#14 Alexandra Kuykendall [Loving My Actual Neighbor]

A trusted voice for Christian women, Alexandra Kuykendall speaks on issues of how faith impacts everyday life. She is the Co-founder of The Open Door Sisterhood, a community of women working to be world changers for good right where they are. She co-hosts a podcast and retreat under the same name. Alex has authored four books: Loving My Actual Life, Loving My Actual Christmas, The Artist's Daughter: A Memoir, and Loving My Actual Neighbor releasing April 2nd. Alex lives in the shadows of downtown Denver with her husband Derek and their 4 daughters who range in age from 16 to 7. Alex and I start off the show talking about how our paths crossed when I interned for the Open Door Sisterhood as their Social Media Sister.  Then we move into parenting.  She's a little farther along in her parenting than I am and we are both girl moms, so I love hearing what she has to say on this topic.  Alex talks about the expectations we have for our kids and how we respond to them.  She also shares what it means to talk to our kids in their "currency."  We go on to talk about Alex's books, why she wrote them and how she believes small changes that are realistic to implement and ones that can be sustained over time are best way to love the life you have. Then we dive in to what it means to love your neighbor, how to go about actually doing it and why it's so important.  Alex walks us through the seven practices her new book, Loving My Actual Neighbor, is based on. We talk about what it's like as an introvert to jump into spaces that are uncomfortable and she gives great ideas for practical things we can do to love the people around us better.   Mentioned in this Episode The Open Door Sisterhood MOPS International Alex's New Book – Loving My Actual Neighbor The Seven Practices to Treasure the People Right in Front of You Holding a Posture of Humility Asking Questions to Learn Being Quiet to Listen Standing in the Awkward Accepting What Is Lightening Up Giving Freely The Open Door Sisterhood Podcast - Things We Love Episode Alex's Favorite 5 Take Back Your Time - book on Time Management Essie Top Coat RevWell TV – Revelation Wellness Dollar Tree Greeting Cards Universal Thread Brand at Target Connect with Alex Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website Connect with Girls Talking Life Show Notes for this Episode | Instagram | Facebook