Encouraging Blossoms of AchievementWritten by Steve Brunkhorst
The tiny dogwood sapling was only a twig when my mother planted it years ago. At age four, with a red wagon and bucket, I was happy to carry water to anything that grew, even to full grown, flowering apple trees in my grandfather's orchard.Thrilled with promise of a flowering dogwood, I happily nourished new sapling with both water and anticipation. Yet weeks later, to my naive impatience, there were no flowers. Greek philosopher Epictetus, said, "No great thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen." Eventually, we get back what we give away. Today, after caring for my dogwood tree year after year, it brightens spring with glorious blossoms and flowers. There is potential for beautiful blossoms within each unique human being. Like myriad varieties of flowering plants, some will bloom early, some later. Both are on schedule. Yet people need inner confidence, faith, and nourishment of encouragement to thrive.
| | Get To Know YourselfWritten by Kimberly Fulcher
Eight Baby Steps To Knowing Your “Self”Who are you? What do you stand for? What do you believe in? What engages your passion? What brings tears of gratitude and joy to your eyes? Do you know, or have you lost yourself? In my work as a professional coach, I’ve helped many people rediscover themselves. The first step on road to rediscovery involves spending time with you, which is why I liken process to dating yourself. When you began dating your last partner or person you share your life with, didn’t you move heaven and earth to make time for them? When you were with them, didn’t you go out of your way to get to know them? What if you were to take a similar approach to rediscovering yourself? Here are some “baby steps” you can take to get reacquainted with yourself. Journal Writing your thoughts on paper can be profound. The process of journaling can support you in learning about what you’re afraid of, what you’re passionate about, and what you aspire to. Buy yourself a beautiful notebook, and a pen you enjoy writing with. Find 20 quiet minutes in your day, and steal away to a comfortable place in your home. Begin your process by writing as if you were talking with yourself. Write about how you’re feeling, what’s bothering or exciting you, or day ahead of you, or answer questions from books or personal development programs you’ve been reading. Remember that your journal can be messy and illegible. It’s for your eyes only, and doesn’t need to be presentable. Enjoy process of establishing a connection with you through written word. Meditate Meditation is not about attaining a state of emptiness while sitting in lotus position. It’s about observing yourself in present moment. Find 10 quiet moments in your day, and sit comfortably. Your goal should be to “empty” yourself of any anxiety or worry. Focus on your breath, and allow thoughts that enter your mind to be there. Acknowledge them, but don’t focus on understanding what they mean, or solving any problems. Just allow yourself to be still. Move There are numerous studies documenting physical and emotional benefits of moving your body. Exercise can be a meditation in and of itself. If you’re type of person who has a really hard time slowing down, this may be a great way for you to begin committing to time to be with yourself.
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