📝 In Today’s Edition

Another exciting weekly boost from Transparent Recovery! This boost-filled newsletter will focus on recovery insights in the areas of communication and healing. Communication skills are often the determining factor between success and failure in many areas of life - this includes our recovery. One of the methods of healing is found in our ability to communicate and connect with others in a safe, authentic manner. Read on.

🗓️ LAST CALL: Group Study

📚️ Recommended Reading

Dustin’s Thoughts

• The first half of this book is devoted to the five principles of connecting with your audience. These principles come from the study of highly successful communicators and what sets them apart from most others. My favorite principle is that connecting is all about others. In my words, this principle is about learning to get over yourself and focus on your intended audience! You and I think way more about what others are thinking than what others are actually thinking - it’s time to get over yourself!

• The second half of this book is devoted to five practices anyone can implement to improve their communication. These practices are:

  • Finding common ground

  • Keeping it simple

  • Creating enjoyable experiences

  • Inspiring to the audience

  • Living what you communicate

🎵 Song Spotlight

Chain Breaker

Highlighted Lyrics

“if you’ve got pain, He’s a pain taker / if you feel lost, He’s a way maker”: When it comes to finding healing, we have a God who wants to heal us. Are you taking your pain and hurt to God in prayer?

“there’s a better life / there’s a better life”: It is easy to get stuck in old, unhealthy patterns of communication and quickly feel discouraged and hopeless. We have to remind ourselves, especially when we feel there is no hope, God always offers us a better life. We have to choose to live in faith as if we believe God has something better for us!

“if you got chains / He’s a chain breaker”: God not only wants you to break free from chains that are tearing you down, God wants to help you break those chains. Have allowed God into your mess so He can break your chains for you?

💬 🗣️ Hints and Tips for Improving Communication

Communication is at the heart of personal growth and healing. Here are some helpful hints and tips for improving your communication:

1. Practice Active Listening

According to Marjorie North, we retain only half of what we hear in any given conversation. Therefore, truly hearing someone is a power skill (especially when we can stop thinking about our own response while they’re talking)! Show that you’re engaged through eye contact, nodding, and responding thoughtfully. This creates a space where others feel valued and understood.

2. Be Open and Honest

Authenticity builds trust. Express your thoughts clearly but kindly, and don’t shy away from vulnerability. Whether in recovery or just everyday life, being genuine strengthens connections and allows for deeper healing. We are all waiting for someone else to open up first because safety and vulnerability draw people closer together.

3. Learn to Manage Conflict Constructively

Disagreements are inevitable, but approaching them with patience and respect makes all the difference. Use “I” statements to express your feelings without blaming others—this keeps conversations solution-focused rather than escalating into arguments.

4. Strengthen Your Nonverbal Communication

According to Emerson, a content creator with Harvard DCE, “we are more likely to believe the nonverbal signals over spoken words if the two are in disagreement.” This means that your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions are just as important as your words. Also, the alignment of our words and nonverbals will significantly increase our communication effectiveness. Work to develop an open posture, relaxed gestures, and a calm tone to convey warmth and confidence.

5. Expand Your Emotional Vocabulary

Being able to label your feelings accurately—beyond just "happy" or "sad"—helps both you and others understand emotions better. Try integrating words like “frustrated,” “overwhelmed,” or “hopeful” into your self-expression. Check out The Feelings Wheel!

6. Set Healthy Boundaries

Effective communication isn’t just about talking—it’s also about knowing when to protect your energy. Say no when needed, express your limits clearly, and surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries.

7. Seek Feedback and Keep Learning

Improvement is an ongoing process! Ask trusted friends or mentors how you can refine your communication style. Read books, watch talks, or even consider workshops to strengthen your skills.

By working on these areas, you’ll not only enhance your ability to express yourself but also deepen your connections with others.

📰 Uplifting News

Are you keeping secrets that you hope no one will ever find out? Transparent Recovery is a safe place for you to bring those things out into the light of Christ. Join our group study to learn about a proven pathway for finding healing from compulsive sexual behavior. Group starts May 6 and will happen virtually Tuesdays from 7-8pm CST.

Till next time,

TR Weekly Boost