Dec. 2, 2024

Portugal Training Recap: A Transformative Week of Learning and Growth

If there’s anything we’ve learned over the years — from parenting seven kids, traveling the world, and navigating life's ups and downs — it’s that you have to be always ready. Life doesn’t give you a heads-up. It throws curveballs, detours, and surprises. And when you’re not prepared — emotionally, mentally, or practically — those moments can feel overwhelming. That’s why the recent Toujours Prêt (Always Ready) training, which we recap in episode #288 of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, was so powerful. It wasn’t just about learning new skills. It was about building confidence, creating connection, and learning how to respond to life with strength and purpose instead of panic or fear.

This Wasn’t Just a “Training”… It Was a Transformation

This wasn’t a conference where you sit and take notes.

It was hands-on, real-world, get-your-hands-dirty kind of learning.

The kind that sticks with you.

The kind you actually use.

Participants were challenged physically and mentally. They learned to adapt to stress, respond instead of react, and step up as leaders — not just for themselves, but for their families and communities.

It was about becoming the kind of person who’s prepared for anything. The kind who’s always ready to protect, provide, and lead — not from fear, but from calm, capable confidence.

What Skills Did We Actually Learn?

You might be wondering… what does a week like this include?

It wasn’t just about survival skills (though we did learn wilderness basics and first aid). It was also about:

Building emotional resilience
Improving communication as a family
Getting clarity on your mission as a parent or spouse
Learning how to think clearly in stressful situations
Practicing problem-solving in real time

There was also a strong focus on leadership, teamwork, and showing up with integrity — even when it’s hard.

From Fear to Freedom

One of the most powerful transformations we saw was a mindset shift — from fear of the unknown to freedom through preparation.

So many people go through life feeling anxious — because they don’t feel equipped. But when you invest in becoming ready, fear loses its grip.

You start walking taller.

You sleep better at night.

You parent differently.

When you’re always ready, you’re not waiting for life to calm down. You’re ready to meet it — whatever it throws at you.

Why Lifelong Learning is Non-Negotiable

The truth is, life doesn’t get easier. But you can get better.

The skills we develop as parents, as partners, as leaders — they either grow, or they fade. That’s why training like this matters.

Because it reminds us that growth is a choice. And it’s a choice we have to keep making, again and again.

Our kids are watching.

Our communities need us.

And we can’t give what we don’t have.

We have to keep learning.

Stronger Families Start with Stronger Individuals

The ripple effect from this week was amazing. As individuals grew stronger and more grounded, their family relationships deepened. There were tears, breakthroughs, laughter, and bonding — not just between couples and parents, but with other families, too.

The community that formed in just a few days felt like something rare. Because it was. It reminded us that we’re not meant to do life alone.

We need each other.

And when we grow together, we all rise.

Final Thoughts: This Is an Investment That Pays Off Forever

If you’ve ever asked yourself:

How can I feel more confident as a parent?
How do I raise kids who can handle real life?
What can I do to prepare my family for the future?

…then this kind of experience is for you.

The Toujours Prêt training helped us all realize that being always ready isn’t about living in fear. It’s about choosing to lead — to show up prepared, grounded, and strong.

And when you live that way, you don’t just survive the hard times — you thrive through them.

To hear more behind-the-scenes stories and powerful takeaways, listen to episode #288 of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast.

If you’re ready to build a stronger, more intentional family — don’t miss the next Toujours Prêt training coming in April 2025.

And if you’re curious about our location, check out the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal.

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