When we speak of dedication, we speak of a willingness to be fully present with our partner, to embrace their essence with unconditional love and acceptance. It is a pledge to be open and vulnerable, to share our innermost thoughts, dreams, and fears. In this space of mutual trust and respect, true intimacy flourishes. A […]
Going Beyond Obligation Read More »
In any healthy relationship, a commitment to budgeting and sharing financial information transparently is essential. Financial transparency is a cornerstone of trust, reduced stress, and improved financial stability. Here are six ways to foster financial transparency in your relationship, along with the benefits it brings. Create a Joint Budget Sit down together and create a
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Self-defense classes have an array of positive benefits that include resilience and self-confidence. When my daughter was nine years old, I brought her into a safe house to teach a self-defense class with me. The women in the class did not believe the moves worked because their traffickers were bigger than them. My then nine-year-old daughter did all of the moves on me (I was double her size at the time), and the women understood that their size did not matter, but their training and confidence did. From that moment forward, I brought my daughter with me to all future classes.
Studies show that one in four women will become a victim in their lifetime, but when was the last time you thought about your own safety? Self-defense classes offer not only physical training, but also mental and emotional preparation, boosting confidence and resilience.
Mental and Emotional Preparation: Self-defense helps with your mental and emotional preparation by teaching you the hands-on moves by working with your brain-body connection to learn what to do in fight or flight. Statistically speaking, most women go into freeze mode when attacked. This is the most dangerous position to be in; however, studies show once you have taken a self-defense class, you will now go into fight or flight mode when being attacked. Why is fight or flight mode better? In an attack situation, the attacker will have you on the ground in less than 4 seconds. From what you know right now, are you going to be able to fight back or run away? In most cases, the answer is no. That is why taking a self-defense class is essential. By taking a self-defense class, you are preparing your mind for the worst-case scenario. Science shows that once your brain believes you have done something in the past, you are no longer afraid when that scenario comes up again. So, if you have practiced getting attacked with the right self-defense training, you won’t freeze and will react properly if the unfortunate situation occurs.
Confidence: When your confidence is higher, you are more aware of your surroundings, and being more aware of your surroundings will help with the need for self-defense.
Resilience: Many women I work with have been victimized in the past. Through self-defense training, these women are able to build their self-worth and their confidence. These women see that their past, while it changed them, does not define them, and they are able to move into the confidence and harmony they want in life. They no longer feel victimized and are able to help others through their growth.
Mood and Body: The workout not only helps with physical fitness, but also helps release endorphins, which help with enhancing your mood and happiness.
In the context of these empowering narratives, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of giving oneself grace throughout the self-defense journey. Acknowledging that learning and growth takes time allows individuals to approach their training with patience and self-compassion. Mistakes are inevitable, but they are valuable stepping-stones toward mastery. By integrating the concept of giving oneself grace, the self-defense journey becomes not just a path to physical preparedness but also a transformative experience, fostering resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection with one’s own capabilities.
The women I teach are able to build their confidence through mind-body connection with self-defense training. Take a self-defense class today and build confidence in your ability to respond in any situation.
Beauty That Must Be Preserved Read More »
True commitment is not defined by our actions but by the motivations driving them. At its core, commitment reveals who we are truly devoted to—ourselves or others, including God. Love is not about what we do; it’s about why we do it. Genuine love requires selflessness, often demanding sacrifices that prioritize what is truly best for someone else, even when it challenges our desires.
Jesus’ teachings remind us that self-serving actions, even those done in His name, fail to reflect true commitment. Love confronts selfishness, not for our benefit, but for the good of others. Real love and commitment go beyond unconditional support for someone’s wants; they are grounded in selflessness, a dedication to truth, and a willingness to act in others’ best interests. When we grasp this, it transforms how we understand love, making commitment not about seeking love, but about embodying it.
Love and Devotion: True Nature of Commitment Read More »
Why are people in this generation more commitment-averse?
1. Changed Social Expectations: The Sexual Revolution eliminated the societal expectation for couples engaged in romantic practices to marry.
2. Acceptance of Failure: Society now accepts failure and quitting without the generational stigma.
3. Influence of the Internet: The internet introduced new pressures and hindrances regarding marriage.
4. Perceived Options: Social media increased the perception of options, making decision-making harder. Research shows that more choices can lead to indecision.
5. Gender Roles in Commitment: Traditionally, men are seen as gatekeepers of commitment and marriage, while women are gatekeepers of sex.
In previous generations, romantic relationships naturally progressed to marriage. It was assumed that if a couple were together, the relationship would lead to marriage. If a pregnancy occurred, the man was encouraged to “make an honest woman out of her.” Manhood was defined by protecting and providing for a woman, making everything clear.
Life was simpler then. Dating was for marriage, courtship was involved, and the pill had not yet arrived to alter dynamics. Divorce was frowned upon, so couples knew that marriage meant a long-term commitment. They stayed together either because life was good or out of necessity. Women couldn’t have bank accounts in their names until 1974, limiting
their independence. In the golden age of marriage, an unhappy wife had few options for leaving, so she was more likely to work through grievances. Today, gender roles have changed significantly, causing confusion. Women avoid commitment when it constrains their aspirations. They may prioritize career success, building a brand, or achieving financial goals over traditional commitments.
Men, on the other hand, avoid commitment due to fear of being tied to the wrong woman and potential financial loss. However, when men find the right woman, they tend to commit quickly, understanding that commitment is necessary.
A simple prenuptial agreement can mitigate the fears of wealthy men approaching marriage. Interestingly, wealthy men overwhelmingly choose to marry, as marriage builds wealth more effectively than cohabitation.
Modern dating often lacks the assurance of commitment. Relationships now include terms like “situationships,” “Netflix & Chill,” “sneaky links,” and “friends with benefits,” all arising from the advent of casual sex. The healthiest relationships require commitment, and without it, chaos and heartbreak ensue. Despite this, many still seek the idea of “having someone special” without fully committing.
Commitment is essential for healthy relationships. The absence of a foundational promise to adhere to agreed-upon standards wreaks havoc and heartbreak. Still, many are allured by the idea of “having someone special” without fully committing. The foundation of strong, lasting relationships lies in the willingness to commit, to promise, and to build a future together. Without this, the journey becomes unstable, leading to dissatisfaction and confusion
Commitment Crisis: Why Modern Relationships Struggle to Last Read More »
Growing up, I’ve always been a bubbly, outgoing girl who loves having fun and trying new things. But something happened recently that made me take a hard look at my life and the decisions I’ve been making. My teacher pulled me aside one day and pointed out that I had a habit of starting things and never finishing them. I’d get super excited about a new project or hobby, but then I’d lose interest and move on to something else. She told me this lack of commitment was holding me back.
At first, I didn’t want to hear it. But then I realized something: I was doing exactly what I saw my parents doing. My parents are great, but they often struggle with commitment. They’d start diets and quit, or make big plans and never follow through. It was like a light bulb went off in my head. I was picking up the same habits that I didn’t like seeing in them!
That realization was a game-changer for me. I knew I had to change these habits immediately if I didn’t want to bring them into my future. I want to be someone my kids can look up to one day, and I don’t want them to struggle with commitment like I did.
Even if we don’t have the best examples at home, it’s crucial for us kids to understand the importance of commitment. We need to learn to stay dedicated to our goals and responsibilities. This will help us build trust and achieve our dreams. Commitment is the key to becoming reliable and successful in whatever we choose to do.
Fixing My Commitment Compass Read More »
Four years, Fam! Can you believe it? The StrongHome Network is turning four, and if I am being incredibly transparent, most times it just feels like a whirlwind of paperwork, tax filings, relationship building, deal negotiating, juggling job titles, grant writing, damage control, preventative measures, and countless hours of figuring out new things. Seriously, it’s
Commitment & Consistency Read More »
