My last post (“Unwanted Behaviors ”) closed by talking generally about the change process.
“Change requires asking for help. We all have a capacity for change, but we cannot do it alone. There are no quick fixes. I have spent a life time perfecting this unwanted behavior. Changing it requires time and ongoing attention. I show up as a better version of myself every day. ”
With this post, I begin a series of articles focused on how you can move past unwanted behaviors and embrace a new outlook on life. Today, I begin by laying the foundation for our discussion. Future posts will build on this foundation and your contributions to the conversation.
There are new blog postings, articles, and self-help books written every day. This series of postings could easily fall in the pure definition of self-help. I’d prefer to think of it as a conversation for understanding (i.e. understanding each other).
As we progress through this conversation, I expect you to receive some of the material with open arms and other material with resistance. That’s ok. I only ask that you come to the conversation with an open mind and give it a chance to resonate with you. Together, we gain a new perspective on the ways we can infuse our lives with more passion, energy, and spirit.
Let’s pause here for a few questions.
What new perspective is self-help advice supposed to provide? What can I expect? Will my needs be met? What do I need? What answers am I looking for? What questions am I supposed to ask?
I can see we have an eager audience who has lots of good questions to ask. We will answer those questions and more as we progress on this path.
Is that a sidebar conversation I hear in the back row? Oh, you didn’t come here looking for help. That’s my fault… I will accept responsibility for drawing you into this conversation. Since you are here you might as well pull up a chair and listen to what I have to say.
I want you to know you are perfect just the way you are. I accept you are just as God intended. My intention is share a path to follow and to offer help to those who ask for help along the path.
Will you allow me and opportunity to share how new perspective changed my life for the better?
Thanks for indulging me. I’ll get to the story now.
Not too long ago, I struggled to love myself. I was like a yo-yo. One day I did, and the next I didn’t. I found every opportunity to be self-critical and beat myself up. This behavior was impacting all aspects of my life. I saw the clues, but I was blind to the large issue at hand.
A wise coach offered me an opportunity to see my situation differently. At a conference, I stood up and asked one of those lofty big idea questions. The coach seized the opportunity for discussion and invited me to the front of the room. Out of the norm and without hesitation, I accepted his offer. I believe my soul knew it was time to walk a different path and was not going to let me miss an opportunity.
As the conversation progressed, we talked about my challenges with self-love. His next move was one that surprised me. He requested the audience express love to me through body language. I felt a rush that can only be described as an energetic tidal wave of love. 70+ people poured their love into that tsunami. I was shaken to the core. Immediately, all the stories I have been telling myself seemed ridiculous and I needed to change, and change NOW.
I gained perspective. Perspective on what life could be like if I allowed people to love me and I allow me to love myself. I began to walk my path again.
I posted this tweet on Saturday as I was organizing my thoughts around these articles.
“All the resources I need are found within me. Love, joy & happiness are abundant within me. My only need is to access my resources.”
In finding my new perspective, I found all the resources I need.
Now it’s your turn. Tell me what going through you mind. What are you thinking? feeling? All lines are open. The floor is yours.
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