How to stay connected and not blame in the midst of hard times

This is an episode of the Alive & Free podcast that we just absolutely loved, although we might have had just a bit of a vulnerability-hangover afterwards.   We all have seasons or circumstances in our lives that drain our capacity for anything else.   But how can we still own our pain, not blame our loved ones, and fight for deep connection? In this episode, We take you through the trials and triumphs of raising our son, Wilder, and the toll it takes on sleep, sanity, and our relationship. Parenting is far from perfect, and we're here to share our journey through the sleep-deprived nights and the joyous moments that make it all worth it. More importantly, we open up about how we've managed to stay connected, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Listen in as we tackle the intimate aspects of postpartum life, including the changes in our sexual dynamics after Wilder's arrival. We get candid about the challenges of maintaining intimacy, Spencer's past struggles with lust, and how we've navigated our desires and needs in the midst of newfound parenthood. It's a conversation that sheds light on the emotional complexities of a relationship in transition, and how we've found fulfillment and connection beyond just the physical. This is an episode for both men and women.  If you don't get actionable steps and help from this episode, at the very least, you will feel understood at deep levels of your painful and difficult seasons. For info on our inner healing course for men and women, you can find more details at https://www.yourheartfree.com/comealivecourse/ For info on our life coaching and business school, go to https://www.thecoachlaunch.com/go --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:01) - Navigating Parenthood (0:12:34) - Navigating Postpartum Intimacy Challenges (0:24:44) - Navigating Pain, Compassion, and Selflessness (0:36:10) - Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Motherhood (0:48:11) - Navigating Hard Times Together --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS --------- (0:00:01) - Navigating Parenthood Our honest reflection on marriage, parenthood, and raising a high-needs baby, including struggles and triumphs, personal growth, and spiritual walk. (0:12:34) - Navigating Postpartum Intimacy Challenges Postpartum challenges, managing sexual needs, and enduring pain and growth in different seasons of our relationship. (0:24:44) - Navigating Pain, Compassion, and Selflessness Validating personal pain in relationships, self-compassion, and spirituality's role in healing and connection. (0:36:10) - Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Motherhood Balancing family, work, and marriage while relying on non-family child care can impact attachment, boundaries, and intimacy. (0:48:11) - Navigating Hard Times Together Compassionate commiseration, self-care through spirituality, and embracing vulnerability for healing during tough times.