What Moves You?

My dad recently e-mailed me the following challenge:

"In 2 paragraphs or less define what moves you forward. Using as few words as possible, using tangible concepts, argue why you get out of bed every day, and what moves you toward the future …

Because what moves you forward may be what’s missing from the lives of those around you and they are idling in place or wasting away life’s opportunities. Motivation is personal, not universal, but is there within your paradigm/story a way to use what passion God's given you and impart it to another?

“Just do it” doesn’t work when you’re running on empty."

 
What fuel can you offer your friends, co-workers and neighbors today?

Not sure? Coming up empty yourself? Let's talk about it — dig in and figure out what's got you stunted. Let's get you hopeful again! (MAKE AN APPOINTMENT)

Counseling is a Good Idea: Here's Why ...

We humans have an amazing capacity for NOT putting two and two together. It doesn't matter who you are — genius, successful, experienced, academic OR not — you miss something. Lots of somethings. We walk around with blinders on.

I'm no exception. Case and point:

I've always known I was a "southpaw." But, until recently, I thought eating and writing were the only things I did with my left hand. Turns out I brush my teeth left-handed, too. It took me more than 30 years to note something I've been doing for more than 30 years. Crazy, right? The discovery came out of a casual discussion with my in-laws about my left-handedness. Someone probed me about my habits and, forced to think about it, I was astonished by what I discovered.

I think we all do a lot of things out of habit. Whether it's muscle memory or instinct or learned coping behavior, we do an awful lot in life — spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically — without thinking about it or being aware of it. We don't always connect the dots. That's not always a bad thing, but it can be. That's where I think therapy can be helpful — in the cluing us in and clarifying of things.

No, you don't need to know that you brush your teeth with your left hand, but it may help you to know:

  • that you're attracted to chaotic relationships because that's what you grew up navigating.
  • that being uncomfortable is comforting to you and that that's why you sabotage all things good in your life.
  • that you eat excessively (or starve) because food is the one thing in life you've ever felt you had any power or control over.
  • that you drink alcohol to avoid being socially awkward because being socially awkward makes you feel what you've always felt and believed about yourself — that you're alone and unworthy of love and attention.
  • that [insert YOUR story here] ...

All of it, any of it, might help you to know that CHANGE IS POSSIBLE.

I think therapy is a lot about that stuff. Counseling is about the exploration of what we do and why we do it and why it matters. More importantly, therapy is about the hope generated by the exploration of self, life and God — a brand new opportunity to respond accordingly, to begin again … to be transformed.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
— Proverbs 9:10

Awareness is a requisite first step toward change. So, here's to taking the blinders off? Join me for a consultation session!

Stop Wishing and Start Doing

I read once that it takes just as much energy to wish or dream as it takes to plan. Do you think that’s true?

If you wish for a better marriage or dream about a new career, what stops you from planning for it?

If you dream about traveling or wish for happiness, why would you avoid planning to make it a reality?

Something holds you back. That something needs conquering.

“A year from now you’ll wish you’d started today.”
— Karen Lamb

I’d like to help you grab hold of what you’ve been wishing for and dreaming about. So, take a step toward realizing a worthy goal in 2016 — MAKE AN APPOINTMENT and we’ll make a plan together.

In the meantime, download something like the Everest app and start goal setting and step strategizing. "Everyone's got their Everest. Climb yours."

LOCAL LIVING: Seminole Wekiva Trail

We're lucky to have some great outdoor spaces in Seminole County ... and today, I thought I'd highlight one of my favorite spots for being active: The Seminole Wekiva Trail.

Great for biking, running or walking, it's hard to beat the shaded stretch of trail between Longwood and Lake Mary. Lots of trees, a wide path and plenty of art (Paint the Trail) to get you peaceful, pondering and chatty! It's a solid "go-to" for pursuit of wellness, a cheap date day or casual conversation with friends.

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If you were to grab chalk and make your mark on the piece of fence pictured above, what would your answer be?