January 21, 2025

Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright

Ep 51: Encouragement in Friendships with Guest, Laura Carr

Welcome back! This week, Leah continues on the topic of friendships that help us move forward in life with guest and friend, Laura Carr! The two met years ago at a playground when their oldest kids were toddlers, and they connected and have maintained that friendship over the years supporting and encouraging one another. Leah introduces Laura and shares a little bit about their history together.

In continuing with the topic of friendship and how friends can help propel us forward in our goals, Leah asks Laura about a time where she reached out to a friend and was encouraged and supported by that friendship. Laura shares about a situation where she started a nonprofit and how a connection with her best friend from high school greatly encouraged and supported her through conversations and helping her plan. This support led Laura to become the US director of the Children of the Father’s House orphanage in Uganda. The encouragement and push from her friend helped her to actualize this endeavor and help get all those kids sponsored.

Laura’s friendship with her Ugandan co-direct is integral in the organization’s success. She is sought out to support other international nonprofits. Laura explains how vital friendship and connection are within partnerships and businesses.

If you’re interested in learning more about Laura’s organization, Children of the Father’s House, you can go to www.childrenofthefathershouse.org and you can also find them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/childrenofthefathershouse/) which has more up to date information.

Thanks for listening, and tune in next time!

January 13, 2025

Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright

Ep 50: Supportive Relationships: Peer Friendships

Welcome back to another episode with Leah! This week’s focus is on friendship, more specifically, peer friendships and how they support us.

What are peer relationships? Leah describes peer relationships as relationships with anyone who is your peer in some capacity whether that be age, job, place in life, etc.

If you’re finding yourself lacking in good peer friendships, Leah suggests evaluating your current relationships and seeing which acquaintances fall into the peer category. She explains that in some of those relationships, you might be able to strengthen them and build those peer relationships. Or you might find some new friendships by joining a class or a group or even through an online support group.

Leah then shares how to foster and strengthen those relationships. Some of her tips are being proactive and reaching out first, working with them, and inviting them to fun things.

These friendships can also help you reach your goals, so ask yourself what are those types of goals you might want support with and who are the friends I have who can encourage and support me in this? Having that support can help hold you accountable in reaching your goals. Leah also shares how important mutuality is in those friendships and how it keeps the relationship healthy.

Next week, Leah will be talking about mentor relationships and friendships, so be sure to tune it!

As we approach a new year, many of us set goals, dream of changes, and resolve to make progress. Yet, studies show that while 30% of people make New Year’s resolutions, only 9% actually achieve them. Often, the missing piece is support—the right kind of help to keep us moving forward.

If you’re someone who’s always supporting others, you might find it hard to focus on your own needs. But the truth is, even the most supportive people need a strong network to lean on.

In today's episode Leag is diving into the five types of relationships that can help you achieve your goals without burning out.

This isn’t about leaning on others for everything—it’s about building intentional relationships that help you thrive. As we move into 2025, think about where these types of support fit into your life. This series will guide you through understanding and buidling these connections so you can feel empowered, supported, and ready to tackle your goals.

Because sometimes, even the helper needs help.