The Need to Grow

Spring on the Palouse is one of my favorite times of the year. The rich farmland comes alive with miles of rolling green hills. The days are longer. Songbirds sing their happy tunes celebrating life. At first you might not notice the dead trees or flowers blooming but every year you cannot hold back the changing of the seasons.

The need for growth is one of our six human needs. Quoting Tony Robbins "If you're not growing, you're dying. If a relationship is not growing, if a business is not growing, if you are not growing, it does not matter how much money you have in the bank, how many friends you have, how many people love you—you are not going to experience real fulfillment. And the reason we grow, I believe, is so we have something of value to give."

Just like spring there is a season with everything in life. Your own personal growth, relationships and career need care and nurturing to grow. In your life this might look like learning something new. An activity like kayaking or reading a book about a topic you have always been curious about. You could attend a retreat or take an online class. Youtubers have become rich because of this need. With a relationship as it progresses through different stages increasing intimacy and connection. Even our children grow quickly - sometimes it seems they will never be able to walk but before you know it, they are riding a bike or driving a car! At work this may manifest by learning a new technique, skill, or trade.

If you feel stagnant in any of your key area's you might spend some time nurturing your need for growth.

If you want to brainstorm on how to implement the need for growth, schedule a complimentary free meeting with me at this link https://calendly.com/mycourageousmasterpiece

The Gift of Forgiveness

“I love you, I forgive you, thank you, I release you”. Imagine saying this to everyone who has wronged you. Imagine them saying it in return to you. Toxic people have a way of doing a lot of damage. They create a ripple effect of anxiety and trauma we may not even be aware of until it is triggered years later. Spiritual leaders in Hawaii have taught for decades a practice called Ho’Oponopono meaning “To make right twice.” Forgiveness is an exchange between two people. Sometimes those who have wronged us are not around anymore and if so, you can go through the exercise in your mind. Picturing the exchange with unconditional love towards them and them towards you.

As I reflect on the upcoming Easter holiday, and a class recently taken learning the Ho’Oponopono technique. I cannot help but share a few thoughts on Forgiveness. Years ago, I learned you should forgive your brother up to seventy times seven when wronged. This inspired teaching in Matthew 18:22, helped me let go of many wrongs over the years. Forgiveness is as good for you as it is for them. Freeing. A few relationships in our life who need forgiveness are between God and you, you and others and you with yourself. When we practice the act of forgives regularly it can create peace and joy inside. Giving us freedom to live again.

Twenty-five years ago, I made a decision to become a Christian. I was Baptized for the forgiveness of my sins. Does that mean I never sinned again? No. That just means I have a connection with God to have mercy when I confess and turn away from those sins. I am so grateful for continued mercy in my life as I need his forgiveness, the forgiveness of others and of myself. Easter. It is a fun time to visit with loved ones but also remember a Man who bore it all for us so we can have Forgiveness.

An Attitude of Gratitude

I know I know it is cliché... but really a game changer. For those of you who know me know I am a Tony Robbins lover. He has taught me being grateful is the antidote to fear and anger. I heard him say this in person at one of his events in Miami a few years ago. His domineering presence even at the top of the bleachers was intense. Who else could capture an audience of thousands for over 10 hours straight? Fear? I questioned. What the hell are you afraid of Mr. Tony Robbins? I wondered. However, the truth hit home. I had been trying to kick anxiety attacks - crippling fear. Fear. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of being left alone. Fear of not being loved, wanted, valued and more.

The death of my Father created an insurmountable grief and fear that I would be left alone. I am from a dysfunctional family. There are relatives I have not spoken to in decades. Relationships mean a lot to me. I do not always get them right and thankfully am getting pickier with time. Back to the topic at hand learning the art of being grateful has changed my life and helped me through a time of grief and loss.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18. Regardless of what your religious beliefs are, being thankful has healing benefits. This religious teaching is amongst every religion around the world. Deemed from research, theorists, and the average person. Practicing this one habit daily will give hope and change your mental state. Studies show that specific areas of the brain are involved in experiencing and expressing gratitude. "Brain scans of people assigned a task that stimulates expression of gratitude show lasting changes in the prefrontal cortex that heighten sensitivity to future experiences of gratitude" states Psychology Today.

If you want to learn more techniques and how you can implement gratitude in your life schedule a complimentary free meeting with me here https://calendly.com/mycourageousmasterpiece.