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Viewing 118 - 126 out of 200 Blogs.
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Scared To Take Chances? Being afraid to try and fail was part of the turmoil I faced before making a decision to regain my life and recover from the demons. I get some great readings, and this one from Hazelden resonated! If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances.
--Julia Soul
Do we avoid making new friends because we're scared they won't like us? Do we get embarrassed when we make a mistake and avoid trying again? When we get our feelings hurt, do we think we're bad, or that something is wrong with us?
Being scared or shy or hurt are all part of being alive. When we try to stay away from painful feelings, we keep ourselves from having many wonderful adventures. If we're afraid to meet new people, we may never have any close friends. If we stop trying when we're embarrassed, we may never learn a better way of doing things. And if we don't share our hurt feelings, we may never find out that everyone else has the same feelings we have.
What can I try again today that I failed at yesterday? Today, my journey has put me in to a position where, after consideration and meditation, I take chances. A year and a half ago, one blew up in my face, but I learned a lot and did the best I could and paid the consequences! Just short of a year ago, and at nearly 60, I took another chance and opened Hope & Serenity as an adjunct to my consulting business. I am giving this an honest and full time effort. It is in keeping with a long time dream and what I feel is my life calling. I was certainly scared, and some of my “friends” still look at me funny when I say I do personal coaching, at times and to certain people it still feels uncomfortable. That being said, I am working not only with people locally, but with people across North America and beyond. While not making money yet, I am being rewarded in ways that are beyond money! Scared to take a chance? Natural. But how would you like life to end with your last thought being I wish I had of?
Do It Because You Like The EFFECT?? I get some great stuff from friends who are in recovery from one thing or another, or just recovering from people and the past. The Following hit me right between the eyes. Can you relate? "Men and women drink (drug, overeat, cut, use sex, gamble, blackberry, and many more) essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that, while they admit it is injurious, they cannot after a time differentiate the true from the false. To them, their addictive life seems the only normal one. They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless they can again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks - drinks which they see others taking with impunity. After they have succumbed to the desire again, as so many do, and the phenomenon of craving develops, they pass through the well-known stages of a spree, emerging remorseful, with a firm resolution not to drink again. This is repeated over and over, and unless this person can experience an entire psychic change there is very little hope of his recovery." Three are so many out there feeling restless, irritable and discontent? Are you one, or do you know someone who fits the bill? A spiritual awakening and psychic change is available to those who seek!
Tags: Keith H Bray Life Transformation Coach Addictions Recovery Coach Life P
Are Your Expectations Growing? They Should! I read something over the course of the weekend that was a good reminder and provoked some thought in me. A numbers of years ago, I was not happy with the life I was living, and addictions were playing too big a role in my daily living. I had frequent moments where there was obvious insanity in my behavior, and things were becoming more and more unmanageable in my life. I was not a happy camper. For what ever the reasons, I made a decision to take action and regain direction in my life. An obvious part of this decision was that addictions had to go. I never understate, addictions were not the problem; they were a solution to the internal pain I was feeling. My expectations back then were simple. I hoped to gain a life that resembled how I thought “normal” people lived. I went through all the stuff I went through and was given the gift of awakening spiritually, and lead through a program that is part of my daily living today. On the journey of life recovery, my expectations grow on a regular basis, and upon reflection, so they should. The biggest limiting factor in my life is me, and as grow spiritually and practice what I preach and teach, including goal setting, things just keep getting better and I realize more and more what life is about and the role I am given to play. I have a right to expect more if I put the effort in. Because of the amount of golf I am fortunate enough to play, I find so many parallels to that silly game and life. On the golf course, I generally play in accordance with my expectations. If I go out and expect little of myself, the results reflect it. If I set reasonable expectations and get a little coaching and practice what I’m taught, the results reflect that. Funny how that works! I am blessed to have frequent discussions about life journeys with people from various parts of the world. While circumstances vary, there are huge consistencies. Most of those who are not living the life they want have low personal expectations, and do not set goals and get the support they need to achieve them. They have not done the work to know who they really are, and address issues from the past that limit their today. They talk the talk, but have not decided to do the though stuff the journey calls for. I love seeing the change happen in people as they become coachable and allow themselves to change- that old get out of their own way! They make a decision to take unhealthy practices out of their life, replace the holes created with a spiritual base and new tools that are learned, and start to have increased expectations that are well deserved and justified. And they work to achieve them in an increasingly more bountiful way. I feel good, upon reflection that my personal expectations continue to grow. Would you like to enjoy this gift also??
Tags: Keith H Bray Life Transformation Coach Addictions Recovery Coach Life P
Can You Help?? A weekend is in process, and I pray that my golf game gets better. It’s a wonderful journey when the worst thing you have to worry about is your golf game. Friday, I played the worst round I’ve played in years, and didn’t even mutter a curse word. I may be getting too mellow! I did feel gratitude for the day, the company and the surroundings! I have been journaling for years and publishing my journals on a regular basis as a blog for some time. I do this as a part of my recovery and enhancing my journey. I have had enough feedback to know that I have people who read this, and have been able to help some. This is a form of service to others that I am grateful to have the opportunity and inclination to do. That being said, I would love to see more postings and comments on the stuff that I journal. It’s nice to get feedback on what resonates and what doesn’t. My program has taught me to ask for help, and I am doing it right now. I have a web site at www.hopeserenity.ca. I would really appreciate any feedback I can get on the site BEFORE I totally revamp it. I would like to get the content more on track and more compelling! I have coached and mentored others for years, and a part of my life will always be focused on helping others as a part of give back. That being said, I have invested much time and money in training and research to develop Hope & Serenity as a coaching business. There are thousands out there who want to better their lives in fields that I can help in, including living free from addictions. Millions are being spent on rehab for addictions, and I understand that wait lists are long. Many are seeing professionals and paying big dollars to people who have never lived through addiction or life crisis. Many just want someone to listen in a confidential relationship and have the answers within. I can help these people find a transformation. I truly believe that coaching is my life’s purpose, and have had the good fortune to have been used as an instrument and conduit through which lives have positively changed. So I am asking for your help in a few areas. Direction to improve the message in my blog. Help to improve my web site and reach. And help in spreading the word to connect me with people who I can provide a service to. I have been blessed in life, and am grateful. While I am working with some clients, I have too much time on my hands and need more work. I do offer a free session to anyone who wants to try coaching, and understand what is involved. So with all humility I ask, “Can you help?” Back on Monday. I have to avoid a computer addiction!!!!
Tags: Addiction Recovery Coch Life Transformation Coach Life Purpose Coach Kei
Getting In Your Own Way. Do You??
A Thought: Limited expectations yield only limited results.
Our thoughts determine our actions, and when our thoughts are negative, our successes are few. What we hold in our mind is certain to be reflected in the day's activities. And we are capable of fueling our thoughts positively, if we choose to.
Positive self-assessment and uplifting pep talks can become habitual if our desire to live up to our potential is great enough. The expectations we privately harbor, be they small or far-reaching, will set the pace for the progress we make today, and every day. And great support helps.
We can greet a challenge with eager anticipation when we've grown accustomed to believing in our capability for success. First, we must expect to handle, with poise, whatever confronts us.
No one but me determines my course today. My success begins in my mind.
Those who know me and work with me know that I honestly believe many are there own worst enemy. And in most cases, it starts with lousy self-esteem and attitude. I genuinely believe that if you look at life through anis, all you see is excrement (and you can easily figure out how I said it!). So what ever you have to do, put yourself out there, learn to believe in you, and grab the gold ring of life. It’s there for the taking if you know how and commit to positive action. You’ll see a far better and brighter world, filled with the successes you deserve! Your Choice, stay out of your own way!!
Tags: Addictions Recovery Coach Life Transformation Coach Life Purpose Coach K
Is Personal Change Possible? Success? - a Couple of great questions that I have come The last day and a half has been hectic but interest! Coaching is all about asking questions, and having the client find answers with. Yesterday I was asked if it were possible for people to make significant change. I asked, do you mean to who they really are to how they live life. To me, upon reflection, the answers became clear through what I’ve experienced and what I’ve witnessed. We are who we are from birth and going forward. There are qualities within that are constant. That being said, it is very easy to lose sight of who we are, which is far different than changing. But people are capable of making huge changes in how they live and act if they are prepared to get honest, recognize their inner qualities, set goals, build a spiritual foundation and get out of their own way. In many, I have seen life style changes and attitudinal changes that can only be described as miracles! And what is success? Each of us has their own idea of what success looks and feels like. I believe success and its achievement changes with age and stage in life. At 30, I thought success was being YPO eligible, today; I look and wonder why that was important. Through being coached and guided, I have a pretty good idea of what success is for me today! I also know that when I let myself get over tired, success in the day is harder to achieve. That is something I will address today! Is change needed and wanted in your life, and really, what will success feel like to you? 
Do You Understand Coaching and The Benefits To You? - A review for me too, and why I know it’s my life purpose. Man, life has been busy and with the different holidays, a little confused over the last few weeks. Days go by, and I wonder where time goes, and sometimes I am guilty of losing focus. Tuesday was school day, and what a great lecture it was. It was a good reminder to me why I elected to “coach” for a living as opposed to other options, and what the fundamentals of coaching are. There are 7 principles the coaching profession, in one form or another adheres to. - Maintain a commitment to SUPPORT the client.
- Build the coaching relationship on truth, openness and trust.
- The client is responsible for the results they are generating.
- The client is capable of much better results than they are currently getting.
- Focus on what the client thinks and experiences.
- Clients can generate their own perfect solutions.
- The coaching conversations are based on equality.
When coaching, an ideal session involves the client speaking about 80% of the time, it’s all about them. The coach inputs when the client gives permission, and the coach accepts the client for who they are and does not judge! Traditional therapy, as was noted my an esteemed doctor therapist who is part of my class, is moving more and more to this model, and I think it is good learning for people involved in 12 step programs. We can find the solutions if properly directed. I understand today why my higher power stopped me from doing what I wanted to do in the early stages of recovering my life. I was so happy with my own success; I wanted to “fix” the world. For those who have tried to “fix” me, I know they found it futile. As I practice my profession today, I must remember this. I can’t fix. Much of my coaching is based on the 12 step program, and for those who are horrified and not aware, the 12 step program was based on the teachings of the Oxford Group who based their stuff on who knows what. Go back far enough; it all comes from the same source. With a lot of help, and much of it from professionals, I was guided to find a way of life that was mentally hygienic, taught me balance, and has lead to a richness of life I could not believe could happen to me. Support and not being judged were keys. I had the answers within, I just had to discover them and be directed. In finding them, I can live them and own them. I am thankful that I was able to discover a purpose for my life, and that through coaching; I have the joy of watching lives transform. I have watched many do major turn a rounds, not just in living free from addictions, but in regaining self-esteem, finding a spiritual reality, building richer relationships, and yes, even some getting career progress and the material trappings that go with it. No one said that we had to be poor; I do know principles must come before material things. They can exist together! Today was a day of growth. Not only did I attend lecture and work with a couple of clients, I was the guest on a Blog Talk Radio show hosted by Gary Glasscock and focused on spirituality. It was fun, and we talked to the role spirituality (not religion) has in recovering and abundant life full of daily hope and serenity. Feel free to look up the venue and listen. You’ll love Gary’s drawl!! There are challenges to face later, but a good day to get my focus back on my chosen direction! Hopefully, not only for me, but for you, coaching is better understood. Look at what you spend on “stuff”. How much do you invest in finding a life you love??
Tags: Addictions Recovery Coach.Life Transformation Coach
Must Practice Principles In All Affairs? -living a life with new behavior in play!! So here we are, at the end of the page, and oh what a challenge. We’ve gone through all this work. We’ve had a “spiritual awakening as a result of THESE steps” and now we have to live the life? So what are these principles we’re expected to practice? To me they are: Humility: and this is very different from my old false pride; Honesty: to my higher power, to myself, and to others; a novel concept! Faith: reliance on things outside of me, and that includes you; Courage: to live as my HP wants me to live, and live without mood alteration; Gratitude: for all that has been given to me on a daily basis; and Service: I must be of use to my HP and to others; not the old self-centered me! On a daily basis, I honestly try to practice these principles in my dealings. I have defects of character still with me, but I do try. Funny, about a year ago my honesty was called in to question. In my own mind I had been totally honest, maybe just danced around the edges on some things. Upon reflection, I came to appreciate the point of view of others, and made amends as best I could. I have to diligently be on guard for old behavior patterns. I invite you to reflect on these principles. Do they make sense to you? Are the principles you’d like to have as a mainstay in your life? For me, gaining them as a part of my journey was a real bonus. Understanding what they are and mean, even better. Practicing them; priceless. Remember what my number 1 book says, if you want what we’ve got and are prepared to go to any lengths to get it, there is a program available to you that will awaken you to a rich, full life without depending on addictive substances and behavior. Back to my female role model and hero Dr. Ruth B, a great model for good mental hygiene is found in this program! In a few days, I will review the stuff I’ve journalled about the steps this year. I’ll compare it to past efforts and look for growth! Hopefully, it all makes sense and I’ll put my thoughts into an e-book and share with all; not as an expert, but as a person on a journey of discovery with no destination!!
Tags: Addictions Recovery Coach Life Transformation Coach Spiritual Awakening
Carrying The Message-Do We? -to keep what is given, you must be of service to others Funny, I wrote a blog for today earlier, and for some reason, lost it within my computer! We are nearing the finish line in this review of the steps/footprints, and today I look at “the ask” that we carry the message. Before I go on, let me qualify! The journal I do is my own take on things, is an open sharing of what is in my head at the time of writing, and is not intended to be a sharing by a guru, just a sharing by one of the “we”. A great benefit for me from this sharing is that I’ve had some insightful and thoughtful input/feedback and learned from the sharing of others. The feed back and honest sharing is appreciated, it is carrying the message!! Since I have been in a position to carry the message, and that was really when I’d completed the steps/footprints to the best of my ability, I have tried to be a part of the “we” who are responsible for carrying the message. This is a form of “service” work within 12 step groups, and work that I am grateful to do. This area of my life is entirely on a give back basis, and I try, within my fellowship, to never say no to anything that is asked of me. For years, and well before a spiritual awakening and the beginning of a recovery of life journey, I had the opportunity to help others in both the corporate and private arenas. That after corporate life I went into business consulting and NPO management services was not by chance. I love being a part of the success of others and cherish the successes people and projects I’ve had the opportunity to work with have had. In life, not only was I blessed with a tremendous corporate career at a young age, but with a great family, good friends, consulting challenges, both private sector and NPO board experience, mentoring of people new to our country and many other opportunities. Many happened when I was active with addictions in my life. I have always used coaches and mentors. The use of outside professionals has always been something I strongly believe in, and I have had the breakthroughs to validate internally my decisions to welcome outside help. Many years ago, even with the apparent outside trappings of success, I knew I had to recover my life. I needed to live free from addictions and their effect, to regain my own internal self-esteem, to figure out my purpose in life. This journey has been possible because of the help of a great number of people, both “outside” professionals (including 2 coaches, doctor, psychiatrist and councilors) and within my fellowship, the help of many who were carrying their message of recovery. I am truly blessed these people came in to my life. I still use the services of a personal coach today, and have the benefit of an association with several highly skilled coaches. My “program” friends are an anchor. I have, since the journey of life recovery began, had a message to carry about my own experiences and the transformation that happened in my life. After completing a treatment centre program, I wanted to go into “rehab” counseling and save the world. I was cautioned by many of the “professionals” I worked with that this was very common among those who have just “drunk the Kool-Aide” of recovery for the first time. It was suggested to see how long the thought lasted! I was told to reflect long and hard before acting on this thought. During my recovery period, the thought never left me. I worked with a career coach, a real pro, about five years ago. Testing showed that my true calling was to be of service to others, and I found something that allowed me to service a community sector for a period of time. My desire to effect change outstripped the practical and I was given an opportunity to re-evaluate. Through the help of “professionals”, going back to school, through prayer and meditation and other factors, I woke up to my life’s purpose, and have the joy of still being very active in volunteer “service” in my fellowship, but also, on a professional basis, coaching others both locally and globally on “life” issues, helping others to quantify and identify their own goals and dreams, and to use the gifts they have been given to achieve and find abundance and purpose in life. I continue to work with others in helping them find a life less impacted by addictions with a true spiritual base. I understand my life’s purpose. Daily, both as a volunteer and through my professional practice, I get to carry the message to others. As it relates to people who have the same primary addiction I have, I do, in my own way, look for opportunities to be of service. To all who are interested, I try to carry the message of the benefits of good mental hygiene, life abundance, spiritual awakening and releasing the power of “YOU” through coaching. I am thankful that I have been able to help clients. I am blessed and grateful daily! Are you carrying the message that you have? If you don’t use it, you can quickly lose it.
Tags: 12th Addiction Recovery Coach Life Transformation Coach Www.hopeserenity
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