Finding Love and Joy in Challenging Times

In this episode Mare and Tara have a Conscious Conversation that revolves around love, joy, and how to navigate through current socio-political challenges. They start by discussing the history of Valentine’s Day and their personal experiences and perceptions about the holiday. Mare shares a recollection of the holiday's origins related to war and defiance, while Tara connects it more with childhood memories of Cupid and school valentine exchanges.Mare emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing joy and love amidst chaos, using the metaphor of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Tara discusses her lack of enthusiasm for Valentine’s Day and the inauthenticity she sometimes perceives, but agrees it's a reminder to live in love daily.They delve into broader themes of fear and love, touching on how news and socio-political unrest trigger fear. Tara shares a personal story about a loved one affected by government decisions, highlighting the challenge of redirecting fear into positive, loving actions.Both women discuss how they cope with fear and frustration by focusing on love and gratitude, including interactions with loved ones, small joys like gardening, or making creative expressions of love like heart-shaped pancakes. They stress the importance of Conscious Conversations to recalibrate and maintain a balance between acknowledging harsh realities and fostering love and joy. They both reflect on how intentionality in love and joy can contribute to better personal and communal well-being. How much love can you stand?1.  What is a Conscious Conversation?: Learn more here:https://www.connectionproject360.com/2. Learn more about  Reclaiming Our Humanity with Author Peter JHughes: https://peterjhughes.com/books/3. Book: Permission to Feel by Dr. Marc Brackett