RelateWell with Dr. Rick Marks

Unhealthy and immature adults tend to make unhealthy decisions and unwise choices.  Yet, research is clear that the more emotionally mature we become, we tend to make decisions based on wisdom, and not simply on what is right and wrong.  What are these two traits, and how do they interact?  What hinders emotional maturity and wisdom?  Dr. Rick explains...

It is essential that we forgive.  However, many assume that when they forgive the pain from the event will go away. It does not.  Forgiveness is essential for healing and once we forgive, the pain can now heal.  Healing from the pain takes time and intenionality.

Self control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.  Yet, ever noticed that some non-Christians have strong self-control and some Christians do not.  Dr. Rick shares some principles regarding self-control and self-regulation that makes it a crucial element of emotional maturity and emotional intelligence.

Dr. Riok discusses some guidelines to consider as you live your life in intimate and connected relationships.

Dr. Rick reads from a treatise by David Schnark on why a good marriage will break your heart.  Tune in...

All relationships change over time and must adapt to changing situations.  They must also adapt to the changes in our spouses.  

Dr. Rick considers ten pieces of advice to help you have a healthy and mature marriage and relationship.

Have you ever considered that those who choose to live comfortably and never having taken risks have not lived life to the fullest.  The choose security over growth.  All growth takes risk.

Dr. Lori Gordon alked about beliefs that are irrational that knot our ability to love others maturely.  She called these Love Knots.  Dr. Gordon identified 52 of these in one of her books.  Dr. Rick discusses some of the leading love knots.  

There is a healthy and mature form of pride which is rooted in humility.  Yet, there is another form of pride that leads to a haughty spirit, arrogance, and a sense that one is better than others. Pride harms others and relationships whereas, humility is a more powerful way to live one's life.  Dr. Rick explains...

Humility is a powerful way to life life and is a hallmark for living maturely.  Yet, there are different forms of humility.  Dr. Rick explains each of these forms and how they express themselves.

Ever considred that surrendering could be a position of strength and not weakness?  Surrendering is about checking our egos and staying in humility and know what I can and can not control.  Surrender results in mature connections with God, Self and Others.  

Did you know that your ability to love others maturely is linked to your ability to love yourself?  And that when we feel we do not have value, we matter or are loved or loveable, we sink into low self worth and self esteem.  But what if God has declared us valuable, that we matter and that we are loved and loveable?  What difference would it make to your life and relationships?  Dr. Rick explains...

Dr. Rick talks about the powerful life of a humble person and the types of humility that research indicates.  Do you live from humility or a prideful way of being?

We are all adept at negative thinking about ourselves and sadly, many preachers reinforce this negative mindset on the parishoners and congregations. Yet Psalm 139 tells us something different.

Ever noticed that something you said you wish you could take back or at least had said it some other way? When in conflict and frustration we make statements that do not lead to connection and understanding, but disconnection, hurt and misunderstanding.  Dr. Rick identifies 41 statements people say in conflict (Do not Say This) and reveals a better way to say it (Say This Instead).  Tune in.

Psalm 68 tells us that God puts the lonely in families.  But what if your family was not a safe place.  What if families are not safe for the lonely to find and experience true love?  What if the church is not a place for healthy connection for the lonely to be placed in?  Dr. Rick talks from his personal experience of the true meaning of the arabic word, "asabiya" and how this transform...

Humans were created for connection, intimate connection with God, Self and Others.  Without these essential human biological needs being met (the need for bonding, connection, intimacy) we experience relational pain and move in to loneliness.  And it is not good for mankind to be alone.  I know!  I grew up this way.  Dr. Rick shares from a message he presented at Wellspring Church in Hartford, WI...

Immaturity is rampant today in our society. We have trainings on emotional intelligence, etc.  This is all langauge for immaturity.  Emotional immaturity to be specific.  And I used to be an emotional child and dealt with issues in childish ways in my early years as a chronological adult.  What did I do to resolve this issue?  My value system I live by now for almost 25 years and continues today. ...

I think the Righteous Brothers were right: you've lost that loving feeling.  Many today teach that love is not an emotion, but rather a choice or a decision.  Dr. Rick argues that love is an emotion and must be understood and embraced as an emotion in order to have deep, intimate and healthy connections.  And this does not apply to romanctic relationships only, but to all relationships.  

There are four questions every person needs answered in order to become a healthy, mature, and caring individual.  Dr. Rick shares his own personal journey regarding these four questions and the challenges and joys of walking the path to healing and finding affirmation in the 4 questions.

This message given in Nassau, Bahamas at a church on Sunday morning provides insight into the relational dynamics of what happened in the Garden of Eden and healthy relationships.  

Dr. Rick shared his testimony on his journey of healing from his father wound at a regional conference for the Association for Marriage and Family Ministry.  

Humility and empathy is erquired to become a mature leader, a mature adult and to be effective relationally in all relationships.  Yet, humility still seems to be elusive to most as it appears to most as weakness.  Yet, research is clear that to live a life of humility is to live powerfully.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss the definition of humility, it's traits and how to identify it.  Accordi...

Humility and empathy is required to become a mature leader, a mature adult and to be effective relationally in all relationships.  Yet, humility still seems to be elusive to most as it appears to most as weakness.  Yet, research is clear that to live a life of humility is to live powerfully.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss the definition of humility, it's traits and how to identify it.  Accordi...