Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ Get past your past | with Jason VanRuler
Jason VanRuler doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk, emphasizing the importance of identifying and challenging our own self-perceptions. He's all about questioning the evidence behind those perceptions and boy, does that hit home for many of us! One of Jason's key messages? Find safe people to share and seek support from. Starting small and accessible rather than diving headfirst into vulnerability is essential. Learning curves! We've all been there!
Let's talk about Jason's personal journey... From seeking support in all the wrong places to finding the right people who lifted him up, he's been there and back. His wife played a pivotal role in his journey, proving the power of a strong support system. Jason VanRuler also touches on his relationship with God, from strain to seeing His presence in his life. He emphasizes prayer as a safe space for vulnerability, intertwining it with the deep connection between vulnerability and love. Can I get an amen?!
"Do the next right thing, have courage, and connect." Jason's advice is all about taking those small, courageous steps towards connecting with others. It all boils down to having the bravery to reach out, especially with difficult past experiences in tow. Jason's fascination with understanding and helping people led him to become a therapist. He's all about encouraging others to reassess their beliefs and seek validation to unlock their true worth. You are so much more than you realize!
Questions, questions, questions! We highlight the value of asking, learning, and growing through the wisdom of others. Unleash that inquisitive nature for your own benefit and the good of those around you!
Family, love, and connection take center stage as we discuss the role of parents in empowering children. We touch on the healing power of these moments and how children can teach us adults a thing or two about vulnerability and curiosity.
And of course, there's some light-hearted banter about soccer teams because who doesn't love a good laugh? It's all about embracing the process, growth, and finding trust in God as a friend and coach on this wild ride called life. There's also a soul-stirring story about a song initially representing heartache, which transformed into a symbol of hope and healing. Perspective shifts are everything, and hope truly shines in the moments when we need it most.
This conversation is a powerful reminder of the beauty and strength found in vulnerability and connection. Let's keep this energy alive and embrace the journey of growth, love, and understanding. You are never alone!
Key takeaways from the conversation
1. Embrace Vulnerability: Jason VanRuler stressed the significance of identifying and questioning our self-perceptions. He encouraged finding safe people to share and seek support from, highlighting the power of vulnerability in connecting with God and others.
2. Foster Authentic Connections: Our lives are defined by our relationships and our ability to connect with others. Jason emphasized the value of seeking support from trustworthy individuals and the importance of community in personal growth.
3. Courage in Personal Growth: By sharing his personal journey and the obstacles he faced in becoming a therapist, Jason emphasized the importance of courage, connection, and seeking wisdom from others. His story serves as an inspiration for embracing vulnerability and pursuing growth.
MORE ABOUT THE BOOK, GET PAST YOUR PAST
Licensed therapist Jason VanRuler personally knows how difficult it can be to look at your brokenness, heal and move forward. He grew up surrounded by abuse, addiction, chaos and conflict. One morning after a night out drinking and using drugs, VanRuler was alone in an apartment he couldn’t afford due to having an unstable job and a substantial amount of debt. He felt broken and hated himself for falling into the same patterns he saw as a child and swore never to be a part of. After years of avoiding his pain, he eventually reached the point where he was able to get professional help and started to feel hope for the first time.
The battle of healing from the past is a long and hard journey. In his new book, Get Past Your Past: How Facing Your Broken Places Leads to True Connection, VanRuler invites readers to address past pain and hurt and embrace love and connection through personal stories, biblical wisdom and his clinical experience as a therapist. He offers empathy, grace and a hand to hold as he shares his own trauma and struggles with alcohol, drug use and depression combined with his professional knowledge from over a decade helping patients face their brokenness and find healing and authentic connection.
“I spent so many years letting things that had happened in the past make me feel broken and run the show, and I know it’s not easy to shine a light on those places,” writes VanRuler. “I wrote this book for everyone, not only as a guide as they navigate these stages but also as a reference for the times when they feel stuck and alone. I want readers to know that they are not alone in their journey or the exception to the rule.”
Purchase the book here: https://www.jasonvr.com/book
MEET JASON VANRULER
Jason VanRuler began his career in 2011 and has worked with many populations over the years, ranging from persons who are incarcerated to top CEOs, performers and artists, and just about everyone in between. Jason has extensive experience as a clinician, coach, and speaker and operates a multistate private practice. In 2018, Jason joined Bethesda Workshops in Nashville, TN, where he serves as a group leader and facilitator. Jason is known for his ability to relate and connect with his clients and offer hope to those who have felt hopeless. He has an engaged and rapidly growing online audience for his insightful, short videos sharing practical tips for psychological care, self-help, and healthy relationships.
Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and three children playing games and traveling. In his spare time, Jason enjoys cycling, running, music, fly fishing, and all things personal development related.
You will find Jason at https://www.jasonvr.com/
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