In this second conversation with Nicole Conner, we discuss the power of stories in our lives, where they come from, and how they influence us. In addition, we consider the idea of questioning our stories and potentially changing these powerful narratives that we live by. https://youtu.be/-dI4_xIw0ks
Today I begin a series of conversations with my wife, Nicole Conner, on the topic of 'The Stories We Tell Ourselves'. Nicole has a Masters of Narrative Therapy and Community Work from Melbourne University and she has her own narrative therapy practice called Defining Stories. Over the last few years, Nicole has been able to … Continue reading The Stories We Tell Ourselves – Narrative Therapy
The statistics are in from the 2021 census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS: source]. Only 43.9% of Australians now identify with its most common religion - Christianity. This is down from 50% in 2016, 60% percent in 2011, and 71% not long before that. That's what I would call a 'free fall' - … Continue reading What is Happening to Christianity?
I hope you enjoyed our 16-part series of Soul Food with Mark Conner on the important topic of relational intelligence. Life is all about relationships. As we enhance our sense of connection with the people in our life, everybody wins. The topics covered in this Relational Intelligence series were: Listening. Emotional Intelligence. Empathy. Authenticity. Love … Continue reading Relational Intelligence
One of the characteristics of wise people is that they are open to feedback. Feedback from other people can give us needed insight not only into our own lives but into any issue or challenge we may be considering. If you reject feedback, you will hinder your own personal growth. All of us have things … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 46 – Feedback
One of the keys to good relationships is learning to be ‘lovingly assertive’. Yes, it really is possible to be both ‘loving’ and ‘assertive’. Some people tend to be ‘under-assertive’. They can’t set boundaries or limits. They can never say “no” ... or at least not without feeling guilty. They are easily manipulated by stronger … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 45 – Assertiveness
Have you noticed that humans have an inbuilt longing for connection with other people? Of course, good relationships and friendships don’t just ‘happen’. They have to be cultivated and nurtured intentionally. Each of us has various circles or levels of friendship. • Acquaintances – these are the dozens and maybe even 100s of people you know but … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 44 – Friendship
Have you ever had a conflict? Maybe a better question would be, “When was your last conflict?” As we do life with other people it is inevitable that conflicts and disagreements will occur. How successfully we resolve those conflicts will have a big impact on our lives. In most conflicts, there are wrongs on both sides. The … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 43 – Apology
Someone once said that “encouragement is like oxygen to the soul”. Each one of us thrives in an environment of affirmation and encouragement. In contrast, no one likes to be in an atmosphere where we are being torn down or ridiculed. Come on ... who likes to work for a boss who only speaks to … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 42 – Encouragement
One of the deepest needs in every human being is to be accepted – just as we are, warts and all. In fact, many people will do almost anything ... just to be accepted by others. If you want to enhance your own relationships, why not give others the gift of acceptance. Choose to value and respect … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 41 – Acceptance
Have you been angry lately? Anger is a common emotion. Every person has times when they experience feelings of annoyance, irritation, resentment, or anger. There are two common causes of anger. Firstly, there is frustration. Frustration occurs when our goal is blocked. Maybe the driver in front of you is going 10 kilometers under the speed limit … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 40 – Anger
Every room has an atmosphere – it includes factors such as the temperature of the room, the lighting, and the freshness of the air – or the lack of it. In the same way, every relationship and every group – whether it’s a team or a family – has an atmosphere. This atmosphere is a … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 39 – Atmosphere
Someone once said that trust is the glue of all relationships. Trust holds things together. In contrast, when there is no trust, relationships start to break down. Trust creates confidence and removes suspicion and fear. When trust is high in a relationship, you could even say the wrong thing and it will be okay. People … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 38 – Trust
Many years ago I was on a building site and I was cutting through a piece of wood with an electric saw. Unfortunately, I cut through the wood and then took a chunk out of my finger. There was blood gushing everywhere. It really hurt. I rushed off to the hospital and got some stitches. Thankfully, … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 37 – Forgiveness
Many years ago, when I was in my 20s, I was a youth worker at a church. At that time, we had a guest speaker from Africa. His name was Elijah Maswangungi. After his visit, I was given the task of driving him to the airport. On the way, he spent some time encouraging me. … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 36 – Confrontation
