February 3, 2025 • 11 mins
In this exciting continuation of our exploration into unexpected joys and finding happiness where we least expect it, join The Unfiltered Faith Podcast as we dive deeper into the heartwarming stories shared by listeners just like you! In Part 2 of our series, we’ll uncover how happiness can manifest in the most surprising ways and the least expected places. From tiny moments that make us smile to profound experiences that change our perspectives, your stories will inspire and uplift. Tune in for some genuine conversations filled with reflection and perhaps a few surprises along the way! Let’s celebrate those delightful moments together—who knows what joy awaits just around the corner? I'd love to connect with you! Follow me on Instagram @the.unfiltered.faith.podcast!
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https://discord.com/channels/1367934041688375386/1367938917437018152
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back to another episode of Unfiltered Thoughts
(00:04):
with Austin. If you are just tuning in for the first time, I would encourage you to click off
of this episode and go and listen to the first episode titled The Art in Finding Happiness
and the Unlikely, Part 1. Please tune into this episode once you're finished with the previous one.
Today I am thrilled to continue our journey together and exploring those little and big
(00:26):
moments that bring light into our lives, especially during tough times. This is part 2 of a 2 part
episode where we dive deep into the personal anecdotes shared by you guys. Stories filled with
resilience and transformation and most importantly, joy. Let's start with a little reminder of the
psychological benefits of focusing on the positives in our lives. Research shows that when we actively
(00:52):
seek out the silver lining in our experiences, we can significantly boost our mental well-being.
It's a skill we can all develop. The active shifting our perspectives from what's wrong
to what's right, from what we've lost to what remains, is a practice that not only uplifts
us but also inspires those around us. Today, we're not just recounting stories of struggle,
(01:18):
we're celebrating the triumphs that arise from them. And speaking of triumphs, let's dive
into the first story, a powerful testament to resilience and hope. Life can throw us curveballs
that leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. But as we'll discover together, those very
challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities and even silver linings that we never saw coming.
(01:40):
I'd love to share a listener's story that beautifully illustrates this point. Lindsay
wrote to me about when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially, it felt like the end of
the world. Seer in uncertainty clouded her thoughts. She didn't know what would have happened if she
lost her mom. She trusted God that he would heal her. But over time, she started creating these
(02:08):
scenarios in her head about the situation that ultimately dug her into a deep depressable.
But as time went on, she decided that enough was enough. She said she leaned on the support of her
friends and family around her and asked them all to pray that God would heal her mom.
God eventually healed her mom and now she says she's cancer free. What God
(02:32):
Lindsay threw this tough experience was the fact that she had countless people to lean on.
She had daily devotionals and went on the occasional prayer walk.
She said she found gratitude in being comfortable about asking people for help and receiving help
as well as knowing that God was always going to be there for her. And all she had to do was spend
(02:54):
time with people that God brought into her life as well as God himself. She expressed how this
experience taught her the importance of leaning on family, friends, and God. An incredibly uplifting
reminder that sometimes when life gives us challenges, we can always lean on friends,
family, and God's humble support. Before we dive into some practical tips, let me ask you this.
(03:19):
Have you ever found joy in an unexpected place? It's ability. But think about it.
When we let go of the need to control every aspect of our lives, we open ourselves up to new experiences
that can lead to happiness. Here are some practical tips for embracing uncertainty with open arms.
(03:39):
First of all, we need to practice mindfulness. Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation
or deep breathing techniques. This can help ground you in the present moment and reduce anxiety about
the future. And secondly, has create a flexibility mindset. Instead of rigid plans, start to cultivate
(04:03):
a mindset that welcomes flexibility. Allowing yourself to pivot and adapt. This can lead to
creativity and innovation in your thinking. And then let's celebrate small wins. Focus on the
focus on the little victories in your day to day life. Whether it's finishing a book or discovering
(04:25):
a new favorite recipe, these moments matter. Let's cultivate gratitude. Keep a gratitude journal by
regularly writing down what you're thankful for. They'll start to shift your focus away from what
you'll start to shift your focus away from what's uncertain to what's abundant in your life.
(04:47):
And then lastly, connect with others. Share your feelings and experiences with friends or family.
You'll often find that you're not alone in your uncertainties. And there's comfort in community.
Speaking of community, gratitude plays a huge role in strengthening our bonds with others.
I want to highlight some incredible stories we've received about people coming together
(05:12):
during hardships. It's truly inspiring how adversity often brings out the best in humanity.
Another touching story comes from Colt. For Colt's entire life, he lived a very healthy and
athletic lifestyle. He said he was in the best shape of his life when he was about 24 years old.
Well, one day he said he was squatting at the gym and a disc in his back pinched the sciatic nerve.
(05:40):
He said that due to the injury, he endured daily pain. He could barely put his socks and shoes on.
Sometimes, sometime had passed and he thought he was healed from his injury. So he went to play
some basketball. And when he jumped up to make a basket, he said he felt something really bad.
And when he landed, he felt something even worse. He said the next morning he couldn't even walk.
(06:04):
The pain from his sciatic nerve went from his lower back to his hip to his hamstring and his calf.
And at some time, he said the pain would reach his foot. He said he was bed-rested for an entire
summer from hitting a super active lifestyle to being bed-rested. It was a shock. It was a horrible
(06:26):
experience for him. He said he couldn't even go to the bathroom and shower without pain.
After a while with physical therapy, he felt better physically. But emotionally, he said he was
crushed because that summer he had signed up to be a leader at a church summer camp.
(06:46):
He said he was still able to go. But he had to drive everywhere. He couldn't participate in much
or anything at all. He said that during worship, he couldn't even stand to praise God. And that was
devastating for him. He felt like he was letting God down at the moment. But the one thing that
(07:07):
got him through it was a good set of friends. He said that they were rallying this item.
One of them told Cole that he didn't have to stand up to worship God. You can worship God right where
you are and he will receive just as much. In that moment, Cole recounts just sitting down
and lifting his hands during a song. Similarly, our next story comes from Nicole. And similarly to Cole,
(07:32):
it highlights navigating pain and loss only this time. It's an emotional struggle rather than a
physical one. Back in 2018, she lost her grandmother to dementia in Alzheimer's. At first, she said
she didn't know how to feel because she was feeling so many emotions and they were conflicting with
each other. She said she and her grandma weren't particularly close. But at the same time,
(07:59):
she often felt like she lost someone that she could have had a whole life with.
Nicole had a lot of things in common with her grandma, like art and music. She says she even
felt lost on how to mourn her and felt even worse with the advice she was given. Didn't hear
things but often hear things like stay busy and try not to dwell in any sad feelings so you don't
(08:21):
fall into depression in waste time. Or she's no longer with us so she's no longer suffering.
So don't be sad anymore. And it's in the past now. She said she found herself torn up by the
thought of what it meant to have lost her grandma before really even getting to close to her.
She said she was grateful for her close friend and his words of comfort and advice.
(08:47):
The advice he gave her was that it's okay to sit with her feelings, allow herself to cry and see
God. She said that in her time of distress, she was thankful for his faith and found his
understanding of her pain and sadness to help her find peace with her grandma's passing.
(09:09):
She said she's grateful for him and uses that same advice today and shares it with others.
As we reflect on these stories, let's remember that tough times can lead to remarkable
transmissions. Not just for ourselves but for the communities we inhabit. It's during those difficult
seasons that we often discover the greatest steps of our strengths and the warmth of human connection.
(09:35):
To every one of you who is listening to this, your experiences are invaluable.
And by sharing them, we can inspire one another and build a tapestry of resilience that we can
all draw from. As we wrap up today's episode, let's take a moment to celebrate those delightful
moments of joy that come with them. That come when we least expect them. Whether it's a kind word
(10:01):
from a friend or a community of people rallying together beside each other and being there for
a friend in need of some support or whatever it might be. Let's remember that happiness often
lies just around the corner. Thank you for joining me on this journey today. I hope you feel inspired
to look for the silver linings in your life to embrace the joys that come from uncertainty.
(10:26):
Join me next week as I dive deep into the nuanced distinction between loneliness and solitude.
As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by social media, feelings of isolation can easily
creep in, often blurring lines between being alone and feeling lonely. Join me as we explore the
psychological benefits of embracing solitude, share practical tips for carving out intentional
(10:49):
quiet time and discover how to transform new feelings of loneliness into opportunities for
meaningful connections. Whether you're seeking peace and stillness or looking to cultivate
deeper relationships with others, this episode will equip you with the tools to foster a healthier
mindset around your personal space and social interactions. Tune in for another
(11:13):
unfiltered conversation that encourages reflection and growth. Until next time, stay authentic and
keep seeking fresh perspectives.
Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back to another episode of Unfiltered Thoughts
(00:04):
with Austin. If you are just tuning in for the first time, I would encourage you to click off
of this episode and go and listen to the first episode titled The Art in Finding Happiness
and the Unlikely, Part 1. Please tune into this episode once you're finished with the previous one.
Today I am thrilled to continue our journey together and exploring those little and big
(00:26):
moments that bring light into our lives, especially during tough times. This is part 2 of a 2 part
episode where we dive deep into the personal anecdotes shared by you guys. Stories filled with
resilience and transformation and most importantly, joy. Let's start with a little reminder of the
psychological benefits of focusing on the positives in our lives. Research shows that when we actively
(00:52):
seek out the silver lining in our experiences, we can significantly boost our mental well-being.
It's a skill we can all develop. The active shifting our perspectives from what's wrong
to what's right, from what we've lost to what remains, is a practice that not only uplifts
us but also inspires those around us. Today, we're not just recounting stories of struggle,
(01:18):
we're celebrating the triumphs that arise from them. And speaking of triumphs, let's dive
into the first story, a powerful testament to resilience and hope. Life can throw us curveballs
that leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. But as we'll discover together, those very
challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities and even silver linings that we never saw coming.
(01:40):
I'd love to share a listener's story that beautifully illustrates this point. Lindsay
wrote to me about when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially, it felt like the end of
the world. Seer in uncertainty clouded her thoughts. She didn't know what would have happened if she
lost her mom. She trusted God that he would heal her. But over time, she started creating these
(02:08):
scenarios in her head about the situation that ultimately dug her into a deep depressable.
But as time went on, she decided that enough was enough. She said she leaned on the support of her
friends and family around her and asked them all to pray that God would heal her mom.
God eventually healed her mom and now she says she's cancer free. What God
(02:32):
Lindsay threw this tough experience was the fact that she had countless people to lean on.
She had daily devotionals and went on the occasional prayer walk.
She said she found gratitude in being comfortable about asking people for help and receiving help
as well as knowing that God was always going to be there for her. And all she had to do was spend
(02:54):
time with people that God brought into her life as well as God himself. She expressed how this
experience taught her the importance of leaning on family, friends, and God. An incredibly uplifting
reminder that sometimes when life gives us challenges, we can always lean on friends,
family, and God's humble support. Before we dive into some practical tips, let me ask you this.
(03:19):
Have you ever found joy in an unexpected place? It's ability. But think about it.
When we let go of the need to control every aspect of our lives, we open ourselves up to new experiences
that can lead to happiness. Here are some practical tips for embracing uncertainty with open arms.
(03:39):
First of all, we need to practice mindfulness. Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation
or deep breathing techniques. This can help ground you in the present moment and reduce anxiety about
the future. And secondly, has create a flexibility mindset. Instead of rigid plans, start to cultivate
(04:03):
a mindset that welcomes flexibility. Allowing yourself to pivot and adapt. This can lead to
creativity and innovation in your thinking. And then let's celebrate small wins. Focus on the
focus on the little victories in your day to day life. Whether it's finishing a book or discovering
(04:25):
a new favorite recipe, these moments matter. Let's cultivate gratitude. Keep a gratitude journal by
regularly writing down what you're thankful for. They'll start to shift your focus away from what
you'll start to shift your focus away from what's uncertain to what's abundant in your life.
(04:47):
And then lastly, connect with others. Share your feelings and experiences with friends or family.
You'll often find that you're not alone in your uncertainties. And there's comfort in community.
Speaking of community, gratitude plays a huge role in strengthening our bonds with others.
I want to highlight some incredible stories we've received about people coming together
(05:12):
during hardships. It's truly inspiring how adversity often brings out the best in humanity.
Another touching story comes from Colt. For Colt's entire life, he lived a very healthy and
athletic lifestyle. He said he was in the best shape of his life when he was about 24 years old.
Well, one day he said he was squatting at the gym and a disc in his back pinched the sciatic nerve.
(05:40):
He said that due to the injury, he endured daily pain. He could barely put his socks and shoes on.
Sometimes, sometime had passed and he thought he was healed from his injury. So he went to play
some basketball. And when he jumped up to make a basket, he said he felt something really bad.
And when he landed, he felt something even worse. He said the next morning he couldn't even walk.
(06:04):
The pain from his sciatic nerve went from his lower back to his hip to his hamstring and his calf.
And at some time, he said the pain would reach his foot. He said he was bed-rested for an entire
summer from hitting a super active lifestyle to being bed-rested. It was a shock. It was a horrible
(06:26):
experience for him. He said he couldn't even go to the bathroom and shower without pain.
After a while with physical therapy, he felt better physically. But emotionally, he said he was
crushed because that summer he had signed up to be a leader at a church summer camp.
(06:46):
He said he was still able to go. But he had to drive everywhere. He couldn't participate in much
or anything at all. He said that during worship, he couldn't even stand to praise God. And that was
devastating for him. He felt like he was letting God down at the moment. But the one thing that
(07:07):
got him through it was a good set of friends. He said that they were rallying this item.
One of them told Cole that he didn't have to stand up to worship God. You can worship God right where
you are and he will receive just as much. In that moment, Cole recounts just sitting down
and lifting his hands during a song. Similarly, our next story comes from Nicole. And similarly to Cole,
(07:32):
it highlights navigating pain and loss only this time. It's an emotional struggle rather than a
physical one. Back in 2018, she lost her grandmother to dementia in Alzheimer's. At first, she said
she didn't know how to feel because she was feeling so many emotions and they were conflicting with
each other. She said she and her grandma weren't particularly close. But at the same time,
(07:59):
she often felt like she lost someone that she could have had a whole life with.
Nicole had a lot of things in common with her grandma, like art and music. She says she even
felt lost on how to mourn her and felt even worse with the advice she was given. Didn't hear
things but often hear things like stay busy and try not to dwell in any sad feelings so you don't
(08:21):
fall into depression in waste time. Or she's no longer with us so she's no longer suffering.
So don't be sad anymore. And it's in the past now. She said she found herself torn up by the
thought of what it meant to have lost her grandma before really even getting to close to her.
She said she was grateful for her close friend and his words of comfort and advice.
(08:47):
The advice he gave her was that it's okay to sit with her feelings, allow herself to cry and see
God. She said that in her time of distress, she was thankful for his faith and found his
understanding of her pain and sadness to help her find peace with her grandma's passing.
(09:09):
She said she's grateful for him and uses that same advice today and shares it with others.
As we reflect on these stories, let's remember that tough times can lead to remarkable
transmissions. Not just for ourselves but for the communities we inhabit. It's during those difficult
seasons that we often discover the greatest steps of our strengths and the warmth of human connection.
(09:35):
To every one of you who is listening to this, your experiences are invaluable.
And by sharing them, we can inspire one another and build a tapestry of resilience that we can
all draw from. As we wrap up today's episode, let's take a moment to celebrate those delightful
moments of joy that come with them. That come when we least expect them. Whether it's a kind word
(10:01):
from a friend or a community of people rallying together beside each other and being there for
a friend in need of some support or whatever it might be. Let's remember that happiness often
lies just around the corner. Thank you for joining me on this journey today. I hope you feel inspired
to look for the silver linings in your life to embrace the joys that come from uncertainty.
(10:26):
Join me next week as I dive deep into the nuanced distinction between loneliness and solitude.
As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by social media, feelings of isolation can easily
creep in, often blurring lines between being alone and feeling lonely. Join me as we explore the
psychological benefits of embracing solitude, share practical tips for carving out intentional
(10:49):
quiet time and discover how to transform new feelings of loneliness into opportunities for
meaningful connections. Whether you're seeking peace and stillness or looking to cultivate
deeper relationships with others, this episode will equip you with the tools to foster a healthier
mindset around your personal space and social interactions. Tune in for another
(11:13):
unfiltered conversation that encourages reflection and growth. Until next time, stay authentic and
keep seeking fresh perspectives.
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