In this episode, I dive deep into the world of emotional pursuers—something I know all too well from personal experience. I'll share my story of how years of tiny rejections and a relentless drive for validation shaped my adult relationships, leading to constant anxiety and a desperate need for connection. We'll explore how these anxiously attached styles develop and the exhausting cycle they create. But don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom! I'll tell you how I began to heal by leaning into my faith and re-identifying myself through God's eyes, rather than seeking my husband's validation. This episode is all about finding strength in your identity and embracing grace in your relationships. I hope my journey can offer you some guidance and hope if you're facing similar challenges. So, if you're an emotional pursuer longing for connection but often finding yourself in a cycle of blame and resentment, you're in the right place. Let's work on becoming the grace-fueled wives we aspire to be, together.

00:00 Introduction: The Weight of Tiny Rejections

01:03 Understanding Emotional Pursuers

01:48 A Personal Story of Perfectionism

04:00 The Impact of Inconsistent Caregivers

04:40 The Exhausting Cycle of Pursuers

08:12 Finding Strength in Faith

09:42 A Path to Healing and Connection

10:22 Conclusion and Support

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Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community!

Work with me:

• Schedule a 45 min 1:1 coaching call: https://thegracefueledwife.com/coaching

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• Join my community on Facebook - The Grace Fueled Wives Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/GraceFueledWifeCommunity
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In this episode I continue the discussion from last week about negative communication cycles, focusing specifically on emotional withdrawers. I'll share a personal story and explore why some people withdraw emotionally in relationships. We delve into how childhood experiences and societal expectations shape this behavior. I highlight the struggles that withdrawers face, such as feeling unsafe expressing emotions and the pressure of perceived failure. By understanding their experiences, we aim to foster empathy, and improve communication. Join me to learn more about how to offer grace and nurture a healthier relationship.

03:06 Understanding Withdrawers

04:07 The Impact of Upbringing on Withdrawers

05:07 Withdrawers in Professional Life

06:51 The Emotional Struggles of Withdrawers

10:40 Empathy for Withdrawers

Wait!!! Before you go!

Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community!

Work with me:

• Schedule a 45 min 1:1 coaching call: https://thegracefueledwife.com/coaching

Not ready to work with me yet? These are some ways to learn about me for free.

• Join my community on Facebook - The Grace Fueled Wives Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/GraceFueledWifeCommunity
• Become an Insider and get updates on all the podcast news: https://thegracefueledwife.com/insider

In this episode, we dive into the root causes of disconnection in marriages focusing on unmet emotional needs and negative communication cycles. I share a personal story showcasing how recognizing these cycles and responding differently can transform interactions. Using a practical exercise, I explain the mechanics of negative communication and how it perpetuates disconnection. Tune in to understand how you can stop these cycles and start feeling connected again. Don't forget to check out the free video training and our community resources - If you’re already on my insider list, I’ve included it with this week’s email.

00:23 Understanding Communication Issues in Relationships

01:19 Personal Story: Handling a Partner's Mood

04:09 The Negative Communication Cycle Explained

04:38 Visualizing the Communication Cycle

13:14 Impact of Negative Cycles on Emotional Needs

14:29 Conclusion and Resources

Wait!!! Before you go!

Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community!

Work with me:

• Schedule a 45 min 1:1 coaching call: https://thegracefueledwife.com/coaching

Not ready to work with me yet? These are some ways to learn about me for free.

• Join my community on Facebook - The Grace Fueled Wives Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/GraceFueledWifeCommunity
• Become an Insider and get updates on all the podcast news: https://thegracefueledwife.com/insider
• Download the visual aid from this episode (If you’re already on my insider list it will be included with this week’s email): https://thegracefueledwife.com/cycle

In this episode, I give you some tips on how you can put defensiveness aside and respond with grace when a situation gets challenging! We explore the emotions behind defensiveness and how to navigate them effectively by learning the three key steps to deescalate an argument. I also share how validating feelings and communicating from a place of understanding can make a huge difference in your relationships.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

01:13 A Personal Story of Defensiveness

02:28 Reflecting on Emotional Reactions

05:52 Practical Steps to Deescalate Arguments

09:15 Final Thoughts and Announcements

Wait!!! Before you go!

Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community!

Work with me:

• Schedule a 45 min 1:1 coaching call: thegracefueledwife.com/coaching

Not ready to work with me yet? These are some ways to learn about me for free.

• Join my community on Facebook - The Grace Fueled Wives Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/GraceFueledWifeCommunity
• Become an Insider and get updates on all the podcast news. Thegracefueledwife.com/insider

In this episode, I share insights gained from my recent experiences in therapy training, highlighting the importance of emotional safety in relationships. I discuss how a clinician's listening approach influenced my willingness to share and how this relates to fostering emotional intimacy in marriage.

I further explore how being a safe spouse means being present and non-judgmental, which requires self-awareness and understanding of what safety feels like. Join me as I reflect on my personal journey and offer practical advice on how to model this crucial aspect of a healthy marriage.

02:32 Personal Reflections and Training Insights

03:34 Understanding Emotional Safety

06:29 Applying Emotional Safety in Marriage

07:59 Restoration and Final Thoughts

Wait!!! Before you go!

Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community!

Not ready to work with me yet? These are some ways to learn about me for free.

• Join my community on Facebook - The Grace Fueled Wives Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/GraceFueledWifeCommunity
• Become an Insider and get updates on all the podcast news. Gracefueledwifesteps.gr8.com

In this episode, I address my hiatus from the podcast and the reasons behind it. I discuss my evolving perspective on marriage therapy, shaped by both personal experiences and professional training. Join me as I share insights from my journey, touching on the importance of working on personal issues before tackling couples therapy. This year, my goal is to provide you with tools for achieving security and intimacy in your relationships. Follow along every week as we embark on this journey together. Until next week, my friends!

Wait!!! Before you go!

Here are some other ways you can become a part of my community!

• Become an Insider and get updates on all the podcast news. Gracefueledwifesteps.gr8.com
• Join my community on Facebook - The Grace Fueled Wives Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/GraceFueledWifeCommunity

Understanding Grace, Boundaries, and Wisdom in Marriage

In this episode, we revisit episode number two, where I discuss how we can't change our husbands, only ourselves, and the importance of offering grace. Taking it a step further, I address common concerns about feeling like a doormat and emphasize the difference between silence and wisdom. Silence is fear-driven while wisdom involves choosing the right moment to express oneself. We delve into practical steps such as using effective communication, setting boundaries, and regulating emotions to foster a healthy marital environment. Through empowering ourselves, we build stronger, more loving relationships. Join me in our community for more discussions!

02:29 Reflecting on Episode Two

03:08 Understanding Grace in Marriage

04:19 The Difference Between Silence and Wisdom

05:25 Biblical Insights on Fear and Wisdom

08:00 Practical Steps to Change and Communication

11:13 The Power of Boundaries

11:46 Emotional Regulation and Final Thoughts

12:46 Building Community and Closing Remarks

Wait!!! Before you go!

Here are some ways you can become a part of my community!

• Join my community on Facebook - The Grace Fueled Wives Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/GraceFueledWifeCommunity
• Become an Insider and get updates on all the podcast news. Gracefueledwifesteps.gr8.com

Harnessing the Power of Breathwork to Regulate Emotions and Trauma

This week's episode features an enlightening conversation with Samantha Skelly, founder and CEO of Paws Breathwork. Samantha shares her journey from battling anxiety and an eating disorder to discovering the transformative potential of breathwork. She explains how breathwork can help regulate emotions, reduce trauma responses, and create space between triggers and reactions, which can be particularly beneficial in relationships. We explore the science behind breathwork, its spiritual connections, and its practical applications. Samantha also guides us through a brief breathwork exercise, demonstrating its immediate impact. For those interested in further exploring breathwork, Samantha offers resources through her Breathwork app and facilitator training. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve emotional regulation and overall mental well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Control

02:03 Meet Samantha Skelly: Breathwork Expert

03:52 Samantha's Journey to Breathwork

07:16 The Science and Impact of Breathwork

11:05 Breathwork in Relationships

24:21 Practical Breathwork Exercise

34:16 Final Thoughts and Resources

Learn more about our guest here!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthaskelly/

Wait!!! Before you go!

Here are some ways you can work with me or become a part of my community!

• Join my community on Facebook - The Grace Fueled Wives Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/GraceFueledWifeCommunity
• Become an Insider and get updates on all the podcast news. Gracefueledwifesteps.gr8.com