If sharing your feelings in a friendship - or any close relationship - is hard, you're not alone. In this episode, I share what I learned after a difficult conversation led to a friendship explosion. But it was where I go to find peace that I hope will encourage you when life and love don't go as planned.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• what I did wrong in sharing my feelings with a friend
• what "tip" I learned about starting hard conversations from author Danielle Bayard Jackson in her book "It's Not You" about why adult friendship is so hard.
• the source of healing that is life-giving and always accessible

The Brilliant Pause is for busy humans, reminding you to slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to what matters so you can love your life. Every season hones in on something new. In season 4, we're exploring how to be more ATTENTIVE - especially to our spiritual lives and the whispers of God.

If you've ever wondered if your faith or "God" is relevant, this season is a must-listen. After taking a "pause" from this pod, I feel compelled to share what God's teaching me as I run into His loving presence with all my failures, flaws and fears. Life is hard. So it's what I sense God say that I'll share here - 'cuz it leads me to peace.

About your host: Jessie Elenbaas, is a writer, speaker, yoga teacher and marketing professional at Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. After leaving her career in 2018, Jessie experienced an identity crisis that led to a transformative faith journey - discovering a refreshing intimacy with God through a daily "brilliant pause" of meditation, strong coffee, prayer and listening. It's that peace that she hopes you'll experience as you listen and give yourself BRILLIANT PAUSES throughout the day. Because...you are worth it!

Are you tired? Weary? Burned out on religion? Tune in. Thirst can be more than a physical thing. What is the thing you resort to when boredom strikes, when dreams die, when life feels out of control? In this episode - we look at the thirsts of the soul and what Jesus offers to meet us right where we are and address what can quench our deepest longings. The void is real. Numbing is the go-to. And if its hard to quiet your mind and clear anxious thoughts, I share a vision that might help you. The goal? Is to experience peace and understand where to go for true fulfillment and sweet release. Join me for a brilliant pause - to slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to what matters so you can love this life you live.

Do you ever feel like your faith has flatlined? You believe in God, but something is missing? In this episode, you'll discover a metaphor that will help you see your spiritual life in a new way. And I'll share 5 ways to activate the Holy Spirit life inside of you.

This podcast is for busy humans who need a reminder to slow down, take a break and shift focus to what matters. In season 4, we're exploring the attentive life, which includes paying attention to your spirit - your soul - and God. It also includes paying attention to the people around you (instead of your phone - oh snap!). But you already knew that. Take a deep breath and dive in for your brilliant pause today. Hopefully, it will be the first of many.

Your host, Jessie Elenbaas, is a writer, speaker, and passionate spiritual leader in her church. She is the Associate Director at Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. And she's been teaching yoga for over 20 years. Presence and listening have become more important to her lately, and it's the gift she longs to share here.