Today's podcast revisits and builds upon a previous episode that was about when we unconsciously follow a script from the past. However, this topic is expanded today to how we can create new unhealthy scripts or narratives in the present without realizing it is happening. A stressful time can lead to negative self-dialogue that can become a habit. It can create a new procedural memory of how we relate with ourselves. It can even become a way of self-soothing in a very unhealthy way.

Today's podcast focuses on the importance of being able to be honest with ourselves and be able to say we are not okay during times of struggle. More of life sticks to us than we realize. The paradox is that when we can acknowledge we are not presently okay, then we know we will be okay. Denial is costly and far more damaging than we realize.

Today’s podcast offers a brief meditation on certain experiences that drive home the reality that our lives will not always be as they are now. Also, how the most significant moments in our lives are often the ones we take for granted and gloss over. We often proceed in the space of assumptions; assuming there will be time down the road to say certain things, or to ask for forgiveness, or to forgive. However, we know that the only guarantee is now.

Today’s podcast answers a question from someone who is trying to make sense of whether it is them or others that’s the cause of broken family relationships. Sometimes when we are in the face of unreasonable and unhealthy behavior, we can doubt ourselves and begin to even question our own sanity. However, sometimes it can be a little bit of us and sometimes a lot. Today’s podcast discusses being able to discern between the two. Also, as we progress on the healing work and our insight and self awareness grows, we must also make sure that our mercy grows as well.

Today’s podcast helps someone who is navigating a toxic situation in a parish setting. Some feel it is never an option to leave a parish and then there are others who treat leaving a parish too flippantly. A healthy parishioner-parish relationship is sustained by a healthy synergy; where one protects, nourishes, and sustains the other. When that synergy is broken, a change is sometimes needed.