Ep. #3 SMC Event: Courageous Conversations

Episode 3 SMC Event: Courageous Conversations

Join Dr. Tom Wagner at the September Sunday Morning Cafe event, a gathering where adults of all ages explore connection, reflection, and personal growth. In this episode, Dr. Tom and his daughter Annalise Wagner introduce the topic “Courageous Conversations.” Attendees share candid stories about family dynamics, the challenges of difficult relationships, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Through heartfelt reflections, guided meditation, and live music, participants experience moments of collective resonance, love, and healing, while discovering practical approaches for navigating life’s interpersonal complexities.

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity is essential: staying true to who you are allows you to continue showing love, even when others don’t reciprocate.
• Difficult relationships require both strategy and self-compassion—sometimes loving from a distance or surrounding others with positive intent is the healthiest approach.
• Emotional honesty, including anger or sadness, can be a tool for effective and courageous communication.
• Mindful practices such as meditation and breath awareness cultivate inner peace and connection with others.
• Music and shared experiences create a collective resonance that strengthens community bonds.
• Supporting and participating in meaningful communal events fosters a sense of belonging, healing, and purpose.

Reflection Questions

• Briefly write the story of a difficult conversation that turned out really well, maybe even better than you had anticipated that it would go. What were the elements of that conversation that led to such a great outcome?
• Briefly write the story of a hard conversation that did not go well. What did you learn from that experience? What would you do differently if you could do it over again?
• Is there a hard conversation that you need to have with someone? If you have been putting it off, why do you think you’ve been avoiding it? What kind of support would you need to have that conversation? 

Resources & Links

• Join us live for the SMC Event on 11/2, “Navigating Thanksgiving with Grace and Gratitude”: https://www.tomwagnerspeaker.com/events
• Interested in helping Sunday Morning Café grow—through financial support or other ways? We’d love to hear from you: [e-mail]. 
• Lynn O’Brien – featured musician: https://www.lynnobrien.love/

Stay Connected with Dr. Tom Wagner & the SMC Community

• Sign up for Dr. Tom’s newsletter: tomwagnerspeaker.com/contact
• Website: tomwagnerspeaker.com
• Blog: tomwagnerspeaker.com/blog
• Facebook: facebook.com/DrTomWagner
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-wagner