Speaking The Truth Gently, Overcoming The Weak Areas of My Personality .................................9/26/12

    How are you,

I've been busy.  You've gathered that, I bet. My posts have been brief.  Rising early---at 5:00 a.m, most mornings, attending workshops and aggressively
developing my business has been my lot, and am I glad.

    I've been blessed with many---more than ten---amazing experiences this week.  Right now, I'm unable to record all that's happened.  Connecting with others, at a deep level, is a terrific and humbling experience.

    I'm gearing up for cycling and dining with someone I mentor, followed by gathering with friends tonight.  I'm a bit apprehensive, as someone has been holding my friends hostage with her continual complaints.  I plan on taking action if it happens tonight.

    I'd appreciate your prayers. Yes, yours. If you have never piped up and shared your gratitudes may I ask you to try today? It contributes towards the community we enjoy here.
Gratitudes for This Lovely Wednesday: 
1. I look forward to an opportunity to stand in my power, recovery and integrity. (See the second half of this post.). (See this post or the section, "Time With A Supportive Friend" for more details.)
2. I had a terrific session with a client yesterday.  I was thrilled seeing him take action to counteract his depression. After our visit, He realized he wants to express his strong feelings---kindly, with courtesy, towards his parents. Good for him.  Expressing our voice always makes us feel better, especially when we use nonviolent communication.
3.  Stuart, a friend of more than twenty years helped me yesterday, in several  practical ways. I'm thankful for moments like these. I'm reminded I'm loved.
4. Yesterday, I was in a bind. A local business made allowances for me as I was in a rush, late for an appointment. They stored a forty-two pound bag for me, so that I could speed away on my bike and get to the meeting on time.  I appreciate that they flexed their policies, it made my afternoon.
5. I helped a woman from China, yesterday, making her life easier.  Using people skills, she and I navigated bureaucracy, getting her problem resolved.  Her smile after we were finished was worth the effort.
6. I met a woman at the workshops I'm attending this week.  We're having terrific conversations.  I like connecting with others. I'm astonished at the kindness I'm receiving from many who are taking these seminars, too.
7. I had a difficult conversation with someone I'm doing business with.  I happy seeing us discuss unpleasant details in a caring manner.  I'm mindful of the following:

Like calls to like.
We are met by the traits we show.
Where love will find a friend
Hate will find a foe.

       I see the healing I'm experiencing from a rough childhood. As a boy, I wasn't allowed to express my feelings---you know, children were to be seen and not heard. My perspective was invalidated simply because I was a child, even though I was reading Dante in Latin at the age of ten and studying Plato and Aristotle.
       Applying principles above my personality help me not react, when stressed or irritated. Instead, I stay present.  I'm able to say what I mean, mean what I say with out without saying it meanly. (Courage to Change, p. 207)  I speak my truth, with a politeness strengthened by boundaries and character discernment.

       I need to go. Again, I'd appreciate your prayers. I'm tired and this is the start of my day. But, I wanted  to say hi to the many guests to this inn who drop by.

       Hi.