If you've ever found yourself spiraling after a short text, a quiet dinner, or a simple sigh — this episode is for you.

In this week's episode of The FOCUS Podcast, we're breaking down one of the biggest hidden causes of conflict in relationships: the stories we tell ourselves.

Most of the pain in your marriage doesn't come from what your spouse actually did…
It comes from what your brain made it mean.

You'll learn:

· The difference between facts and stories

· How your brain's Reticular Activating System (RAS) fuels emotional spirals

· Why January feels especially heavy for many marriages

· A simple sentence that can instantly stop reactive conflict

· How to respond with clarity instead of fear

This episode builds on last week's conversation about how what you focus on expands — and shows you how to take back control of your thoughts, your emotions, and your marriage.

If January has you questioning everything, this episode will help you slow down, get curious, and reconnect from a healthier place.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to stop reacting to stories — and start responding to facts.

You can find free resources to support YOUR marriage at TaraleeEddington.com or by visiting PeacefulHeartJourney.com TODAY!

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January has a reputation for being "Divorce Month" — but the real story isn't about statistics.
It's about what couples are feeling when the holiday noise fades and the emotional weight finally sets in.

In this episode, Taralee breaks down why so many relationships feel like they're falling apart in January, what's actually happening beneath the surface, and why emotional clarity without a framework often leads to panic instead of progress.

You'll learn:

• Why December distractions hide deeper issues
• How your nervous system drives your relationship decisions
• The difference between a "broken" marriage and a "starving" one
• Why advice alone can make things worse
• How the FOCUS Framework helps couples slow down, regulate emotions, and rebuild connection

If you're lying awake questioning your marriage, feeling stuck, or afraid of making the wrong decision, this episode will give you a calmer, clearer way to look at what's really happening — without pressure or panic.

Your love may not be gone.
It might just be dormant.

🎥 Watch the free 15-minute training mentioned in this episode:
TaraleeEddington.com

Welcome to a brand new year (2026) and a brand new season of The FOCUS Podcast with Taralee—where "what you focus on expands." This episode is for you if 2025 didn't go the way you hoped… and you're ready to stop repeating the same patterns with a new calendar.

In today's kickoff, we're talking about why goals don't stick (hint: it's not motivation—it's your practiced patterns), and the simple framework I'll be using all season to help you create real, sustainable change.

Inside this episode:

• Why you "fall back" into old reactions under stress (and what to do instead)

• The Q1 podcast structure: Reset (January), Rebuild (February), Strengthen (March)

• The FOCUS Framework: Facts First → Own Your Thoughts → Choose Your Feelings → Understand Your Actions → Shape Your Results

• Why most marriage advice treats the "smoke," not the "fire"—and the needs that often sit underneath the conflict

• A quick "reset" exercise you can do today to choose a new direction for 2026

Ready for support beyond this episode?

• In-person workshop (Jan 15, 2026) — FIND MORE HERE

• Webinar option — if you want the invite when it's ready, join my email list or message me "WEBINAR."

• Free Clarity Call — we'll get clear on what's happening, what pattern is running things, and your next best step.

If this resonated, share it with a friend or leave a rating + review—it truly helps more people find the show.