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I started my journey of blogging in 2003 — mostly to capture what I called “transitioning life’s journey”.
In 2023 I took a 3 year break from blogging, but have decided to return to it. I hope you enjoy.
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Ideas for Leaders in Times of Uncertainty and Stress
Leaders are under a lot of stress these days during the uncertainty of COVID-19. Stress in their own lives. Stress in trying to navigate how to manage and effectively lead those that are around them. Here are a few ideas that I think are helpful for leaders during times such as these (and ongoing). Link […]
Rhett Smith 125: Deeper Dive Into the Movement of Orientation, Disorientation, New Orientation
Yesterday I posted a short video on the movement from orientation to disorientation to new orientation. I first learned it by this name and paradigm by reading Walter Brueggemann’s work, The Message of the Psalms. The movement itself is as old as humanity, and it is a movement that we all go through in our […]
Moving from Orientation Through Disorientation to New Orientation
The hope is that we don’t go back to what was (pre-COVID-19), but that we move forward into something new. What that something new will look different for everyone. But in a season of disorientation, the hope is that one grows from the experience into something new — rather than return to former ways. What […]
“When We Leave Our Safe Spot” mini-book.
Moody Publishers has created a free mini-book to be shared on social channels. It’s material that has been repurposed from my book The Anxious Christian, and meant to bring help during a time of uncertainty with COVID-19.
Naming, Navigating and Reframing Anxiety and Depression During COVID-19
During a time of uncertainty, such as this — COVID-19 — people’s anxiety and depression can start to increase. In early March I noticed families anxious, but eager to adjust to the demands of COVID-19, but as time wears on, I have noticed an increase in anxiety and depression. Here are some suggestions to help […]
Experimenting with a Rhythm of Work, Play and Rest Each Day — COVID-19
With everyone at home most of the day during quarantine and shelter in place, it can be challenging to find a good daily rhythm. Trying to work, play and rest at the same time, or weave back and forth between them can often cause frustration. Therefore, it’s important to think about experimenting with a daily […]
Partner Communication During High Stress — COVID-19
During times of high stress, like we are facing right now with the COVID-19 quarantine, it is no surprise that conflict is high for many couples. In this video I talk about some specific things you can do to help you navigate the high stress and conflict.
An Exercise to Help Your Thoughts Become Beliefs Become Actions
A lot of people are experiencing things right now (i.e. rest, ceasing of activities, connection, etc.) in ways that they would like to continue on post-COVID-19. But unless these things are talked about, it’s unlikely one would continue them. Instead, it’s our thoughts (especially expressed) that become our beliefs and our beliefs become our actions. […]
Naming and Creating Space for Grief in the Midst of COVID-19 Loss
In the midst of COVID-19, we are all experiencing loss of some kind. And loss is loss. Loss may mean something as painful as the death of a loved one. Loss may also mean the loss of not being able to physically walk through a graduation. Loss may be the end of a sports season. […]
Developing Consistent Habits in Times of Uncertainty
In times of uncertainty, it is really critical to focus on key habits. It’s these habits that help us stay focused. They help us stay anchored to routine and structure, which are critical to help one navigate times of uncertainty. And right now, in the midst of COVID-19, we are facing some uncertain times. In […]
Leadership in the Age of Anxiety
It’s all quiet in my house. As it probably should. It’s 12:30am and the kids have been asleep for a few hours. Which is a challenge right now amidst COVID-19. Every day since the beginning of Spring Break has felt like a vacation to them, and it continues to feel that way, though they get […]
Breathing Practices as Essential to Navigating Anxiety
Breathing is underrated in my opinion. Because we just don’t think about it. It’s automatic, unconscious activity. But it’s also breathing that becomes a critical piece in helping us navigate anxiety. When we become anxious, our breathing often becomes shallow, which can trigger panic. In this video I talk about the importance of doing some […]
Therapy Practice Updates – COVID-19
COVID-19 is having a lot of us re-evaluate how we practice mental health. I am continuing to work with clients in person, following the recommendations of the CDC and my local county. As well as increasing the number of phone and video sessions that I am doing. Check out this video for updates to my […]
Rhett Smith 124: How to Navigate Mental Health in a Time of Uncertainty
It’s been a long time since I have done a podcast. About a year actually. I was on a break for awhile, just reading, researching, writing and focusing on other kinds of work. I had nothing new to add to the conversation so thought I would hit pause. But in light of COVID-19 and how […]
Rhett Smith 123: Jeff and Robin Reinke on Pornography, Marriage, and Recovery
In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with my good friends Jeff and Robin Reinke. Besides being colleagues of mine in a workshop we lead in equipping ministry leaders in a variety of issues impacting the church, we are also co-authors in Vital Tools for Relevant Church Leaders: Restoring Relationships and Building […]
Rhett Smith 122: Kelly Haer Discusses the Issue of Singleness, and How Restoration Therapy Can Help One Navigate It
In this episode I discuss the topic of singleness with my colleague Kelly Haer. Kelly is on staff at Pepperdine University in the Boone Center for the Family where she is the Relationship IQ Director. Kelly is a part of the teaching group that I am a part of that meets with and trains ministry […]
Rhett Smith 121: Robert Scholz on Addiction Through the Lens of Restoration Therapy
In this episode I get to sit down with a colleague of mine who I have been getting to know more over the last couple of years in our collaborative work together around Restoration Therapy and ministry leaders. Robert Scholz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, consultant and writer, who specializes in helping individuals […]
Rhett Smith 120: Conversation with Terry and Sharon Hargrave on the Beginnings and Future of Restoration Therapy and Relate Strong
In this episode I spend some time in conversation with Terry and Sharon Hargrave. Terry is the founder of Restoration Therapy and is the Evelyn and Frank Freed Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary and Sharon is the Executive Director of the Boone Center for the Family at Pepperdine University, as […]
Rhett Smith 119: Dust and Identity
“for dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) In this episode I reflect on the passage found in Genesis 3:19 that is repeated every Ash Wednesday. It’s a beautiful, but harrowing passage that reminds us of just how fragile and short our lives are. But this reminder, rather than being tragic, […]
Rhett Smith 118: Possibly the Two Most Important Questions We Can Ask Ourselves
And he said, “Hagar, slave-girl, of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” Genesis 16:8 Where have you come from? Where are you going? Perhaps these are two of the most important and fundamental questions we can ask ourselves. I appreciate that Jay Stringer brings to these questions in his phenomenal […]