Have YOU Got Personal Strength?(God Thing)

I ask this question for a reason. I am very interested in hearing honest and open answers from other. I am particularly interested in hearing from those who can respond without giving away a particular religious bias.
For many years I have known that strength to change and to do the right thing consistently came from a source other than me. My inconsistencies in life had proven to me although I may be blessed with reasonable intellect, I was not given the power to control people, places and things; try as I might.
Through a conversation with a deeply spiritual person (at a point where I was at a low), I was reminded that there was a power greater than me that could and would help if sought, all I had to do was be conscious of it, to connect. This source could restore Good Orderly Direction to my life.
Something inside registered, and from that point on, my life changed. I was not alone in running the show; I was reconnected to a source of help/strength. I’ve never tried to call it anything, life experience has proved to me that it’s real and works if I stay out of the way. I was given a “gift” that day that gave me great personal strength and things like hope, serenity, fitful sleep, renewed self-esteem and confidence, answers “out of the blue” to things I found baffling, an ability to love and give unselfishly, humility, and I could go on. The amazing thing to me is that was there right along, I just needed help to find it and recognize it.
Shortly there after, I was reacquainted with a great piece of prose-“Footprints in the Sand” -that helped me to understand what had happened. For those not familiar, click www.llerrah.com/footprints.htm and enjoy!
I certainly will never be called religious. I do not knock anyones beliefs or religion as long as they get benefit from them. I do however hate to see others push their own beliefs on people as the only way to connect with “Good Orderly Direction”.Each of us must find a source of personal strength that is meaningful to us.
For me, without finding this source, my life lacked real purposeand true happiness.
Recently, after working with a client and helping him in his own search for a power greater than himself, he felt that he could draw strength from “Simple Logic”, a logic that was spoken to him by a quiet voice deep within him. From there he has started to develop a spiritual path in his life. For all, once started, it evolves!
Funny, I posted a blog about this discovery that helped this individual with the hope it may help some who were struggling.
On one of my favourite sites, this topic digressed into a religious right and wrong very heated argument, name calling and I’m more righteous than you type thing. Reminds me why I left a particular religion, and why I have no compulsion to join one currently. I do know that this is the type of thing that makes it so tough for those seeking but scarred, truly skeptical, to find their own source of personal stregth!
I am truly intersted in learning where others draw their personal stregth from, and I hope you will share. It may well help others and it will broaden my horizons!

And Who Heals Me?
Over a year ago, I went on a journey to look at some real fuzzy philosophical questions. “Who Am I?”was dealt with years ago, but “What Is My Purpose?” remained vague.
I went on a real journey to discover what it is about past employment that I loved and was good at, and what did I really want to do with the balance of my working life.
I am not cut out for a “job” job, and love helping others and seeing growth, one person at a time.
I found out from examination and from others that I had been coaching and mentoring for years, had helped many, and have passion for those affected by addiction and those with a desire to transform their life. It’s something I do as a natural part of who I am.
I have no desire to be a therapist, but found I loved coaching. From my sports background, I could relate exactly to the difference a great coach makes to individual goal setting and achievement. The same techniques used by athletic coaches’ work with every facet of life. We all have strengths that can be better used. It is my passion to bring these strengths out in others.
I have gone forth, taken education, read and studied, done a lot of “free” coaching, and have been blessed with a practice that is starting to get traction. I might even break even one day. Further, I have stayed very active in helping others who are struggling with addiction and will go to group sessions. It is important to maintain a “service” component in my life. I am a well qualified coach today.
My coaching clients are people who want to deal very privately with issues and have the means and willingness to pay for a coach. My primary job is to listen and ask questions and give feedback! In many cases, people pay more attention and take more responsibility when they “hire” an expert. Go figure! They are willing to be held accountable for what they undertake. I listen to them intently, and am trained to ask great questions.
Lately I have been dealing with my own “life” issues, and with all that I know and all that I have done, I am constantly reminded about how human I am.
In working with a client this morning on motivational challenges he faces, and listening intently, it struck me how similar some of the challenges he is facing to those I currently face! I actually heard myself.
In working with another client this afternoon, I am reminded that living a great and abundant balanced life is work in progress, and that I will never realize perfection. I am also reminded that the issues I faced three weeks or a month ago are gone; replaced by the issues of today.
I do feels the ups and downs of life, and I think because of the work I do and the person that I am, I have very high expectations for me!
I have a more complete toolkit to deal with issues than most of the people I work with. I have had several coaches in my life, have continuous conversations with coaches and other professionals, and can be pretty open and honest about my feelings. I have tools, but at times can be guilty of not using them properly and getting down!
When I’m like this, who heals me?
I have a great relationship with the higher power that has always dwelt within me and is a part of all that is in the universe. I am on a journey of spiritual (not religious) growth, and have to remember to stop and seek help and guidance on a regular basis. I have been given tools, and through conscious contact and some wonderful people I talk with, I can recognize what is going on with me, and realize that as bad as things seem (and this is relative to my expectations), I can deal with the cards I have been dealt.
But the real answer to my own question; it is you that heals me, people outside of myself, and sometimes totally anonymous.
On a daily basis I get feedback, and love it. People generally are caring and try to be positive.
In living my life purpose, there are challenges. As most who have tried know, building a business, even if you’re passionate about it, is not easy. The collective “you” are the source of inspiration, and I certainly get a piece of “the message” from many.
I have been blessed by people who do give feedback, and by many who refer others to me. I am in the gratitude mode constantly for this. I openly ask for your help to allow me to do more of what I do well.
Thanks for healing me, and thanks for the trust you place in me.
Now, who heals you? Do you allow healing to happen?

A blessed Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

I hope it's the start to a year filled with peace and love!

Waiting for blog feature to return!!
January Reflections –life recovery, addiction help
I sit here on a beautiful January day. Out my office window I see nothing but blue sky and a white ground cover of snow. When I take the time to reflect on what my eyes see, I feel at peace.
It has been an interesting start to a new year, one that I’m really optimistic about!
I’ve taken on a new volunteer challenge with a community organization I’m a member of. I bring to it a lot of experience and a track record of being part of major accomplishments in the same sector. The first couple of meetings have been great. I think I contribute to the overall well being, and in return, get some personal satisfaction.
From a work stand point, I am not as busy as I need (mentally) to be. I’ve been very lucky to meet through on line contacts three people who are struggling, want a better life, appear to be ready to do what it takes and appear to be honest. None of them are on top of their game financially and I have chosen to coach them for nothing; the value is truly on what I get back from seeing others slowly find themselves!
I have continued to blog on my web site and other sites. Through input and help from others, my own site is attracting some members who share, and I value this. My “free stuff” is being downloaded, and that is great. From some of the sites I blog on, particularly sites that focus on recovery, I am reminded that we are all different and not perfect and particularly a few of those who have been around for a while like to see themselves as the conscience of the world and protector of all. It has to be nice to know exactly what values are expected from others and pass judgment. From them, I learn.
Next week I hit another turn over of the odometer of life. I will surpass the amount of years my late father lived. I am relieved and glad that I had the courage to make the lifestyle changes that were in part responsible for me losing a great man from my life.
It’s been a month during which I feel gratitude deeply for what the co-creative process of life recovery has given me, not only addiction help, but the ability to live an abundant and reasonably balanced life. A couple of the people closest to me have gone through employment trauma, and I’ve been able to listen, question, and just be a good supportive father. I’ve really enjoyed my grand kids and look forward to my weekly “play dates” with my three year old- it really isn’t babysitting. It’s wonderful for a few moments to see the world through the eyes of a child. Upon reflection, I am truly blessed.
My wife, who I certainly put through hell pre-recovery, continues to be my best friend and confidant. I can say today that we share “real intimacy” in our relationship; something far more than just physical.
I have a few true friends, and over the last month have reconnected with my closest boyhood/teen friend. The reconnect was one of those positive coincidences, and I have enjoyed the catching up and renewed contact. Having a few friends, reconnecting with an old friend and developing friends in our new community has been a blessing!
In reflection, I also have to remember my Life Rule #1. Life is hard. The past month has certainly come with its challenges and disappointments, its worries and fears. Life is not perfect, but I have living tools today that let me stay in the moment, ask for help, listen to that small quiet voice that is within and cherish the hope and serenity that make up a large part of my life today.
To those who have shared honestly with me both positives and constructive criticism, a simple thanks. Thanks to my personal support team including that small quiet voice of sanity. Thanks to those I worked with today. From that experience, I have been able to reflect and feel gratitude!
As my friend Dennis says”’nuff said.” I’ll let my eyes soak up the beauty outside my window for a few moments, and get back to it. Thanks for reading and more living to experience today!!

FROM THE PEN OF OTHERS
One of the things I love about blogging is the feedback I get. It sure helps me broaden my horizons, and some people have a great way with words. Periodically I get something and ask permission to include in a blog.
Seems like I to get to know the spirit of others through constant net contact. Something I’d like to share from my friend Cara in response to a post about “How Low Do You Go”.
“The important distinction is that you go low enough for long enough to be able to admit that you can't do it yourself.  I lived at the top end of the pit for a long time, it wasn't a great existence but I could just about pretend to myself and everyone else that I was living a normal life.  Then I slipped further down to where I could see what the bottom would look like and it looked like social suicide (probably closely followed by the physical type).  So I didn't hit it but I knew exactly what it was and I knew that if I didn't stop that was where I would be pretty soon.  It has to be said that I wasn't even aware of the possibility of recovery until that moment (or maybe I had not considered myself in need of it until then and hadn't looked) but when recovery was offered I took it with both hands and I was in no doubt at all that my own efforts availed me nothing and that I was powerless, still am if the truth be known.

Believing that the God I had known during all those long years at the top of the pit could and would save me was my biggest problem, why hadn't He done it before then?  Presumably because I hadn't got low enough to let Him.”
Thanks Cara for sharing some real life thinking and experience.
How many let pride and ego get in the way of asking for help? How many are prepared to go even lower than low…….go to death of terrible levels of despair? There sure is help readily available.

MORE-THAT FIRST STEP (forgiveness)
As usual, my coaching mentor, Dr. Randin Brons has hit a very good topic with this week's Idea Engineer.
Recently I did a blog on that first step that sparked very good response. Response indicates that it caused some thought, and I love to do that internally and spark it in others.
Randin talks about a first step to forgiveness, and his words are in keeping with I try to live and coach others in. This week says:
The first step to forgiveness

"To get to forgiveness, we first have to work through the painful experiences that require it." -- Christiane Northrup

"To forgive, we do not have to say that whatever happened was okay. In fact, before we can forgive, we need to allow ourselves to really feel the pain of the experience. If we don't fully acknowledge our hurts, we will continue to carry them subconsciously and they will drain our energy.

To forgive, we need to decide that we won't allow the memories of the event to poison us any longer. We're ready to heal this wound from the past and open to a fresh new beginning.
The blessing is that when we're really ready to experience our pain and we open to it, it usually fades away. By honouring our pain, we release it."

"We must let ourselves feel all the painful destruction we want to forgive rather than swallow it in denial. If we do not face it, we cannot choose to forgive it." -- Kenneth McNoll

A thing all must remember-we don't have to say all was OK; we don't have to be door mats. We are right to feel, but that being said, we have to let go. We don’t have to let bad experiences occupy the valuable space in our heads like tenants who don't pay rent! Honour the pain, then release it; use the head space for something constructive!! Get ready for new beginnings every day.
Have some thoughts about this. Please share them for the benefit of all.
You are also strongly invite to visit our web site at www.hopeserenity.ca and view the changes and get involved. The thought you post may make a huge difference to someone struggling with life issues.

HeavenO! Coach Keith ,
<If someone could take the word "hell" and add an "o" for a greeting, I could do the same with heaven!!> Blessings for the add . Below, a favorite excerpt from Daniel C. Matt's "Essential Kabbalah" <bracketed words are my addition>, which I love sharing with all JasonsNetworker members and will continue doing so ,until I find another gem which expresses the idea of oneness.
"There is one who sings the song of his<her> soul,discovering in his<her> soul everything--utter spiritual fulfillment.There is one who sings the song of his people. Emerging from the private circle of his<her> soul--not expansive enough, not yet tranquil--he<she> strives for fierce heights, clinging to the entire community of Israel <Ireland, India, Arabia, Australia, United States, et cetera> in tender love. Together with her, he<she> sings her song, feels her anguish, delights in her hopes. He<She> conceives profound insights into her past and her future, deftly probing the inwardness of her spirit with the wisdom of love.Then there is one whose soul expands until it extends beyond the border of Israel<Germany, Japan, China, Scotland, et cetera> singing the song of humanity. In the glory of the entire human race, in the glory of the human form, his<her> spirit spreads, aspiring to the goal of human kind, envisioning its consummation. From this spring of life, he<she> draws all his<her> deepest reflections, his<her> searching, striving,and vision. Then there is one who expands even further until he<she> unites with all of existence, with all creatures, with all worlds, singing a song with them all.There is one who ascends with all these songs in unison-the song of the soul, the song of the nation, the song of humanity, the song of the cosmos-- resounding together , blending in harmony, circulating the sap of life, the sound of holy joy."

Blessings of illuminated joy, laughter, life, light, love, peace, revelation, transformation, truth, understanding and wisdom, Zarayah

Today, as I celebrate the day I came into this world...I feel a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for my life, my family, my friends, many blessings... as well as the happiness, joy and love I am feeling. For each and every one of you who has touched and enriched my life in big or small ways...a deep and heartfelt..
<<a href="http://www.myhotcomments.com/">
With love and deep appreciation,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Yvonne<o:p></o:p>

Hey Coach!!  Please remember not to enter your weblinks as tagwords in the blog section as it clogs up the system.  Many thanks for your support and keep sharing your magic with the world.  Much love, Jason

Keith…
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<A name=_MailAutoSig>"To live your best life be true to the YOU,
that you want to be.
Live with passion.
Change your life from making a living…
 to making a difference.
Live up to the reputation that you want to have."<o:p></o:p>

With love, hugs and blessings,
Yvonne<o:p></o:p>

Hello Keith...<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

 “All that Life asks is that you move through Life,
 with a reverence for Life.
Yet this reverence for Life,
 must be displayed in all things.
Even in the littlest things.” NDW<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Wishing YOU a GREAT weekend!!!<o:p></o:p>

With love and blessings,<o:p></o:p>

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1ersonName>Yvonne</st1ersonName><o:p></o:p>

Dear Keith,

Wishing you health, strength, youthfulness and joy , Thank you for being a friend on JNW. Have a great and wonderful day. love k

Hello Keith...
Stopping by with a little cheer for your day!!!

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

With love and  warm wishes,
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1ersonName>Yvonne</st1ersonName>  <o:p></o:p>

Hi there Keith...
Hope all is well with you. 
 
 
 Touched with magic, miracles and laughter…<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Love, blessings, smiles and bear hugs,<o:p></o:p>

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1ersonName>Yvonne</st1ersonName><o:p></o:p>

Hey, Keith!

Have a wonderfully, awesome week!

Sincerely, -gbb www.GlennBrandonBurke.com

Keith....
Today, and every day ...
May you be filled with light, love, joy and gratitude!
May you remember that each person makes a difference ...
... and YOU are one of them!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

   With love, hugs and blessings….<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1ersonName>Yvonne</st1ersonName>

Just stopping by Keith to share some love for you.

Marlene

Keith,

Please allow me to invite you to take my recent polls.  I would greatly appreciate any help that you could provide.  Just click on "Polls" in the blue bar along the top of the page. Thank you so much for your assistance.  Many blessings,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Ashley<o:p></o:p>

http://www.freewebs.com/crystalhealer1 <o:p></o:p>

http://www.mimosaspirit.com <o:p></o:p>