A Thankful Perspective: The Antidote to Despair: We Become Better, Not Bitter .........11/9/12

Knowing joy during dark times is like the sun penetrating through a rainstorm

Image: "Revealed" by Tim Blessed. Copyrighted photo, all rights reserved. 

        It's been raining the past two days.  Stress sneaks up and grabs me, if I'm not careful.  The nature of my work will take an emotional and spiritual toll, if I don't

A Busy and Fulfilling Day: Coping With Stress: Freedom from the Tyranny of the Urgent 11/7/12

Image: "Cumbria: Windmere Dawn" by Tiim Blessed

My Gratitudes for Wednesday:
1. I had a great session with a new client.
     My fourth new client in

The Three P's, Progress, Not Perfection: Antidote for Stress 11/5/12

      Hi there,
I'm bumping this up.  Many suffer from depression and look for counseling. If they applied what's posted below, they'd find relief for much of their mental stress.  Please let me know your thoughts. I wrote this last year, in March.  Here it is:

      It's encouraging hearing from you. Thanks for dropping by, where we share our Attitude of Gratitude.  This is where we

Miracles Still Happen, Even in Alameda: Hope Gives Us Strength ......11/4/12

      Well, today was one of those days----they don't happen too often to me. It was a frightful day, several times! Golly.

I lost my wallet. Afterwards, for several hours I was stunned.  I'm feeling a bit better, now.  When it happened, emotionally it felt

A Father's Happy Heart .................................11/3/12

Because of recent rains, the hills nearby are looking like this. 

    Good evening,

How are you?  Did you have a good Saturday?  Mine was intense, fun, scenic and fulfilling. Can't beat that. More about my happy heart, after the gratitudes.
My Gratitudes for Today:
1. I had an intense time with someone I mentor.  Our conversation hit the ground, running.  I appreciate his

Celebrating Being Internally Referented: Freedom to Be Me

What the skies have looked like, lately. Not the best of weather for cycling. I will 

ride Saturday, regardless. I'm persistent. As long as there is no thunder, I don't want
circumstances to change my hair, and make me look like the Bride of Frankenstein. 

     Good evening,

I'm tired. After writing my gratitudes I'm heading for bed. I have a splitting headache, the result of not getting

Life Is Not a Correspondence Program, Revisited 11/1/12

         Good evening.  How are you?
Go ahead and stop the video. You'll find it down below.
         I'll wait.
        Sorry about that.
        I'm still new at using technology.  I actually used HTML to embed the video below.  I don't know how to do that with the video NOT starting up right away.

The Innkeeper Was Thrown for a Loop. Do You Have Any Suggestions?

      Good evening one and all,

I hope your day filled your heart with gratitudes. The weather was overcast, but that's nothing compared to what many on the East Coast are enduring. Those touched by Hurricane Sandy have my prayers and of many who visit this inn.

       It's great seeing many posting comments. Thank you!

       I will take chances with tomorrow's weather and head over to San Francisco.  I'll leave early.  My guess is that hundreds of thousands will join me in cheering the Giants baseball players as they enjoy a victory parade in the City by the Bay.
 
       I met with friends this evening and was thrown for a loop.  I'm still processing what happened. Someone made a request that blew my mind.

      She wasn't inappropriate, but her request was confusing and strange.  That's where my Balcony People come in. I'll check in with them and get their perspective.  I'm very glad that I have other who help me understand life.

      I had a busy day, seeing several clients. It's important I exercise: it helps me cope with the demands  my work places on me, emotionally. Today's sessions were positive and productive. But, my introspective nature needs recharging after I put out a lot of personal energy, actively listening and dialoging with those I see.

My Gratitudes for Today:
1.  I had an awkward conversation with the person who made a request.
       I stepped back and ended our talk when it became uncomfortable.  Part of my problem is that this person struggles with anger.  I find it best to stay away from others who are emotionally toxic.
       I'm thankful that I did what was necessary for me to have emotional safety.  I'm also grateful for character discernment.
2.  One of today's clients was new, her first session with me. Our time was rich, we worked through several significant issues in our limited time.  It's an honor seeing a person grow, right before my eyes.
3.  I had a good conversation with a friend. I was touched by her encouraging feedback.
     It's funny though, how the unpleasant conversation that I had with the angry person created an unpleasant space within me. That usually doesn't happen. I think I was more vulnerable because of the intense day at work and I'm exhausted.
     I'm glad I know about being in HALT.   You can read more about this subject here.
4. I rode my bike today. Putting in a lot of hours at work has reduced my chances at cycling. I'm glad I made time today.  It helps me discharge stress.
How About You? 
What do you do when you are in an unpleasant conversation? I have my ways of handling them, but I would appreciate any suggestions you have. I can always grow and approve. 

Re-Visioning

       Thank you for dropping by. How are you? I'm still decompressing from the Giants' victory yesterday. I even took a nap this evening.

       I'm about to ride my bicycle. Hearing the waves slapping the shores of the island town where I live, the roar of the wind in my ears and seeing the moon casting its beam upon the dancing bay waters as I cycle is a wonderful moment---I feel connected with the world around me. 

       Yes, I have a headlight and tail light for my bike. In this town, you get a ticket if you don't, and ride at night. That's a good thing.

My Gratitudes for Tonight: 
1. I am rested. I've been on the go, too much so. Having a tranquil home and resting this evening was a terrific way to invest in my welfare.
2. I look forward to a good night's sleep. It usually happens when I cycle.  I think more clearly, when my mind is rested.
3. I'm enlarging my vision.  "Without a vision the people perish."  I've been reviewing my professional, personal, relational, physical, spiritual and financial goals. As the ancient Greeks said:

   "If you aim at nothing, that's exactly what you get."

4. I appreciate the more than two hundred people who dropped by today. Thank you. This inn is here to encourage you and is a place for you to exercise your gratitude muscles.
5. I'm thankful for those of you who drop by and enhance the community we share here, with your comments. I like it when there's reciprocity and mutuality.
6. Tomorrow, I meet with a new client. That's always a good time. I love my vocation. It allows me to use many different parts of me. Best of all, I appreciate making life better for others.
7. I have a busy schedule Tuesday. Knowing my priorities keeps me focused and provides clarity for the day.
How About You? 
1. What are your three gratitudes for today?
2. What is your vision for your life? Where do you want to be in five years?
   
                                   I'd love hearing your answers.

Grateful for Victory, Celebrating Life 10/28/12

         For those of you who don't live in the United States, please bear with me.  I know my enthusiasm for baseball may not resonate with you.  However, if you look at the bigger picture, the lesson this team offers, perhaps you can relate with that. More about that in a second.