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Hey Girl Hey! 

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 3 "Scary Conversations: Navigating Difficult Topics"

I know we have all had to have difficult conversations. From family meetings, to breakups, to resigning from a job -- most of us can think back to a time when we've anxiously prepared for or had a difficult conversation. Yet, the fact remains that it is imperative for us to hold space for these tough conversations, so today we are going to share five (5) tips for Navigating Difficult Topics.  

1. Bad news first. Tough messages should be clearly stated upfront. 
2. Set realistic goals. Things don't  always change with a single conversation, but it's a step in the right direction. 
3. Avoid the blame game: The goal isn't to judge who is at fault, but to help manage better outcomes in the future.
4. Summarize: Paraphrase for  clarity and to let people know you’re really listening,  summarize what you hear and understand.
5. Look ahead: Put the difficult conversation in perspective by thinking ahead to the future. The conversations that are hardest right now will seem less daunting.

Above all, it's important  that we make the time to process, and prepare, and then have the courage to begin the conversation.

The scripture from today's Word with Maaden was “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious or worried about how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour” Matthew 10:19-2 Which brought me to the thought there might be one more tip for navigating tough topics, which is that we should always pray first.  Before your next tough conversation, ask for God's Holy Spirit to guide your words, open your ears to hear, and soften the heart of the recipient to be receptive. 

This week's question of the episode was: What's an uncomfortable topic that you've recently raised -- or will need to broach with someone soon? And if it's upcoming, will you plan to go about it any differently?

As always, thank you for listening and we hope this conversation has helped you! If It has, leave us a 5 star rating & review. Thanks, yall!

Love, 
Maaden

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