In the final part of the New Year, New Start series, Latisha Sternod and Jen Clark round out the SPIES wellness framework by diving into Intellectual, Emotional, and Social wellness. This episode is an uplifting, wisdom-filled guide to growing your mind, nurturing your heart, and fostering healthy relationships, key areas that often go overlooked in personal development plans.

Through heartfelt stories, expert insight, and faith-filled encouragement, Jen and Latisha inspire listeners to embrace lifelong learning, emotional resilience, and vibrant community connection in 2026. Whether you're an introvert finding your pace or a couple looking to grow together, this episode offers practical steps to thrive in every season.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What intellectual wellness looks like beyond school and degrees
• How learning a new skill or language stimulates brain health
• Tips for setting intellectual goals without pressure
• Why a growth mindset and grace matter in adult learning
• Healthy emotional processing and personal emotional strategies
• The impact of inner dialogue and speaking life over yourself
• The role of community in emotional health
• How social connection boosts longevity and joy
• Creating intentional relationships in every season of life
• The importance of putting yourself “in the arena” to connect

Anchor Quote: “Put yourself in the arena. You were made for connection. God created us to be in communion with one another.” – Jen Clark

Reflection: What if this year you didn’t aim to master everything—but simply chose to start something new, feel more deeply, and connect more intentionally? What if learning, healing, and community were your holiest pursuits? Step into this season of growth, knowing that every step matters and grace meets you in every new beginning.

Resources & Mentions:

Framework: SPIES – Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social (This episode focuses on Intellectual, Emotional, and Social wellness)

Books:

• A New Day, A New Start: Seek Your Sunshine by Jen Clark
• The Wonderful Counselor by Latisha Sternod

Tools & Tips:

• Intellectual goals: Read 5 books, learn an instrument, take an adventure
• Emotional strategies: Music, journaling, exercise, prayer, solitude
• Inner dialogue: Speak life over your body and your efforts
• Social tips: Connect through shared interests, service, or faith groups
• Grace reminder: Mastery takes 10,000 hours—start with your first 10

Scripture Reference:

• Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death…”
• Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… if either of them falls, one can help the other up.”

Connect with Us: 🌿 Website: thewonderfulcounselor.org 📖 Instagram: @the_wonderful_counselor 🕊 Facebook: The Wonderful Counselor

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