Welcome back to the podcast!!!  We wanted to jump in and do a bonus podcast for you guys ahead of the release of Season #6 which will air in January, 2024. While it really is a topic near and dear to Jason’s heart - it’s also a PSA for ALL of us as we prepare to be with extended family over Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The holidays can be really challenging - no matter what - and then throw in Family Systems (see below) + recovery and it’s a LOT.  The happy holidays can feel like the not so happy holidays. The back drop of this conversation we are having is rooted in Family Systems Theory by Murray Bowen.  Bottom line is in every family - there are unspoken agreements and roles within the family system.  For instance, you might be the clown of the family, the peace keeper, the hero… the list goes on and on.  When we merge family systems (by going to the in-laws for Thanksgiving, for instance) there will absolutely be an impact to the “system”. We cover five key points to ponder as you consider how Family Systems impacts your holiday experience: 1 - Name the role you played in your family of origin as well as who you are now relative to the earlier role you played. 2 - Acknowledge your wife’s needs when navigating holiday interactions. 3 - When emotions are high, use discernment on what to share and say in front of extended family, AND honor yourself and your boundaries / limits. 4 - Front Loading conversations between him and her prior to the holiday gatherings. 5 - Daily Downloads, initiated by him, for the two of you every day you are with extended family. 6 - And Bonus:  for women - identifying anchors (activities you can do to keep yourself grounded) on the daily while with extended family. We are so glad YOU are here, thanks for joining us and we are excited to be with you for Season 6, starting January 5th, 2024.  Would love for you to join me and my team at the Spring Retreat.  Applications are LIVE to the wait list only THIS Friday, November 24th - you can join the wait list by clicking here. For more information on RL Academy, click here. Would love to connect with you on Instagram - @shelley_martinkus. We offer 1:1 coaching, couples recovery coaching, support groups, MasterClasses and on-line courses - check out our websites: redemptiveliving.com and rlforwomen.com for the full scoop! Click here to subscribe to Shelley’s {almost} monthly letter + announcements. Click here to subscribe to Jason’s list. Questions for the Podcast? Email us with the subject line: Podcast.