Tera and Wes talk about the challenges of staying emotionally connected during the busy and often chaotic holiday season. They openly share moments of guilt, shame, and loneliness, showing how quickly small interactions can turn into emotional disconnect if left unaddressed. They discuss using the Core Emotion Wheel to break cycles of resentment and miscommunication. It’s not about avoiding conflict but recognizing the moments when connection is slipping and choosing to lean in—whether it’s over wrapping gifts, missed cues, or moments of unspoken bitterness. This conversation isn’t about holiday perfection; it’s about showing up for each other, even in the mess.

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel

To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online

Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – When Christmas Hustle Meets Emotional Chaos
• 00:00:51 – Why Wes is Here (And Why Tera Thinks People Don’t Like Her)
• 00:02:35 – The Tool That Saves Conversations Before They Explode
• 00:09:32 – Holiday Stress: Silent Resentment’s Best Friend
• 00:15:25 – The Moment Connection Feels Like an Uphill Climb
• 00:16:45 – Guilt and Anger Aren’t Just Gift-Wrapped Feelings
• 00:17:42 – The Core Emotion Wheel in Real Time
• 00:18:09 – When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words
• 00:19:35 – The Fastest Way to Stop Emotional Drift
• 00:20:40 – Sexual Loneliness: The Emotion No One Talks About
• 00:25:33 – Small Moments, Big Repairs: Finding Compassion Again
• 00:26:37 – Staying Connected When the Calendar Feels Impossible
• 00:30:02 – Joy, Gratitude, and a Holiday Sign-Off

Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill, alongside Tera Wages, reflect on years of caregiving, immense responsibility, and the hidden toll of staying too long in life’s boiling pot. As she shares moments of unexpected joy, pain, and tough decisions, Phyllis talks about how recognizing and addressing pain can lead to profound change. Tera joins the conversation, helping frame the journey of shifting from “I can’t” to “I can,” challenging all of us to confront our own boiling water and embrace the courage to pursue a life that truly serves us.

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel

To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online

Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Shattering the “I Can’t” Mindset
• 00:01:05 – Cracking the Code to Connection
• 00:01:36 – Pain as a Silent Companion
• 00:03:34 – A Life-Changing Family Call
• 00:04:43 – The Whisper of Help
• 00:08:18 – When the Pool Collapsed
• 00:12:30 – A Breath of New Perspective
• 00:15:49 – The Joyful Weight of Change
• 00:20:12 – Confronting the Fear of Letting Go
• 00:24:56 – Untangling Emotions for a Fresh Start
• 00:30:16 – A Call to Courage

Tera, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis dive right into the deep emotional impact of hurt and how it shapes our decisions, often leading us to throw out meaningful connections. They discuss the origins of the phrase “throwing the baby out with the bathwater” and share examples where unresolved pain led to disconnection—from friendships to church experiences and even political divides. The Connection Codes team discusses the importance of staying curious, processing emotions like hurt and fear, and choosing connection over isolation. This is a very powerful conversation about making your way through personal and communal hard situations while holding onto what truly matters.

Links and Resources:

To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel

To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online

Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - The Weight of Hurt Unpacked
• 00:00:52 - Meet the Voices Behind Connection
• 00:01:23 - Baby, Bathwater, and a Bigger Problem
• 00:05:51 - Stories That Still Sting
• 00:11:55 - Science Meets Hurt: The Brain’s Alarm
• 00:13:14 - Love in the Time of Pain
• 00:17:35 - Faith, Hurt, and a Bigger Picture
• 00:22:28 - When Churches Stop Listening
• 00:24:45 - Conversations That Change Everything
• 00:26:33 - Moving Through Pain, Step by Step
• 00:29:02 - How Pain Creates Growth
• 00:32:39 - Politics, Curiosity, and Connection
• 00:35:52 - Healing Starts with Acknowledgment
• 00:43:11 - A Final Look at Connection