Self-Responsibility

Just because you want the best for others doesn't mean they want the best for you (think "frenemies").  We've all experienced some form of this in our lives.  The big question is what did you learn from these situations in your life?  Self-responsibility is about recognizing life lessons and setting some healthy boundaries.  We all struggle with this at points in our lives in different areas be it relationships, work, and many other areas.  There have been countless times in my life that I've put myself "out there" for another person only to get bit in the ass.

There are countless stories from my clients and students of the hurt they've endured because they wanted to be there or help someone only to realize that the other person really didn't have their best interest in mind.  It's painful for sure.

Here are some things to think about with regard to the people you allow in your life (including lovers).

- Can you tell them personal things without them running their mouths and making your story a topic of conversation with others?  Trust is a huge factor in having the best interest (of another).  This should be a "no negotiating" concept in relationships.  If you can not trust a person consider putting your reality glasses on and examining what the relationship REALLY is.

- Does the person (people) celebrate your success?  You know the person that when you get a promotion they're like "YES! lets go out and celebrate!!" Then there's the person that isn't really excited and possibly uses it against you-i.e. "you think you're better than everyone else."  Most people want to share their successes with people who they feel are close to them in their lives. Undoubtedly, it is quite painful when we realize some people we have in our lives want us to fail or to stay on their level-misery loves company.  Point is NO ONE should make you feel bad about your personal growth, success, and joy!

- Can you talk to the person without them shutting down, tuning you out, changing topics, or texting someone in the middle of your conversation?  People who have your best interest in mind are engaged with you.  They are interested.  The conversation flows and feels positive.

The above are only a few examples and believe me if they are present, there are probably a lot more bad behaviors that are happening.  Often, we turn a blind eye or rationalize the behavior resisting what is right in front of us.

There are life lessons that happen everyday in relationships.  What are your biggest life lessons that you have been refusing to learn?

Do an evaluation of your friends, lover(s), colleagues even just using the above three questions as a starting point for your evaluation.  You will get a lot of information about where everyone stands.

Growth is imperative in life- not always easy but imperative nonetheless.

Expectations.

I read a blog this morning on "Releasing Expectations."  It got me thinking about personal expectations as well as how expectations can get us into trouble (be it any type of relationship, even with ourselves, or situations).  I think there is undoubtedly good and bad to having expectations.  First, the good; expectations can ground us, allow us to envision the future and put us in some level of a productive mode.  All good things for growth!

However, the not so good side of expectations always seems to rear it's head in the process.  Probably the most important downfall of expectations is how they influence real life situations.  Having expectations of how something "should" go is quite possibly doomed for failure.  What if?  What if the situation doesn't turn out according to your expectations?  Do you feel like a failure?  Do you personalize it?  Do you place blame? And is all of this destructive in your life?

Having a vivid imagination myself, expectations are something that I work to monitor daily. I certainly like to do some mental prep work before a situation but generally allow a flow to happen.  After all, you can't prepare for surprises.  This is often where people get jammed up. When a surprise happens that they didn't see coming- HELLO DEFENSE!!  And so the situation unfolds.

I have found that the further you distance yourself from your expectations the better. First, you don't get wrapped up in the "what ifs", second, you don't waste a lot of mental and emotional space, and third, you allow for "real time" discussions and experiences.  Not always to our liking but real nonetheless.  

The fact is that life will take you in many unsuspecting places. Adapting to those places isn't always fun but if you do your best the growth is undeniable.  Take a moment and try to let go of some expectations you may be holding on to. Breathe and release.  Accept the fact that not everything will work out in accordance to your ideas, wants and desires.  And...it's ok. 

Body Awareness

This morning I allowed my body 15 minute to do what it wanted to do.  I sat outside as the sun was coming up, firmly planted on the ground.  I didn't think about getting dirty or rushing to get coffee or what I have to do today.  I let my body direct me. 

As I sat there my body naturally wanted to take deep breaths- I allowed it.  I felt my focus go to my lower back-I allowed it.  I noticed some tension in that area- I felt it.  As I continued to focus in that area I noticed the tension easing up- I allowed it.  My body wanted to lay down- I allowed it. My mouth wanted to smile- I allowed it.  My eyes wanted to open- I allowed it. I stared up at the beautiful morning sky and breathed deeply- no question- I allowed it.  The feeling of peace and inspiration poured through my veins- I allowed it.

Too often we resist what our body's tell us.  The infinite wisdom that only we know, that only our unique bodies tell us.  Our rational mins will often step in and dismiss the wisdom that our bodies tell us.  Our bodies have an amazing capacity to do all kinds of things, like heal, kill bacteria, adapt, grow new cells, monitor breathing...the list goes on and on.  When we listen to our bodies we intrinsically know what to do.

This is the stuff that you can't get from conventional means.  This is information that you and only you, can harness. What your body tells you is not controlled by someone else and if you think it is, it is YOU that is allowing that.

Get connected to your body.  This is the key to knowing your true identity outside of all the information coming at you daily. 

Try it.  Set aside 15 minutes when you will not feel rushed and allow your body to do and feel what it wants.  Get to know your self.  Get comfortable with your self.  Repeat it several times a week.  It's the place where happiness lives.

Apply it.

7 Billion Belief Systems And You're Still Getting Offended?

We are living in a time where you can't say anything anymore without offending someone.  There are over 7 billion belief systems on the planet and many of us think our own is the only one.  God forbid you disagree.

Some people live their lives looking for things to get offended by.  They are often the people who look for chaos and negativity too.  You know the person- they could win a million dollars and they'd still be pissed off!  There's also the people who consistently look for disagreements and arguments with others- the saboteur. You're wrong, I'm right.  Facebook is full of these folks.

I've met thousands of people over the years that believe their belief system is right and there is NO other belief system, not recognizing the diversity of human beings.  These are the people that close themselves off to so many of life's possibilities.  They are closed off from growth, from connection, and from inner peace.

The rigid thinking that comes from not recognizing other's belief systems seldom produces positive results.  Nothing great ever came from rigid judgmental thinking.  And yet so many people are caught up in this way of being.  Sounds kinda shitty?

Think about this for a moment- Wayne Dyer stated "Have A Mind That Is Open To Everything And Attached To Nothing."  That's the problem-we get attached to the things people say and do and personalize it.  We own it like it's our own shit.  It's not. 

Does it really matter what the person is saying on Facebook? Does it really matter what someone does with their identity? Does it really matter who someone loves? Often times these people aren't even in our lives- yet we stand from a distance and judge them.  That's an unhealthy attachment if I've ever seen one.

If the person is in our lives and something they are doing has a direct impact on us (or so we assume) are the offensive thoughts we have justified?  Isn't it wiser to just keep moving focussing on your own life and growth?

 I learned this the hard way on Facebook.  It dawned on me a while back that people have their own opinions, thoughts and behaviors.  It doesn't concern me.  I move on now.  I am secure in my own opinions that I can listen to other's opinions in a detached way.  Something that took a while to learn.

My process was simple- The process that I teach others.

1.  I recognized that people have a right to live their lives any way they wish to live it, say what they wish, do what they wish. I am neither judge or jury.

2.  Ridding the negative people out of my life.  The ones who search for negativity, things to judge, and ways to get offended. I don't need them and neither do you.  If you do things that are hurtful to me, I let you go. Life is too short.

(If you are one of these people, recognize it and explore the reasons why.  If you feel angry more often than not explore the origins and learn with the help of a professional how to let go)

3.  Focussing on my own growth, health and wellness, and most importantly my own happiness.

Voila.  These are the stems to grow your self.

In reality it's a little more complicated than that.  It's a daily exercise.  It's about self-awareness and learning to appreciate yourself.  Letting go of the past and learning to stay present.  Finding things that bring you joy and do them. Learn to let to go of what other people think so you get out of the vicious cycle of "judge to be judged."

Knowing When To Let Go Of A Relationship

All types of relationships have their ups and downs- it's part of being human.  Good relationships have a positive impact on our lives. They thrive, they grow, they make us feel good (most of the time.  Bad relationships are draining and stressful Andean have a negative effect on our physical and mental health. Often times we stay in these types of relationships out of fear, thinking the person will change, or not wanting to hurt the other person.  Yet, we continue to hurt ourselves.

Truth time is asking yourself some pretty hard questions.  What do I really want from my relationship?  Does this person listen to me?  Do I feel good around this person? Consider whether this person acknowledges you, cares for your emotions, willing to change the behavior that hurts you?  Willing to talk about it?

Healthy relationships thrive on communication, mutual caring, honesty and fun.  If you feel negative more often than not it's time to do some serious evaluation of what you really want and whether your relationship is serving you in a positive way.  This is not a selfish mind-set.  This is self-care.  Too often I see people stay in unhealthy relationships and end up sick.  I have seen people start taking anti-depressants to stay in a relationship.  On the contrary, I have seen when people have gotten out of their unhealthy relationships many of their symptoms disappear.

Self-care comes in many forms.  From taking care of your body physically, to making sure you are relaxing and de-stressing, grounding, and making sure you are surrounding yourself with positive people.  Because we spend a lot of time with our relationships they often have a huge impact on our health.  It is time to do a life evaluation.  In the long run it will serve you well. 

Note:  Therapy is beneficial when a person wants to change but doesn't know how. Therapy doesn't work when a person doesn't believe they have any issues.

Warning: A Word To The Wise: Spelling Errors, Grammar Errors and Your Sensitivity

A Word To (And For) The Wise: Let it Go.

If you see any errors in any blog- let it go- Grammar police aren't cool.

Sometimes I am writing in a hurry and don't have time to check.  Sometimes I don't care about an error as long as the point has been made, sometimes I am just being lazy.  Let all of this go because YOU have your areas in your own lives where you do the same.  And, if you think you don't, you probably need a little dose of something called "self awareness."  

I am not a perfectionist by any means.  I process WAY too fast for perfectionism.  And, I am ok with it.

I like to teach people to learn to let go of the "small things."

Let go of things, that in the grand scheme of life, really don't mean much of anything.

Affect versus Effect is small potatoes compared to your health and well-being, relational life, sex life, human interactions, spiritual connection etc...

It's ok.

What Makes a Healthy Relationship?

First, let me start off by saying there is a lot of variation with what a heathy relationship looks like.  Certain things work for certain people.  For example, some people stay in long term relationships without ever getting married. The concept of marriage holds no value for them. However, trust, growth, companionship and good communication does. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this- if it’s working- it works-PERIOD.  I’ve also seen SO much diversity with sex.  A couple that has sex 4 times a year and they are both VEY ok with it because they both have lower sex drives- a couple that has sex every day because they have higher sex drives, couples that swing, couples that are into different sexual escapades…the list goes on.  While these behaviors may be unhealthy for some couples and may make some cringe, for others it works. 

So, relationships are as diverse as human beings.

So, are there some rules to healthy relationships?  Are there some strategies, applications, and skills to healthy relationships- You Better Believe It!  It’s important to recognize that healthy relationships are relationships that bring out the best in you.  That make you feel safe, cared for, and acknowledged.

Communication skills are probably at the top of the list.  In my opinion (both personally and professionally, the couple that has good communication skills (communicating their needs, wants and desires and listening to their partner’s needs, wants and desires) are in a harmonious relationship. And, let me tell you- this is easier said than done.  Most often we fail at the listening part.  With all of the distractions that surround us every second of every day- technology, things that need to be done, our own thoughts etc.  Research states that we generally listen at a 25% level- which means we miss 75% of the message.  That’s a problem.

In my work with couples I suggest there be time set aside to do daily “check ins” and weekly, more depthful conversations about how each partner is feeling.  All electronics put away and letting go of the noise that is around you and in your head.  The art of being present.  Listen for feelings and respond to those feelings not in opposition- because you can’t tell someone how to feel. Respond to those feelings- “I am sorry you feel that way, that’s not my intention- is there anything I can do to help you not feel that way (even if it’s about something you did or are doing)?” This allows your partner to feel heard and acknowledged.  Of course, if you say you’re going to do something you need to do it- that’s being responsible and accountable. 

Then, there are the obvious signs of a healthy relationship- ones that don’t need much explanation such as trust and honesty, compassion, independence, growth, respect, intimacy (all of which need to be separate blogs because some get confused by what these mean. Growth is a great example of this- Growth is not sitting on the couch watching TV together and rationalizing that you spent time together therefore you’re growing your relationship.  Growth is exploring ways to make your relationship better, learning new things with one another, having experiences together that create memories and inspiration.  Growth is learning to problem solve effectively and forgiving each other. Growth is also allowing your partner to grow and being supportive.

There is no perfect relationship (we all know this). However, if you don’t feel happy in your relationship most of the time-there’s a problem. That problem may be within the relationship it could also be internally. It’s important to explore the origin of these feelings.  Often, it’s lingering resentment, stories you’re telling yourself, or your incongruency with how you view relationships (they’re not Hollywood love stories every day).

Emotional Freedom Technique

A couple weeks ago I had the chance to really work with EFT.  After years of reading about it and years of studying (informally) energy in the body I got the chance to sit with a knowledgable therapist and explore this really cool technique.  A technique that I do regularly because I believe it works well.

My fascination with energy probably started as early as my single digit years.  My study of energy started developing around the age of 19 and skyrocketed around the of 30. At 19 my fascination with Carl Jung led me to think about the dualistic nature of thoughts and beliefs.  One that has been at odds for years exploring scientific data about mysticism and the acknowledgement of parts of the brain that lead to things like premonitions, psychic abilities and connection to people and things from distant pasts.  I became and am still fascinated by things which we can not understand, things which science can not prove- which lead to a love/hate relationship with science itself.

Everything from exploring (head on), different religions, magic, channeling energy, to acupuncture, reiki, mind power, past life regressions and many things in between I have been a part of.  To learn about things outside of the mainstream, for me, is another way to understand human beings (including myself) and life in general.

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is one that fascinates me because of the research behind it and the simplicity of it.  EFT draws on various modalities in alternative medicine such as acupuncture/accupressure, neuro-linguistic programming, thought field therapy and energy medicine.  If you are familiar with Chinese medicine, EFT has similar concepts.  Energy fields (CHI) getting blocked.  The goal is to open those energy fields so that energy can flow freely.  

To do that you find your energy meridians.  They are 1. The beginning of the eyebrow, 2. On the bone bordering the outside corner of the eye, 3. On the bone underneath your eye (about and inch below your pupil, 4. On the small area between the bottom of your nose and the top of your upper lip, 5. Midway between the point of your chin and the bottom of your lower lip, 6. The junction where the sternum and collarbone, and 7. On the side of the body at a point even with the nipple (men)or the middle the bra strap (women), about four inches below the arm pit (both men and women) (Dave Gooseman, LCSW).

The goal is to state the problem.  Tap on each meridian point 7 times (go through all of the meridians in a tapping motion). Don't go overboard and hurt yourself- If it hurts, you are tapping too hard.

For example, you can use the word "anger" while tapping, or "unhealthy relationships."  The idea is the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the energy system.  No matter how diligent you are with exercise and diet, if your emotional health is in the crapper, you're going to have some issues.  

For more information about this click the link below.  It is important to not take my word for it- but to research it yourself.  It is only through this process that you become your own advocate as well as well-informed.Jump out of your comfort zone and try it!!