Here it is, a few minutes after midnight. Spending the night with friends, I just got in. Early Wednesday morning I woke up. My mind and my eyes are a bit worn out at this hour, especially after an intense day at work, moderating a meeting at night, and gathering at a restaurant with new friends afterwards.
I love seeing clients getting emotionally stronger, even expressing their anger. Even when it's inappropriate. Progress not perfection, I say. At least it reveals ego strength, something that many of those who see me often don't have. There's nothing wrong with being upset. Negative feelings are a
gift. They let us know that a need isn't being met. The issue is learning how to express our feelings in appropriate, safe ways.
Today, a client criticized me, twice. Finally. Ya ay! Nope, I'm not being silly. I'm glad seeing this client's authentic nature; it's about time. And the negativity doesn't bother me. Nope, not at all. After working nine years in a psych hospital, and raising three teenage sons, nothing fazes me.
He was out of line and crossed boundaries. Maturity helps when I experience that. It's wonderful standing in our own power, recovery and integrity. His comments were welcomed. They helped me understand his worldview and values."Maturity is moving from a hard heart and a thin skin to having a soft heart and a thick skin." Charles Swindoll.
People's attitudes towards me don't tie me into knots----I'm comfortable in my own skin.
My Gratitudes for Today:
1. Wednesday, I loved that in the midst of a crazily busy schedule I made time for me.
Maintaining My Vision
I had two opportunities to be alone. On the first occasion, I did administrative work. It included making phone calls, scheduling and analytically taking a look at the Big Picture regarding my practice. It was a deeply satisfying time.
Phone calls drain me, I'm introspective----not introverted----by nature. I derive my strength when I'm alone with God. Still, I made the calls. The results provided clarity, connected with others and strengthened my business.
It's also important, getting off the bus of life, really taking a look at where I'm heading. Frequently, life is like the pilot who told his passengers, "Hello everyone, I have good and bad news." He had their attention.
"The good news," he said, "is that we are making very good time. The bad news is that I don't know where the heck we are!"
Today was a great day that where I was able to see if my activity was congruent with the overall vision I have for my life, as informed by my connection with God.
There were some minor course corrections, but overall, I'm right on track. Hurray for making the time to have a concrete vision and for the value of boundaries, that allow me to maintain it!"The mind of man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
2. I'm happy I carved out fun time during another moment on Wednesday when I was free. I camped at the Alameda Free Library and studied material that I love and haven't had the time to soak in. Yep, that's fun for me.
I didn't read anything related to work. I spent time on material related to a hobby of mine. I enjoyed spending time on the subject. I celebrate growing effectiveness, the result of investing time in my personal growth.
Experiencing Community With New-Found Friends
Tonight, I gathered with five new friends and one old one. We hung out at Juanita's Restaurant on Park St. The occasion was like a roulette wheel----I had no idea into what slot the bouncing ball of conversation would land.
I sat back, enjoying the free-flowing conversation. I arranged the event. None of them knew each other.
I barely knew all but one of them. But we had at it. The time was upbeat, positive----a rewarding time. Laughter and humor spiced our time together.
You can't beat that. Half of us were left-handed, that was great, too.
Gratitude Three:
I love thriving, celebrating life and the companionship and community. I can't think of a better way of spending the evening.
How About You?
In what way have you been thriving?
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