Shannan Martin: Start with Hello

Shannan Martin joins us this week on the podcast to talk all about the real value of doing life with the people who live closest to us.  Shannan is the author of Falling Free, The Ministry of Ordinary Places, and most recently, Start with Hello - all written around the central theme of “What does it look like to live in this world together?” and “Why does it even matter?”.  I like to think of Shannan as the expert neighbor you want to both “be” and “have”.  She helps you find joy and meaningful relationships in ordinary places like your own backyard.  In this episode, she shares more on the value in building community, a life of intention & interdependence, how to build truer friendships, why we need to learn to receive, what happens when we step out of our homogenous lifestyles and comfort zones, and what builds lasting connection and community. Shannan keeps things simple and practical (which we can all appreciate!).   You'll walk away with: (1) the permission to abandon the idea that you have to be self-sufficient all the time (2) the encouragement to go first as you embrace the joy that comes from living “actual life” together with those around you, even in the messes and imperfections that it brings and (3) details on her famous pickle recipe.  “Let’s live actual life together even in the messes or the imperfectness that it brings.” - Shannan Martin _______________________ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [7:50] The value in getting to know the people “closest” to us.    [9:30] The sense of security, rootedness, and belonging that we’re looking for    [10:00] Finding more joy    [11:00]  A practical tip    [11:50] It’s not about the decor   [12:45] Less about Martha Stewart-ing, more about togetherness    [15:00] How most of us are actually living (aka our “real” lives)   [16:08] Truer friendships   [17:13] We’re all busy. Make it easy.    [19:06] Behind her books: answering big questions    [21:20] Moving us forward in a life of connection   [22:40] Being intentional with opportunities    [25:00] The abundant life vs. the comfortable life    [26:50] Lesson learned: A posture of need   [31:20] Learning to receive    [33:25] Guest perspective: What does success look like to you?   [36:13] A “love song for the long haul”   [39:36] Truths & Takeaways  __________ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Website: shannanmartin.com Twitter: @shannanwrites Instagram: @shannanwrites Shannan’s books - Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted -- The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness all around You -- Start with Hello (and Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors)  Shannan’s newsletter & pickle recipe :) - shannanmartin.com/resources