Last time Erin Kerry and I talked about sparking wholeness the downloads went crazy. Over a million downloads within a couple of weeks. Yep, Erin’s changing lives by simply sharing her story and what she’s learned.
Maybe you caught Erin’s fabulous healthy perspective in those two podcasts. (Find them here.) If so, you’ll love this interview, too.
(If you are dreaming of writing a book, keep reading to the end of today’s blog where I shared some great contacts for you.)
Changing Lives
This time, Erin asked me for my unvarnished thoughts about tough conversations. Changing lives? Check. With conversational adventures.
How do we spark wholeness in our families with great conversations? Can we reduce stress by talking gently on the toughest topic?
For instance, she asked me, “You’re trained in communication, but you felt like your marriage/life was falling apart because you lacked communication skills. How can that be?” Speaking of changing lives, my marriage was transformed by conversational adventures. (Find our whole book of Marriage Conversations.)
Clearly, my most authentic self showed up for our interview and answered with reality from my own marriage and life. I loved the perceptive way Erin drew out the deep stuff. See what you think.
Conversational Adventures
What is a conversation adventure and why do you name it that?
A conversational adventure is when we take a bit of a measured risk, plan ahead, pray, and then open up a tough conversation, hoping for better companionship. It’s like hiking up a mountain with a view toward better conversations. (Order your copy of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations.)
Conversation is the cornerstone of all healthy companionship. Even prayer is simply conversation with God. Yep, having healthy conversations is essential to human life. (Find more podcasts of my interviews with experts here.)
Great Questions to Ponder
Here is a sampling of the great questions Erin asked me. Questions like these: How can we learn to communicate better when we are emotional? When is it time to withdraw?
In particular, I really liked the way Erin framed our interview. Who hasn’t felt defeated when communication fails? These are things we all can ponder.
- We’re living in a culture in need of better conversations. Christians particularly have good information we ought to share, if only we could learn to communicate more effectively. What’s your favorite thing you’ve learned about conversation?
- What about times of stress in our life – grief, hormones, transition, etc. What have you learned about communicating during those times?
- If you could give one piece of advice to spark someone toward wholeness what would it be?
Obviously, I don’t have all the answers. You alone can measure what might fit your special circumstances. But together we can learn to talk about the tough stuff.
Certainly, there are skills we can adopt to make conversational adventures a reality, changing lives along the way. (Sign up to get new interviews and podcasts FREE info as soon as I post.)
I’m really grateful Erin challenged me to explore these tough topics with her. She’s amazing!
More from My Friend Erin
After our latest conversation, I got a sweet invitation from Erin to share with YOU.
“I created an ebook of scriptural meditations/devotionals called ‘Seven Days to a Sound Mind,‘” writes Erin, “and I should give you the link to add to the blog post in case someone wants access!” (Here’s the link: https://mailchi.mp/2ae95e4952b9/7-days-to-a-sound-mind-meditation-ebook)
Sparking Wholeness
I’m not surprised people respond to Erin’s authentic, down-to-earth approach to mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
If you missed Erin talking about Sparking Wholeness on Fireside Talk Radio, it’s not too late. Since downloads have been crazy, we know word is out about Erin’s insight! Be sure and share them with your friends. (Mental Illness and Sparking Wholeness: Erin Kerry’s Story and Balance: the Brain-Gut Connection and the Secret of Mental Health.)
And don’t forget, I’d love to show up for your civic club, church, or book club to spark some fun, adventurous, companionship-producing conversations among your friends.
🙂
cathy
We LOVE to hear from YOU!
Thank you for listening in to my interview with Erin! Don’t for get to check out her website. We love including you. Please send us your thoughts.
What’s the hardest conversational adventure you ever had? When has a gentle conversations changed lives? Which stuff is going unsaid at your house?
May we pray together?
Dear good Father, You created us for companionship and communication. We praise You! Yet, in our homes, our churches, our communities, it seems we struggle to find the right words. Help us put aside condemnation and focus on the healthiest, most wholehearted ways we can come together. Thank You for all those we love. Help us live lives that teach our kids how to be whole. Help us show up with authenticity in all our relationships. Bless us all now because that’s Your heart’s desire. In Jesus’s name. Amen
P.S. Our Next Adventures
Next up, I’e been looking forward to sharing the amazing Nancy Kay Grace with you. Hold on to your hats! Nancy joins me to talk about how our families can spread grace and joy in any circumstance. Wow! She speaks from experience. You will LOVE this dear friend’s heart.
Then, Re/Engage Director Susan Cox shares her story with authenticity that will touch your heart. Are we blessed or what? I feel like I scored a celebrity guest for you in Susan.
Speaking of impacting marriages all across this country, Susan and a mutual anonymous friend (ahem, thank you CGPA) connected me with Scott Kedersha of Waco’s Harris Creek Church. Just in time for Father’s Day, Scott shares stuff to prompt all mommies to rejoice.
Our Friends At Valerosa
Valerosa Designs and Gallery has signed copies of my books. Amazing, right? Special shout out to my dear friend Neita Fran Ward for all the ways she supports local artists and authors. (Find out how one small. but mighty woman unleashes creativity throughout our community.)
Don’t Forget– You can invite me to join your Sunday school class, book club, or conference in person or through a special zoom link. (Contact me to join you.)
Order online: The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations. or The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations.
Yessiree, it’s official! We made Texans out of our friends in coldest tip of the United States, North Dakota! Come Back soon, y’all!
If you want literature to feed your children’s imagination, check out Bethlehem Books. Or find some– but certainly not all– of Jack Sharpe’s wisdom here.
For Those Who Dream of Writing a Book
Because so many of my friends have asked, I wanted to mention two companies that come alongside authors to make dreams come true. Credo House Publishers is a sister company to the agency that represents me, Credo Communications. (Shout out to the amazing Karen Neumair! ❤️)
Also, check out Redemption Press. (Shout out to Athena Holtz, who published B.J. Garrett’s wonderful book, Unwanted No More.)
Additionally, for those who don’t want to self-publish, maybe like me, you want all the help you can get. If so, I highly recommend both my publishers, Elk Lake Publishers and CrossRiver Media. They are awesome!
Finally, If you need help with social media, Sandra Beck excels at ANYthing she does. (Who but Sandra thinks to put the word fun in her hyperlink! http://beckfun.com/sandrabeck/) And if you’re considering a podcast, Toginet makes it easy on the host, so you can focus on your guests.
We’d LOVE to have YOU on the TEAM!
When you join our BOOK LAUNCH TEAM, you’ll receive discounts on books, group discounts, special offers, and options to have signed copies for your friends. You’ll be up-to-the-minute on insider news. Plus, you’ll help us push positive messages out there into a universe in desperate need of good stuff. THANK YOU!!!
Cathy Krafve, Speaker, Blogger, Podcaster, and author of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations and Marriage Conversation: From Coexisting to Cherished. We invite you to join the Fireside Tribe. Truth with a Texas Twang.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks