once went to rent a movie at Blockbuster while my 13 year old daughter began reading a short book. The book was Who Moved My Cheese. It was one of my Dad's favorite books and mine too. When I returned, she had finished the book! And 8 years later she told me the book continues to influence her. Our little speed reader went on to read several books on leadership, attitude, relationships and finances during her early teens. My wife mentioned the same book a few days ago. Melissa told me the book provides great perspective in these uncertain times and she wished more people knew about it. In the book one fictional mouse hates, denies and laments change and ultimately fails. And one mouse embraces, prepares for and expects change and finally succeeds. Who we are becomes revealed as we navigate through turbulent times. Do we choose to change and better ourself? Or do we become bitter with our circumstances? It's where we are going to, not what are going through that matters most. "Take a negative and make a positive" is what Michael Jordan remembered about his dad when learning of his Dad's murder. Do we thrive during crisis? Or do we complain? A fruit tree in our yard grew large because of trauma not despite trauma (someone broke the top). And another fruit tree flaundered because of too much shade and ease. A woman who sorrowed because of family members' suicide taught me "we have faith because of sorrow not in spite of sorrow." Larry Bird became much better because of Magic Johnson not despite of Magic. And likewise Magic had to get better to beat Larry. Zen teaches us to lean in and EMBRACE negatives. Ready to embrace the struggle before and during not just after? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

False dichotomies in marriage abound. Such as: Either your spouse is right or you are. There's a right way to parent and a wrong way. Either you fall in love or you don't. You're getting better or getting worse. How about loving unity and interdependent solutions involving conjunctions? You're both right. Each difficulty has multiple solutuions which are found through loving, varied, interdependent prospectives. There's good, better and best ways (plural) to parent. Falling in love is based on attraction and is a good start. And staying and growing in love is based on helping and giving to your spouse. Marriage involves hours/days/weeks/years of progressing and failing. Sometimes the up is down and the down is up. It's not all down or up. Bo Jackson thought he didn't need to choose baseball or football. He chose both. He saw the genius of and not the tyranny of or.* And is the word that best describes a solitionust mentality. Conjunctions are the tools of companions who work together, interdependent people who collaborate for unprecedented results. Or is the word for defeatists and independents, soloists who have melody but no harmonic symphony. Maybe some good conjunction questions. How we can raise intelligent children AND help them be independent? How can we have family fun AND have a clean house? How can earn alot of money AND help many people? How can we accept each other AND expect better from ourselves? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Taipua is a transformational Finnish* word. It means to change one's opinion, to bend or to curve. It's the opposite of our dog who's obedient only when she gets treats. It's the opposite of pig headed, unable to look up and wallowing in dirty, muddy circumstances. M. Scott Peck in The Road Less Traveled boldly asserts life is hard but once we know it's hard it ceases to be hard. Why? Because accepting hardships allows us to change ourselves to meet and beat difficulties. We choose to admit we are weak, fallible. And thus ultimately because we admit and improve our weakness (instead of blaming our situation/spouse/cat) we become strong. A presidental candidate was derided as a flip-flopper because he is mature and malable enough to change his mind. My wife, Melissa, used a taipua approach when getting us 3x faster internet with a 10% discount. Are we willing to change and bend? *I love Finland and especially the Finnish people. I lived there for two years and study the language nearly everyday. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

One of the authors of The Power of Stillness said something powerful in a recent podcast about being mindful. He said we should be interuptable-so at peace that nothing disturbs us. We should welcome interruptions because we value people and relationships above transactions and functions. Being not merely doing. But doing matters too. I hate being interrupted. But now with traditions, formalities and routines interrupted and stopped including work, school, and extracurricular activities I'm learning to be interuptable. With plenty of time, I find it easy to listen. To trust in timing. To have meaningful discussions. I'm enjoying talking with family for hours and days and weeks. Eating meals together. Playing together. Working together. Bring on the interuptions. They help me focus on important people. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A friend pointed out a feature in my Prius: An engine brake. I told him I'd used it only a few times because I thought it was only for decelerating on large hills. He explained the engine brake is to slow the car without using brakes (thus preserving the regular brakes) and to recharge the hybrid battery. Net result? Less cost replacing brakes and less cost for fuel. He told me he frequently uses an engine brake on his Prius which helps him get better MPG. I've been following his advice and I'm spending less money filling my car up. And my brakes should last longer. My car's engine brake is like meekness. Meekness is a term that means to be restrained/disciplined/guided by the Spirit. Rarely did I use my engine brake for four years. By being restrained I could've gained. Being guided/disciplined through the Spirit is different than no discipline or mere self- discipline. Meekness seems to be one of the most difficult virtues to understand and perhaps one of the most important for ambitious people to apply. #marriage #love #faith #hope #thrivingtwogether #foreverlove #marriage coach #relationshipcoach #relationshipcounselor #lastingmarriage #enduringlove #togetherwecan #fiercemarriage #remotemarriagecoach #change #better #forever #happy #happiness #meekness #marriage #love #faith #hope #thrivingtwogether #foreverlove #marriage coach #relationshipcoach #relationshipcounselor #lastingmarriage #enduringlove #togetherwecan #fiercemarriage #remotemarriagecoach #change #better #forever #happy #happiness --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A wife was running warm and so she turned on a fan to keep her cool while she slept. The next night she noticed a blanket had been removed from her bed by her husband. Now instead of two thick blankets, she had one. And she noticed how she no longer felt too warm. Remove the blanket, don't turn on the fan seems like a good metaphor too. Focus on things that really matter, things that move the needle. -Intimacy is one vital component in a thriving marriage but sex/biology isn't the ONLY element in marriage. Money, communication, trust, respect, children, and many other elements make up marriage. -Faith in God, emotions and facts are powerful antidotes to fear. Anger and fear inspire for a while but love inspires forever. -Unified spouses make better decisions than a "l do me" approach. -Eating food (natural, from a tree/ground/animal) not manufactured (from a box/factory). Exercising regularly and eating for nutrients not dieting and counting calories. -Living within a budget, finding resourceful inexpensive solutions and preparing for emergencies instead of using credit card debt to "afford" a solution/want/need. Remove the blanket. Don't turn on the fan. Both solutions work, but one works long term and costs less money and time. Hey would you be so kind as to listen to an episode (or more), subscribe, rate, and or review my podcasts? ThrivingTwogether is on Apple, Google, Stitcher and Sporify. And frugal2free and TravelingTwogether are on Apple and Google. Thanks! Here's the podcast or https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether #blanketnotthefan #marriage #love #faith #hope #thrivingtwogether #foreverlove #marriage coach #relationshipcoach #relationshipcounselor #lastingmarriage #enduringlove #togetherwecan #fiercemarriage #remotemarriagecoach #change #better #forever #happy #happiness --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Like a horse coming home from a long trot we're tempted to run into the barn door, to finish quickly and to lose all discipline. It's imperative that we don't finish quickly but that we enjoy the process that we connect with others and that we don't lose sight of the discipline that has brought us here. Dan Cullum shared a post in November about the Barn Door effect. It resonated and impacted me so much that it's improved my decision making and caused me to reflect on it again and again. Horses rush to enter a barn door with little restraint despite having been very disciplined before seeing the barn door. In relationships we should be disciplined especially when we are in a hurry. Slow down. Resolve small mistakes while they are small. Invest in discussions when it feels like there is no time to talk. Slowly worship. Take time to reflect, change your mind and pivot. In essence: Shut the barn door. Or at least pay it no heed. #marriage #love #faith #hope #thrivingtwogether #foreverlove #marriage coach #relationshipcoach #relationshipcounselor #lastingmarriage #enduringlove #togetherwecan #fiercemarriage #remotemarriagecoach #change #better #forever #happy #happiness --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A wife proudly wears a hockey jersey because her husband loves hockey. The number and name on her jersey are those of her husband's favorite player. She understands recreational companionship. Enjoying fun, relaxing experiences together. Recreational companionship doesn't always mean liking the same things as your spouse. Yet maybe at least be genuinely interested in what your spouse likes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What's the purpose of marriage? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A bodybuilder told me he once liked to lift for ego. Now he lifts for flexibility and balance. He wanted to be big like Arnold. Now he's trying to be like Gumby. A yelling child needs an adaptive parent, one who might listen/crack a joke/cry. No need for a forceful power struggle. An overspending spouse needs less forceful, paternal/maternal lectures and ultimatums. They need more of a flexible approach. Maybe ideas on how to buy their needs/wants with cash. Or praise for their frugal efforts. In all areas of our lives we can choose to power through it or we can choose flexible approaches that seem yoga-like but offer a more balanced and effective approach. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

It's hard to win when you give up. Others can't really feel your love unless it's truly unfailing and persevering. And it's extremely difficult to pay off debt if you don't persevere. In today's episode learn some stories about perseverance and get encouragement on how you can persevere through many difficulties. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

With the passing of Clayton Christensen and Kobe Bryant many people expressed being broken and needing to do anything and everything now to enjoy the moment because it may not last. Life does last forever and we do only live once. We live once and forever. It's important to have hope even while we mourn for those that we've loved. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Recently I read two ESPN articles that helped me understand landing well and falling softly. How do those relate to marriage? Well there's many ways to prepare yourself for the inevitable falls and challenges. And there's many people to surround yourself with. What can you do socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually? Listen on. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Every so often you meet a couple that absolutely inspires you. I found such a couple. They sacrifice and work for each other. They work together, play together and raise their family together. And during a family difficulty lasting a year, they loved more deeply. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

God is involved in our lives but he doesn’t interfere. He’s very involved. He sends all kinds of opportunities and blessings into our lives whether we see them or not. For instance he may give us the courage to listen more effectively or love ourselves or to love others or to forgive or forget. He may help us get better and improve, giving us strength beyond our own. But he doesn’t Insert himself. He doesn’t force his way into our lives he simply is a good father, one who helps, encourages, strengthens and heals but He’s not one to manipulate, force, or coerce. What’s your style? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Just because someone told you that you need to sleep in a separate Room because your spouse snores doesn't make it so. I know several people (acquaintances, friends and relatives) who sleep in separate rooms because of snoring. What f you could find a way to overcome snoring through better health habits or through technology through training or any other way? Would it be worth it to discover and find solutions so that you can be together? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Marriage is like a good subway system: Express and Local is needed. Fast and slow; accomplishes and appreciaters; thinkers and doers; risk takers and risk averters. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Ten people took a shuttle to Delta's Terminal 2 in Salt Lake City . Yet one man departed early at Terminal 1 for Delta. Why? A person commented aloud "Terminal 1 is closer to some Delta Gates than Terminal 2." I verified and discovered that terminal 1 is often closer to my departure gates and has shorter TSA Precheck lines. How did I not know this? Maybe I forgot that the opposite of a good idea is often a good idea.* Learn from others. Especially those who walk in different directions, teach things difficult to hear/understand, vote differently, sin differently or look differently from yourself. HT Rory Sutherland --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

1. Sequence or when you ask for spousal input (this should before you decide and before you give your thoughts) indicates deep signs of love: honor and respect. 2. Value your partner's ideas by listening and implementing them often. Rarely (if ever) sell your ideas to your spouse. Rather seek their input. 3. Choose if and when to talk about short comings. Perhaps avoid times of hunger or fatigue when discussing difficult topics. On a trip to New York City I saw a sister-in-law often solicit her husband's opinions. She's a strong woman not overly dependent on her husband nor a lone wolf working independently of others. Rather she is one who works interdependently with her husband. She also considered how much it would mean to her husband to be at his special performance in NYC. So she planned months in advance to be in attendance while coordinating children's schedules. And I saw this sister-in-law's husband consider her. He delighted in getting tickets to Phantom Of The Opera for her because it was on her bucket list. How did he know? Because he loves her and knows her. He also never complained or became disgruntled when his wife admired art at the Met for six hours! He's not an art aficionado. She is. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What to do before during and after a recession so your family can be more like Google or more financially secure. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

I have read a blog daily for 13 years. Those hundreds of hours of teaching have had an impact on my marketing, business and life in general. What if you spent just a few minutes every day for 13 years on your marriage? What kind of changes would you experience? What things do you need to do daily to help make long term changes? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Invariably in marriage there are things that need to be trimmed or eliminated, things that need to be completely cut back. What habits hamper you? Additionally what are you consistently doing to fireproof your marriage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Praying for your spouse is awesome! Melissa prayed for me the other day in a huge miracle happened. How often are you praying for your spouse? And how often is your spouse praying for you? One of the ways we can become more antifragile, more bendable like bamboo, is by receiving the power that comes from divinity through prayer. Antifragile people don't don't just survive but they thrive. They thrive as a result of stress, shock, volatility, noise, mistakes, faults, attacks, and failures. They thrive because they're humbled and receive more divine power in their humility. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What could possibly matter more than listening? What could matter more than communicating so clearly that you're not only understood but you're not misunderstood? Being trustworthy and trusting others is the very foundation upon which to build so that we're not only communicative but connected. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Do you have that friend in your life that is always a treat to be around? Someone who is so concerned about you and so happy to be with you? Maybe he/she a is an excellent cheerleader? Or an excellent conversationalist? Tony is that type of guy in my life. Tony is cheerful, a cheerleader, and a great conversationalist. He's a delight to be around for anyone that knows him. By becoming more like Tony we will be better spouses and parents and better friends. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Just a few days ago a sister-in-law reminded me of the importance of inspiring not requiring. It led me to think of other truisms like we should make request not demands. We shouldn't tell nor yell and we should certainly teach more than we preach. Kindness doesn't kill, but it most certainly exalts and lifts. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

In order become the best version of ourselves we need to transform. And for others to change and become better and become their best selves they need to change. So what are some key virtues that help people to change? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

It was a night like any other. Then our guest pulled out his flip-phone. My family was in awe! Here in 2019 was a father using a flip phone! We began to grill him, why was he using a flip phone when everyone else seemed to have a smartphone? He went on to explain that although he has the Internet at work and his wife has a smart phone, he didn't want to distract and take away time from his 3 girls. He wanted to spend time with his daughters and wife undistracted! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

In a Finlandia Sauns the temperature can vary nearly a 100ﾟ from the very bottom to the very top. Just like your marriage there are times when it's very hot and difficult and times when it's very enjoyable. Should you get out? Should you stay in? Should you pare back some of your extracurricular activities and enjoy the heat? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

2 different counselors over a period of many years told my wife and I the same advice, take 10 minutes a night to truly talk with each other. This talking isn't about managerial responsibilities or about child rearing but rather it's a way to connect, to be truly intimate. To see into your souls. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

It's often in intense battles and challenges that we see unity and great love. So over the years during a few different triathlons I've seen my family come together over and over again. And I've seen others selflessly sacrifice in order to unify their family and bless others. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Have you ever wondered why your life seems a little incomplete in certain areas? Does it feel like you and your companion need to grow closer together but you don't know how? In this episode I share what two of my best friends and mentors have taught me over the years about growth, development, and improvement. No longer grow apart, grow together by focusing on these 4 key areas daily. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Relational ruts, selfish sabotage and angry accusations fall away in the wake of helpmates. Companions who care, lovingly build better marriages. H/T Matt Townsend --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

When a very expensive home is in danger of catching fire, Chubb, a well known insurance company will often send a private fire prevention team to creare an impenetrable perimeter around their insured homes. Chubb knows it's difficult to stop a fire. So they spend tens of thousands of dollars and employ private teams of firemen to ensure their insured homes worth millions don't burn down. How can we create a (positive) marriage fire? 1. By focusing on the good in your spouse and in yourself, the flames of good deeds and solid character multiply as if gasoline is poured on a raging inferno. And thst inferno warms your heart and brightens your face. 2. Daily we have the privilege of changing our mindsets, attitudes and habits much like putting another log on s bonfire. We can fan the flames of love, happiness, peace, and unity until warm fire burns forever. Tip: record the good your spouse does or things you like about them in a diary/journal/notebook. Or think of what you like about him/her as you fall asleep. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Three couples. Over 88 years of marriage. What are their children like? Are the spouses always nice? Celebrate marriage. Learn how to thrive. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Arguing, hurtful teasing, and ineffective traditions are like waiting in needless lines. Learn new concepts and ideas to help your family accelerate and excel. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Melissa accepted me from day one. At 129 pounds. With braces. And just a fewest years removed from a MacGyver worthy mullet. And she expected I'd get better with time and effort. Love is a combination of acceptance and expectations, boundaries and grace. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

How would your Marriage do if you had to compete for $50,000? If you had no internet? No smartphone? Needed to navigate with maps? Traveled to unknown cities/towns? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Hundreds of things are needed for enjoyment in marriage. But things what matter most? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A marriage matures and endures as one or both spouses become susceptible to growth. Impervious individuals resist responsibility. Susceptible spouses bounce ideas off of one another, solicit feedback and continually take accountability. Impervious marrieds resist change like steel against flint. A couple saved two thousand dollars in home remodeling by bouncing ideas off of each other. They were open to new ideas and concepts, thinking a great idea would come by being susceptible to other's ideas. Are you becoming susceptible (porous) or impervious? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Recently on a trip I found myself in a Barnes and Noble. And I picked up a book called The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant. Several parts of the book were intriguing, but one part in particular I needed to re-read a couple times. Kobe Bryant, five time NBA champion, mentioned that his legs were very weak in his first season in the NBA. At one point he air-balled multiple shots against the Utah Jazz in the Playoffs. So he decided to take up tap dancing to strengthen his legs and improve his timing. The result? He had one of the most successful and long careers in NBA history. What are your weak legs? What are your air balls? What I like about Kobe in this situation as he saw his weakness and then he learned how to improve it and then he took action. It takes a humble person to see their weaknesses and then go to work to make them strengths. And where did Kobe find the time? What about the embarrassment? Couldn’t he have just chosen an easier, less effective approach? The best put in the work. Are you ready to work for a better marriage? Are you ready to tap dance your way into a better marriage? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

What is empathy? I’ve been studying that a lot lately. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy is a byproduct of those who love selflessly. When you love profoundly, then you will yearn and learn to know how to help them. I used to think that empathy was basically like a shock absorber. You know, when people are struggling and having some challenges you simply listen and make sure there’s not so much pressure. You lessen the bumps and the challenges and difficulties so a person doesn’t have to absorb all the challenges alone. But I’ve discovered is more than occasionally helping a loved one. Empathy means we’re so concerned about others thoughts feelings and emotions that we take a vested interest in their lives. Empathy means we’re thinking of others often not just occasionally nor just superficially. I found that it’s all too easy in my life to live an emphatic life instead of an empathetic life. I used to live life with exclamation points instead of question marks. I was more concerned about me and less about others. What are the consequences of not having empathy? Well you don’t know what your spouse really needs because you haven’t really listened to their heart. So you’re guessing. You’re looking at their needs through your own eyes not theirs. Perhaps most importantly is your spouse is going to have to suffer alone because you’re not willing to alleviate some of the burden by listening and being empathetic. Empathetic people create longer term relationships because they truly connect with others. Empathetic people are focused on helping others. Empathetic people have richer lives because they have rich relationships. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Does everything have to be perfect? Are you a control freak? Let me share my story of controlling less and controlling more. How does control factor into marriage? Parenting? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

My wife taught me the importance of learning from others and learning from history so as to learn what I don’t know that others know and improving on weaknesses that others nor myself know about. The Johari Window and Anne of Green Gables offer insights into happier marriages. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Love is like a water well. Focus intently and go deep. Let no diversions or distractions detract from your one love. And remember love is more than duty. It involves cherishing, sacrificing, and eliminating. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Pittsburgh’s Childrens Museum helped me understand Mister Rogers. Fred Rogers taught love, helping during crises and using blessings to raise others up. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Sacrifice is the key to increased love, healed marriages and transformational relationships. What should you give up? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

How do you view your spouse? Yourself? Is it possible to change how you see your spouse? Have a more unified, equal partnership by becoming like four women described in this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Details on the newly enhanced ThrivingTwogether.com. From podcasts to a YouTube channel, and blogs to social media. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

It’s time to have more resiliency, to embrace difficult situations and losses as lessons learned. Perfection isn’t needed in marriage or any relationship. Let’s get real, vulnerable. I’d like to share some of my worst losses to help you know what winners know: losing is needful! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

During a visit to a small town I observed several people riding tandem bikes up and down mountains and throughout the town. I don't see that very often where I live so that caused me to think a little bit. Riding a tandem bike is the ultimate metaphor for being interdependent. Two people come together to unitedly move forward. A couple must work together (interdependently) on a tandem bike. Working against each other (independently) causes stagnation. Interdependence not independence is vital for happiness and progression. Work with each other. Understand each other. Move forward together. Learn to work together. Learn to seek your spouses interest and their well-being. Hold them in high regard. Two together make a tandem bike progress. And a marriage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

A couple are trying to avoid divorce, but they have no compelling vision. They are burdened down "managing" a family. And they take no time to create a compelling future. Expanding perspective by 5% causes effectiveness to double. Looking through your spouse's eyes (seeking to understand before being understood*) is a great way to expand perspective. Expanding our vision causes us to overcome the inertia of proximity to our problems. Oftentimes the closeness of our problems causes us to feel overwhelmed and dejected. Looking at our problems with a Seuratesque perspective causes hope to soar. Standing back a little to view art is a lot like life. We see the big beautiful picture by simply expanding our vision. Similarly, looking too closely at a piece of art causes catatonic confusion. Don't get overwhelmed by clinging too tightly to the present. Find hope in creating a combined, compelling 220px-Contacteye future. What is your ideal image for your family? Your finances? How could you expand your mutual vision? (*HT to Stephen R. Covey) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

We all deal with giant problems in our relationships. This episode provides insights into solving those problems. Small and simple is what Dr Seuss taught as did Ockham. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Character drives tenacious people to cling to covenants over convenience. Grit is often the separator between divorce and ecstasy. In this episode I share a personal example of the grittiest person I know, my wife. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Nourishing, not quick fixes nor exchanges, is what’s needed for most relationships to heal and thrive. Love, respect, and time are some of the ways we can grow better relationships. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

The ability to choose and choosing wisely matter more than circumstances. It’s imperative to be more of a thermostat than a thermometer. Life has horrible moments, but we determine what those situations mean. We should remember Phil Connors in Groundhog Day. Become a better, transformed person daily so you can lift everyone you meet. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Each of us struggles with pain, addiction, fear, missteps, and disappointment. What is the key to getting better? Yet. Yet is a word imbued with hope and promise. It’s a word that inspires us to work while we wait and trust in a miracle. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Systems and specific practice to finding 2-10X happiness. Eliminating weaknesses, practicing deliberately the one thing so as to catapult your relationship. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Lessons from a President who loved people intently. And couldn’t stop loving even when he was a big shot or when he was shot. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Certificates to make more money. And bargains to cut expenses. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Ever feel like you have a troubled marriage? A difficult child? This episode contains the best advice I’ve ever received to connect with the difficult. It’s all about attention. What do you pay attention to? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

We often hold grudges, forget to forgive and feel like giving up. We compare ourself to others. A Mulligan is a do-over. Go ahead try again. Try better. Don’t worry about the past. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

How to block unwanted calls, start a podcast for free, listen to podcasts, and where to find Thriving Twogether. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

It’s easy to loudly explode with our children, spouse, or coworkers. But take the balloon approach. Slowly, quietly, work toward solutions. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Being flexible, united and full of light creates a thriving relationship. What Aikido’s founder knew about relationships. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Dating often and regularly allows peace and love. Communication, goals, and dreams are fostered during frequent, fun dates. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Spirituality in marriage is vital for flourishing. Going to God in gratitude and asking for gifts is the most important way to an enduringly happy marriage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Two grand keys to intimacy: purity and humility. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Serving, loving and selflessly lifting create joy and happiness. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Limited, curtailed marriages can become high performing masterpieces. Just add time and money and interest. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Swimming is a metaphor for vibrant marriages. Both partners are valuable and needed just like legs and arms work in harmony to propel swimmers. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Regeneration and growth in marriage comes from improving self. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Confidence, joy and unity follow when a “Let It Fly” attitude is cultivated. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Enhance your relationships by changing your habits and responses. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

Life Lessons From Lincoln --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thriving-twogether/support