In this episode, we do a deep dive into communication styles—how they show up under pressure, how they differ from person to person, and why understanding them matters so much in real life.

We kick things off with a hilarious and humbling story from a mountain hike that went very wrong, very fast.

The Hike That Changed Everything

The four of us—Thomas, Carmen, Mary Grace, and myself—set out for what we thought would be an easy 8-mile hike. No big deal… or so we thought.

Instead, we somehow ended up hiking 18 miles, all the way up to the Appalachian Approach Trail.

• No cell service
• Not enough water
• Completely unprepared
• And by the time we reached the top with 9 miles still left to walk down, all we had left between us was one bag of nuts

What followed was a perfect real-life example of how different personalities and communication styles show up under stress. Every Enneagram number on that hike made itself very clear—and the reactions were wildly different (and honestly, pretty funny).

Enneagram in Real Life

As we retell the hike, we unpack how each person’s Enneagram number showed up:

• How some stayed calm
• How others took charge
• How some spiraled internally
• And how miscommunication made an already tough situation even harder

It’s a real-world look at how personality differences can either clash—or complement each other—when things don’t go as planned.

Introducing the PDP Framework

From there, the conversation transitions into the P, C, D, E communication framework (also referred to as the PDP tool), a tool I’ve personally used with all three of my kids to help them:

• Understand how they communicate
• Recognize how others communicate differently
• Reduce conflict
• And build healthier conversations

We walk through each letter—P, C, D, and E:

• What each one represents
• How it shows up in communication
• How it can be misunderstood
• And how understanding it can completely change the way you relate to your kids (and everyone else)

📎 A link to the PDP resource is included in the show notes so you can explore it more deeply on your own.

Why This Matters

This episode is a reminder that:

• Communication breaks down fastest when we’re tired, stressed, or unprepared
• Personality differences aren’t problems—they’re information
• And understanding how your kids are wired can turn frustration into empathy

Whether you’re a parent, spouse, leader, or friend, this episode will give you practical insight—and a good laugh along the way. Information on the Enneagram - https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ Infomation on the PDP- https://wowconsultinginc.com/pdptools/ Connect with Our Perspective 💛 Instagram @ourperspective.podcast 💛 Follow Patricia @patricia_6710 💛 Follow MG @ _marygrace_d

When the Walls Came Down: Where God Met Us in the In-Between In Episode 9, Carmen and Pat sit down for a conversation that starts with communication but naturally unfolds into something much deeper. Together, they reflect on the moments God used, often quietly and unexpectedly to bring their hearts closer. We talk about Carmen’s love for horseback riding and the beautiful ways God met and strengthen us through that passion. From there, we look back on long walks on Davis Islands during Covid, when life slowed down and time together became sacred. Those walks created space for walls that had been built over many years to slowly come down. This episode is about the gift of intentional, one-on-one time and what can happen when we choose to listen without rushing, fixing, or filling the silence. Pat shares how those moments helped her understand Carmen’s heart more deeply, and how creating a safe, unhurried place allowed Carmen to open up and share freely. More than anything, this conversation is a reminder that God often meets us in the in-between. He mets us in the walks, the hobbies, the quiet moments, and the time we choose to give our kids. Parents this is so important. When we make room and stay present, the Holy Spirit gently does the work of softening hearts, breaking down walls, and growing connection in ways only He can. If you’re a parent longing for deeper connection with your child, let this episode remind you that it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be present. God is already at work in the in-between.

Connect with Our Perspective 💛 Instagram @ourperspective.podcast 💛 Follow Patricia @patricia_6710 💛 Follow MG @ _marygrace_d

In this special bonus video for Episode 8, Is Everything OK With Your Heart? Learning to Unpack What We Carry, Pat goes deeper into the heart-check questions that sparked so much reflection in the main episode.

This intimate conversation creates space to unpack what we’re really carrying beneath the surface: unspoken hurts, lingering worries, broken trust, and emotions we often overlook. Building on Proverbs 3:5 and insights from Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley, this bonus dives deeper into the importance of daily heart awareness and inviting God into the hidden places of our lives.

Pat reflects more personally on the power of asking intentional questions, listening closely to the Holy Spirit, and allowing Scripture to guide us back to truth when emotions try to take the lead.

This bonus is an invitation to slow down, check in with your heart, and honestly assess what may be impacting your relationship with God and others.