We're gearing up for a significant family trip that involves not just the immediate but extended family members as well, totaling 17 people! From young adults to the eldest in the family, managing such a diverse group brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities for growth.

In this episode titled "Dodging Drama on Family Vacation” Shelly and Lisa share their personal experiences and tips on navigating the complexities of family dynamics during travel. You'll hear about the importance of flexibility—whether it's about mealtimes or dealing with postponed plans—and we'll discuss the essential strategies for mitigating conflicts and ensuring that everyone, across ages and personalities, finds joy and relaxation on the trip.

From setting realistic boundaries to incorporating down-time, practicing forgiveness, and remembering to take moments for personal peace, this episode is packed with valuable advice. Our hosts also highlight the spiritual aspect, emphasizing scriptures that promote patience and love in family relationships.

So, whether you’re planning a small getaway or a grand family expedition, tune in as we explore making the most of these precious moments together, ensuring the vacation is memorable for all the right reasons. And don’t forget, we want to hear from you too—send in your family travel stories and song recommendations for our special vacation playlist!

QUOTE:

Faith and Family Dynamics: "This is going to be a really good exercise in putting into practice all the things regarding faith and surrender and trust that we often talk about. I mean, it's one thing to read these spiritual books and to hear the readings and talk about it. It is another to put it into practice." ~ Shelly on Dodging Drama on Family Vacations

What are your tips for Dodging Drama on Family Vacations?

We love our local neighborhood parish, our priests, and our community. But sometimes our schedule requires that we meet our Sunday obligation by attending Mass away from home - in a different parish! How great is our beautiful Catholic faith! No matter where we attend, the Mass is the same; same structure, same readings, same holy prayers.

This episode is more than a reflection on traditions; it's an invitation to rediscovery. Our individual parishes are part of a magnificent mosaic, where each piece—no matter how distinctly shaped or colored—fits perfectly into the grand design of the Catholic Church.

Discover five benefits of visiting a different parish!

SNIPPET FROM THE EPISODE: "Having that different experience makes you look at your Parish sometimes with different eyes, maybe from the eyes of a visitor, and then, okay, how am I serving in a way to help others have that great experience?" - Lisa

SCRIPTURE: “…for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.” - Ephesians 2:18-20

We Want To Know: What are some of the benefits you've discovered when attending a different parish church?

We invite you to⁠⁠⁠ sign up for our email list HERE⁠⁠⁠ to keep in touch!

We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠

We recently said goodbye to a beloved aunt and are reminded of the cycle of life and death that touches every family. In this episode we discuss the importance of family bonds, the evolving roles we play as we step into the shoes of those who came before us, and the surprising lessons that grief teaches us about reconnecting with our loved ones.

**Highlights from the Episode:**

- **The 'End of An Era':** The passing of elders, who were central to our childhood, heralds a shift in family dynamics and a poignant reminder of time's swift progression.

- **Step Up, Step Forward:** With the loss of a generation, Lisa and Shelly reflect on the 'passing of the torch' to their generation, a call to become the new guiding force within the family.

- **Gratitude Amidst Sorrow:** Despite the sadness that accompanies loss, there's profound gratitude for the time spent with those who lived full lives.

Snipped From the Show: "...we're celebrating a life, we're honoring a beloved family member, and in that, what do we take away? And part of this, I would say [is] rededication on my part to wanting to be close to cousins and family." - Lisa

We Want To Know: If you've had an experience with death in the family and something positive like reconnecting with family grew out of that, check in with us on social media or send us an email.

We invite you to⁠⁠ sign up for our email list HERE⁠⁠ to keep in touch!

We'd love to hear from you!

Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠soundmindandspirit@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠