The Sting and Learning Lessons of Rejection
Let’s face it, rejection hurts and stings! It is something that many would prefer to go without. There are so many facets when talking about rejection because it is such a complex topic.
Talking About Difficult Topics
Talking about difficult topics is not easy, as we all know, nor is it high on our lists of something we love to do. It’s why we call them ‘difficult’. And yet, difficult conversations have to happen for the benefit of ourselves, others, culture, and society.
Patience Shows Up in Many Situations
And It seems that patience continues to be essential and emphasized as we transition into adulthood. Why? Has anyone really asked the question about ‘why’? We are not talking about the surficial ‘why’ of because we spend so much time waiting in many aspects of life. This ‘why’ is more focused on how patience benefits us beyond the surface reasons. The surface reasons being that we wait in line, wait for food to cook, etc.
Stop Apologizing
Stop apologizing. Yes, that is correct. Stop apologizing. How often do we hear those words? Probably, not often. Now that everyone is taken off guard, it is time to explain. Stop apologizing for being you! This type of apologizing has an incredibly sneaky way of showing up, and when they do, and we give into them, we chip away at our belief in ourselves.
Success and Failure: What is Your View?
For most people, success and failure conjure up some pretty specific images of what each is to them. Chances are these images have many influences on how they were created over time. Family may have helped craft these definitions and images. Culture and society may have some strong influence. Life experiences may also have something to say. And this list could continue, as there are many potential influences on how we define success and failure. Once we internalize these influences, they feel like they become part of us. Some much so that more often than not, we can’t tell what is actually ours and what we internalized from other sources.
Are You Really Listening?
What are we generally taught? We are taught that listening is taking in what someone else says to us.
Say No for Better Mental Health
How do we go about using the word ‘no’ more in our lives to potentially gain better mental health and the freedom to not always be busy? We change our perspective about using the word no.
Finding Your Roots and Wings
On the surface, roots and wings seem incongruent. However, together they give us the strength to be ourselves with the freedom to explore but a place to come home so that we are not blown around.
Self-Reflection
Reflection. What do you notice when you read that word? Reflection. What images, thoughts, stories, or memories come to mind? Reflection has so many different connotations. Reflection in the mirror. Reflection in water. Our behavior as a reflection of ourselves.
The Beauty of the Beginner’s Mind
When we watch babies explore their world there is something so incredibly special. They see everything anew and bring curiosity that inspires. Wouldn’t it be nice if people, as adults, could capture some of that magic? How would our world be different? Instead of bringing previous experiences and judgments to our days, what if we did bring that spirit of openness?
It’s Okay to Be Uncomfortable!
There is a reason we love our comfort zones. They are comfortable! There is a point and purpose to a comfort zone, and there is also a point to leaving the comfort zone.
The Power of Mantras, Cue Words, or Power Words
There have been many names for the concept of a mantra and mantras have shown up in many different settings for the benefit of those who engage in a mantra. Sport is a good example of one place where the mantra has been used under the name of cue words or self-talk.
Acknowledging Mistakes (aka Taking Responsibility for Your Actions)
Perfection is an illusion. Nobody is perfect and yet many of us strive for perfection. Certain cultures even maintain the idea that we need to aim for perfection. However, we are human and we make mistakes. It happens!