Search Blog
565 results found with an empty search
- That Sneaky Culprit...Indecision
Have you ever made a wrong decision or even many wrong decisions? Welcome to the club. Indecision produces second-guessing and doubt for future decisions. Indecision can be a culprit to making wrong decisions. Confusion, worry, embarrassment, and disorder all contribute to freezing our thinking when it comes to decisions. Decisions must be made with strategy, intentionality, intellect, and emotions. Think about how emotions play a significant role in decision-making. I have heard that all our decisions are made from an emotional viewpoint, and then we use our intellect to justify or satisfy our feelings. This sounds plausible in most situations, but not all. In my book, I discuss how worry causes indecision and confuses our ability to make healthy choices. When we are addressing many worries or concerns simultaneously, we ping and bounce from one to the next without taking the time to solve them one at a time, creating a frenzy of confusion and disallowing clarity in our thinking. You have heard me talk about how intellect and emotions compete for the same brain resources. When my anxiety is high, my intellect is low. When my intellect is high, my anxiety goes down. Surprisingly, our spirituality and intelligence are parallel. The more spiritual we are, the less emotional we become. We make our best decisions when there is a balance between our intellect, spirituality, and emotions. We need all three to make healthy choices. When I am faced with this frenzy, I use four questions that bring intellect into the equation to create information that can disrupt indecision. I identify each worry or concern and walk them through: 1. What do I know about ______________? 2. What do I not know about ____________? 3. What can I do about ____________? 4. What can I not do about ____________? By taking time to answer these questions, you can devise a plan to assist you in making the best decision with more data. This is a more than one-and-done task. Review it and keep adding to the list. You can also review it with a trusted individual who knows you well. The last question is, “Is it consistent with God’s word?” Indecision can induce procrastination, hold us back, create more anxiety, and steal our confidence. How are you dealing with indecision? Watch for the blind spots. I appreciate you reading, commenting, sharing these posts. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #indecision #indecisive #wrongdecisions #confusion #thinking #worry #WorryStory #wednesday #WednesdayWisdom #wednesdayvibes #dailyhabits #betterme #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #toastmasters #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #dailyinspiration
- Silence is Golden
“Silence is one of the greatest arts of communication.” ~Marcus Tullis Cicero Have you ever pondered the idea of silence being an art of communication? Our world is full of the chatter and clatter of words that go back and forth. It is so easy to think of healthy conversation as word swapping. Have you ever found yourself formulating a reply while the other speaks to you? I know I have. It seems to be a culturally accepted way to engage in today's conversations. [Blind Spot] Silence in a conversation opens the value of connection. Listening is an unfamiliar skill. Remaining silent can seem counterintuitive but it allows others to be able to complete their message to us. As we listen attentively, it opens space for others to delve deeper into their thoughts and emotions. Silence opens a massive door for expressing emotions and fostering empathy, ultimately leading to stronger connections and relationships. At the appropriate time, silence can convey volumes to the other. An empathetic sigh is mighty and can mean more than any words you can say. Suppose you are engaged in a heated exchange of words, and you add a brief pause. This pause has many benefits in this situation: · It allows you to shift from your reptilian brain of fight or flight into a more intellectual self-controlled approach. · It shifts the context of the verbal exchange's dynamics. · It interrupts the anxious conversation. (Not much good is accomplished in tense conversations.) Anxiously waiting to engage in an existing conversation can prevent a well-formulated response. Pausing gives us time to digest the other's message and choose our words wisely. Interrupting or blurting out a response is a form of responding without thinking and can lead to misunderstanding and alienation. Silence can be perceived as a form of attempted manipulation if it is intentionally conveyed in that manner. The improper use of a valuable tool is not acceptable in a healthy conversation. How about you? Can you use this tool of silence to connect, understand, and appreciate the words spoken to you? Does the other in your conversation deserve the opportunity to complete their thoughts and expressions? Silence is not the absence of communication but a powerful form of communication. Watch for the blind spots. Like, share or comment, I appreciate your feedback and sharing the message. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #mondaymood #mondaythoughts #mondaymotivation #betterme #bettereveryday #blindspots #successcoach #successmindset #counseling #selfimprovement #mindsetmatters #mindsetiseverything #silence #silenceisgolden #quietconfidence #relationships #relationshipadvice #relationshipcoach #choicesmatter #relationshiptips #responsibility #bekind
- Eggshells at work
Walking on eggshells at work represses communication and productivity. Feeling your voice doesn’t matter can lead to breakdowns that can be costly and cause ill feelings. Too many times, I have seen this from both angles. Henry was working on a project when he learned that the client was peeved because of inadequate information flow and the need to be kept up to date on issues that were causing delays. It is Henry’s mistake for taking the easy way out to avoid conflict with his boss. He did not want to be the bearer of bad news. It is difficult for Henry to see his blind spot of conflict avoidance. He was afraid to pass this on to his boss. However, the boss is not okay with hearing bad news, creating a barrier for unwanted information to be passed upward. In this case, he contributes to poor team performance and customer frustration. The boss was so concerned with image and perfection that he could not tolerate mistakes that made his team appear unprofessional. Henry was extremely concerned with how his boss perceived him. [Blind Spot] You can see how this will end. The boss will eventually discover the ill performance of the project and be furious. The customer will be upset, and heads may even roll as a result. Had this been communicated when it was discovered, both the customer and boss would have been disappointed but not to the level that occurred by deferring serious or problematic information being shared. This kind of pattern can be very costly in delays and redesigns. The longer poor performance continues, the longer and more expensive the recovery process. There are severe repercussions concerning customer retention and customer image in the marketplace. This cost is not accurately quantifiable, yet it contributes to revenue loss that can be significant. Which role do you play at work? Can you hear or pass along bad news? Watch for the blind spots. Like, share or comment, I appreciate your feedback and sharing the message. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #counseling #walkingoneggshells #eggshells #fridayvibes #friday #fridaymotivation #communication #mindsetiseverything #marriagecoach #businesscoaching #successcoach #dailyinspiration #betterme
- Eggshells at home
I have talked before about "walking on eggshells." It can be one of the biggest blind spots in a relationship. As mentioned in my previous post, "Who is culpable?" one can say, “I can't talk to you”; the other can say, “Why didn't you tell me?" It is imperative not to blame or attempt to identify the culprit. It happens at home when there are resentments or disagreements, and rather than talk through them, they are dismissed or put on the back burner. Letting it go is a misnomer because it doesn't go away. It creates a frustration cauldron that simmers and bubbles, only waiting for another grievance to be thrown into it. Eventually, the pot will erupt, and a fight will ensue. We often hold back our true thoughts and emotions when we're so focused on avoiding sensitive topics, and the longer this frustration caldron goes unattended, the harsher the next argument will be. Walking on eggshells leads to heightened stress and anxiety. The constant fear of setting off an emotional explosion can affect your mental well-being. It's like living in a state of perpetual alertness, which is both mentally and emotionally exhausting. This can even lead to a situation where you start questioning yourself and your feelings, wondering if you're overreacting or if your concerns are valid. [Blind Spot] Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to address conflicts constructively. It is more productive to create a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and working through problems together, rather than tiptoeing around them. Being able to assess yourself emotionally is the first clue that you are reacting in an unhealthy fashion. Finding yourself anxious or uncomfortable indicates you are in an unfit situation. Now's the perfect time to discreetly establish some boundaries, like saying no to a conversation or argument that's just not making any sense. Making statements without using the word "you" is the key. "You" statements cause defensiveness and create a side argument, resulting in drowning out the original issue. [Blind Spot] Finding answers and understanding rather than blaming can result in a positive outcome. Professional help is sometimes required to reframe a situation for a healthier understanding. Perhaps stomping on eggshells makes more sense. [Blind Spot] Can you identify and react in a healthy manner when resentments surface for you? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. I appreciate your feedback. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication #relationshiptips #letstalk #wednesday #WednesdayWisdom #wednesdayvibes #dailyhabits #betterme #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #toastmasters #walkingoneggshells #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #dailyinspiration
- Who is culpable here?
Have you ever found yourself in a relationship where you feel your voice doesn't matter? Talking to someone who is grumpy, growly, stern, or unapproachable can lead to severe communications problems, and it is fascinating that both parties in this example have blind spots. The one who represents the authority is unknowingly creating an experience that causes fragmentation. The one who retreats is equally contributing to the problem. One of the most significant outcomes of discovering Blind Spots is the ability to hear, recognize, and become aware of your participation in what causes fatal relationship mistakes. This is an amazing process that cuts in two ways: 1) A person who feels dominated may not recognize their reaction to the situation. They may have the familiar feeling that confronting the more dominant person will only exacerbate the problem. This creates a facade of understanding, while underneath, there is a lack of genuine connection. Going quiet, doubtfully agreeing, and changing the subject are communication pitfalls under these circumstances. These reactions create mistrust, confusion, and derail opportunities to connect. They lead to the creation of secrets and conversations that occur behind the other's back. This makes for juicy gossip when you can share it with others who understand and appreciate your dilemma. It may feel good, but it will only perpetuate the problem. When we feel frustrated and someone truly understands us, it can often lead to a sense of self-righteousness. The problem here is someone else (the dominate one) needs to understand you. 2) The person who is more dominant often fails to recognize the impact of their actions and is typically unable to acknowledge when they have offended the other or dismissed their input. This feeling of being right and in control may feel comfortable to them but is an unconscious turnoff. The dominating one is opposed to hearing information that could benefit both. Defensiveness is the blind spot that, if not discovered, will continue to develop resentments that can, over time, fracture a relationship. Being unable to hear negative things about ourselves is one of the biggest pitfalls to healthy communication. The presentation of dominance prevents open sharing, significantly if the other is unconsciously compromising. Both parties here are being fooled. It is easy to avoid conflict. Where do you find yourself, being dominant or being recessive? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. I appreciate your feedback. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #mondaymood #mondaythoughts #mondaymotivation #betterme #bettereveryday #blindspots #successcoach #successmindset #counseling #selfimprovement #dominant #mindsetmatters #mindsetiseverything #life #lifedecisions #choices #relationships #relationshipadvice #relationshipcoach #choicesmatter #relationshiptips #responsibility #bekind
- Can failure be my teacher?
Sam Walton, founder of SAM'S, tried and failed numerous times before finally opening a business that satisfied customers and propelled him to prosper inconceivably. If he had responded to early failures with excuses, blaming the customers, bad store locations, a downturn in the economy, and poor suppliers, he would have been just another entrepreneur in the pile of unsuccessful businesses. How many times did Thomas Edison fail before he became one of our greatest inventors? One of his famous quotes is, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Failure only exists after I attempt something. I don't have to worry about failure if I am not risking. Neither do I make any progress. I have struggled with the fear of failure all my life; however, I now see it as one of my greatest teachers. I don't mean throw caution to the wind and become foolish; I mean be courageous and step out. I am an encourager who loves seeing people succeed. I find it difficult not to want to champion others when failure comes their way, but I'm learning to take a step back and be both supportive and challenging. There is a fine line between helping and enabling poor behavior. Failure hurts, is embarrassing, and causes shame unless I investigate the ashes and learn what I could do differently to create success and avoid that pitfall again. If viewed as a stepping stone rather than an end, it has the potential to be one of the most profound teachers. 👉 I suggest applying the principle; So what, now what? I can quit, or I can learn. I will persist and not give up. In families and at work, I see others who experience failure. It is too easy to fix it for someone rather than allow the bite of failure to teach them. A skinned knee or elbow teaches us that whatever caused it needs to be avoided, or the pain will persist. We can’t let that skinned spot cause us to quit or limit us to failure. I get to get up and go again! It is a privilege. How could I be different? If I shelter myself from the pain of failure, I am blocking one of life's most valuable teachers: wisdom. Wisdom comes from life experiences. I now embrace failure as my best wisdom generator. How about you? Is failure your nemesis or motivator? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. Your feedback is so appreciated. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #counseling #growtogether #fearoffailure #fear #failure #failureispartofsuccess #fridayvibes #friday #fridaymotivation #communication #mindsetiseverything #marriagecoach #businesscoaching #positivity #powerofpositivity #powerofthought #successcoach #dailyinspiration #betterme
- The Golden Rule
We definitely teach others how to treat us in relationships. This can be a significant blind spot so hidden that we don’t even know it’s happening. How often have you said, “I told you ten times to clean your room; take your shoes out of here; put up your backpack; clean up your mess?” This creates a situation I call “not having a voice.” When you say what you want or need but the other person chooses to avoid you, you are participating in allowing disregard. You are contributing to the problem and the reason it persists. Assertive statements are different than whining comments. You are demonstrating to people your seriousness about your request when you impose repercussions for a denied request. If it is not followed, there will be displeasure on their part. Have you ever had someone treat you unfavorably and then do something kind or rewarding to make them feel better? Ouch! It is incredible how easy it is to turn the other cheek and get blindsided by someone we love and care for but is not responding in kind. The Big Playbook refers to this, The Golden Rule, “Treat others as you want them to treat you.” Luke 6:31 Giving and enduring out of generosity might be excessive if you do not receive the same in return. If you allow poor treatment, then you should expect it. Overlooking some disregard may occasionally be appropriate, but continued disregard is out of the question. It is simple to blame the other person for the issue. Accepting your role in the experience, on the other hand, shows emotional maturity. When things are not going your way, look at what you contribute to the situation and what you can do to change it. Too many times, I hear, “They just won’t listen, I’ve tried to tell them, but it doesn’t matter.” It is easy to give up in this situation. I encourage not letting the problem go because the longer it persists, the more difficult it is to get the response you need. Seek assistance, not resentment. Become proactive, not passive. Remember, givers need to set good boundaries because takers have none. Do you expect reasonable responses to your reasonable request? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication #relationshiptips #letstalk #thegoldenrule #boundaries #boundariesmatter #boundariesarenecessary #wednesday #WednesdayWisdom #wednesdayvibes #dailyhabits #betterme #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #dailyinspiration
- Change frustration into fascination.
I may have written about this before, but the idea has been reoccurring lately, perhaps I need a reminder. As Ralph and Robin were taking a short trip, out of nowhere a car comes abruptly from the left lane into their lane causing Robin to jam on the brakes to avoid a collision. Both were scared stiff by the incident and had it not been for Robin’s evasive actions, they would surely have had an accident. As most of us would have done, they automatically began to berate the foolish driver and his reckless behavior. Then Ralph suggested that they turn this frustrating incident into something that was that was fascinating. This became an opportunity to disallow frustration and negativity to take over. They began practicing the art of turning frustration into fascination. Fascination refers to a strong and compelling attraction or interest in something or someone in the moment. By looking for the novelty, complexity, mystery, and potential for learning, it can create a powerful emotional state within, which boosts their mood rather than tear it down. Robin suggested that the driver may have been distracted by something and didn’t even recognize what they had created. At that Ralph laughed and remarked something about using their phone and not their driving skills. Then he speculated that there might have been an emergency and they were distracted by it, ignorant to what was going on around them. They continued to bring up possible scenarios causing the other drivers lack of attention in the moment, some were humorous, and some were not. They began to bring up other situations where they went automatically into frustration and negativity. Wow! This is how easily we can choose the negative path that brings us down and causes us to present in an unattractive manner. By choosing the fascination route, Ralph and Robin were able to bring some lightheartedness to their conversation. It is all too easy to let individuals or even nature steal our joy. Fascination is my new way of dealing with frustrating situations. It makes me feel much more emotionally mature. How about you? Will this approach work? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #mondaymood #mondaythoughts #mondaymotivation #betterme #bettereveryday #blindspots #legacy #legacymatters #successcoach #successmindset #counseling #church #mindsetmatters #mindsetiseverything #life #lifedecisions #choices #choicesmatter #relationshiptips #frustration #fascination #jimrohn #practicemakesperfect #bekind
- The Herd
I often use my West Texas metaphor of being cut from the herd. I refer to this metaphor as being isolated, discarded, or rejected from social groups such as family, work, religion, or any other group to which we can belong. We can cut ourselves from the herd, or the herd can cut us. There are many reasons we can find ourselves cut such as: The herd feels threatened by us in any way. We exhibit moral or social deviance or create threats or inconveniences. Alcohol, drugs, legal issues, social misconduct, sexual, verbal, or physical abuse give the herd the right to exclude. We cut ourselves off from the herd by alienating it in any way. The hazard of being cut from the herd is our need for social connection and protection from outsiders who want to take advantage of us. In the animal kingdom, the herd protects and offers safety to the group. The herd provides a sense of support, both emotionally and practically. Straying from the herd might mean losing access to this support network, which can be detrimental during times of need. Animals outside the herd become prey to predators. Conversely, it might be very healthy to cut ourselves from the herd. If the herd is emotionally ill or hostile in any way, it is not healthy to allow such treatment, even if they are family. I often say, “Just because you are family doesn’t give you the right to abuse in any form or fashion. Just because Joe is their uncle, doesn’t give him the right to touch others inappropriately.” [Blind Spot] When families emit a toxic environment, it is healthy to exclude yourself from the herd. Being emotionally mature makes it possible to choose in or out. How about you? Do you need to return to the herd, or is cutting healthier? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from discovering blind spots, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #counseling #growtogether #fridayvibes #friday #fridaymotivation #communication #mindsetiseverything #marriagecoach #businesscoaching #positivity #postivevibes #positivemindset #powerofpositivity #powerofthought #successcoach #dailyinspiration #betterme
- Dead Right
I was talking to my friends Ralph and Robin recently. Robin was not feeling appreciated and expressed it to Ralph. Robin told Ralph that she doesn’t feel like she ever gets compliments. This is her way of telling him that she is feeling disconnected. Ralph met the comment with two examples in the past couple of days where he complimented her. Ralph’s expressed appreciations were true, yet Robin once again felt unappreciated and misunderstood. Rather than connecting, once more, these comments added to their fractured relationship. I call this situation “dead right.” Ralph was right, but his proof pushed Robin away when I believe she was trying to move closer. In West Texas, we have many caliche roads. When these small dusty roads connect with a highway, the person on the caliche road has a stop sign. If I am driving down the highway and spot an old pickup approaching me on the caliche road, I expect him to stop. As we approach each other, I tell myself that I am right and don’t slow down. I have no clue what he is thinking or even if he is. I now maintain that I’m right and he is wrong, and we crash in the intersection because he does not stop, I am now dead right. Right?!—but for what? The same is true in this situation perhaps Robin could have phrased her comment so Ralph wouldn’t feel attacked. Ralph didn’t have to be so quick to defend himself and could’ve tried to find out where Robin was coming from, show some empathy, and create a connection with her. Neither was wrong here, but neither was effective in their communications. This is a typical situation when emotions are extremely high, and the conversation is charged. It usually has to do with unfinished business of the past. [Blind Spot] Have you ever been dead right? Have you been the recipient of someone being dead right? Ouch! Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these blogs, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication #relationshiptips #letstalk #freedom #freedomofchoice #choicesmatter #choices #changeyourlife #selfempowerment #marriagecounseling #wednesday #WednesdayWisdom #wednesdayvibes #dailyhabits #betterme #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #dailyinspiration
- Bob's Eulogy
Joe's brother Bob passed away. Bob had a bad reputation in the community and Joe’s reputation wasn’t much better. Bob was a hooligan, and everyone knew it. Joe couldn't stand for the last words being said over his brother to be unkind and uncomplimentary. As Joe prepared for the funeral, he decided it would be worth $5000 to hear that Bob was a saint. Joe approached the community priest and asked if he would preach the funeral. He promised to pay $5000, but the priest must say that Bob was a saint during the eulogy. The priest immediately rejected the offer and said he could only preach the truth. Joe approached the Rabbi with the same proposal, but the Rabbi quoted the same scriptural logic. He then approached the preacher at the local church in desperation and requested the same thing. The preacher asked for time to think about it. The next day he called Joe and said he would be happy to do it, and the sooner he received the check, the sooner he could get down to planning the funeral. Joe rushed the check over immediately, and they set the date for the funeral. Joe was proud of what he had done to honor his brother. As the funeral ended, the minister said the words he agreed to as follows: "We all know that Bob was a hooligan…but compared to his brother Joe, Bob was a saint." [Blind Spot] Ouch! “What will be said when it ends for me?” The eulogy is about daily life and leaving a legacy for others to remember us by. We all play roles in life and offer an experience to all those we meet. We are families, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. We are coworkers, neighbors, employers, and employees. We find ourselves in countless relationships. We are writing the script that will be used when they talk about us, and I don’t want to be a saint because someone else was worse. [Blind Spot] What do you want to say about yourself? What do you want others, including our Lord and Savior, to say about you? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #mondaymood #mondaythoughts #mondaymotivation #betterme #bettereveryday #blindspots #legacy #legacymatters #successcoach #successmindset #counseling #church #mindsetmatters #mindsetiseverything #life #lifedecisions #choices #choicesmatter #relationshiptips #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication
- The Hook
I start my day by offering peace and kindness to others. In my neighborhood, I often engage in small acts such as waving to people during my morning bike rides, even in the early hours of darkness. I make a point to greet drivers and exchange hellos with pedestrians and joggers. One of my favorite ways to spread positivity is through simple gestures like offering a smile or holding a door open for someone, or a warm hello. A recent encounter at Home Depot left a lasting impression on me. [Blind Spot] Last Saturday, I noticed a very thin and disheveled man walking through the parking lot, his appearance suggesting homelessness. The words of Jesus, "Just as you do it to the least of these, you have done it to me," resonated in my mind. After completing my errand, I unexpectedly crossed paths with the same man again. Without hesitation, I reached into my wallet and retrieved some cash. Pulling alongside him, I rolled down my window and spoke to him. He paused, turning his attention to me as I handed him the money, wishing him a blessed day. He quietly pocketed the money without acknowledging me or the gesture before walking away. The encounter took me aback, as it was not the anticipated reaction. Reflecting on this experience, I questioned my own motivations. Did a desire for personal validation drive my act of kindness or enhance my own sense of virtue? Did I secretly hope for something in return, such as a grateful smile or acknowledgment that this was enough to provide a meal? It became clear that this moment had become intertwined with my own emotions and desires. I realized that true kindness extends beyond personal satisfaction. It should be offered freely and without expectation. The focus should shift from anticipating a specific reaction to genuinely offering help. Wow! I know this already. How easy it is to make the world about me and not others. [Blind Spot] As I contemplated the man's perspective, I considered the challenges he might be facing, challenges not immediately visible to me. The power of extending kindness lies in its ability to heal, uplift, and instill hope. With every act of compassion, I extend a helping hand that has the potential to mend wounds and lighten burdens. Ultimately, it's about the impact I can make in the lives of others rather than seeking validation or personal gratification. How about you? Are your gifts of kindness embedded with a hook like mine in this story? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from discovering blind spots, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #counseling #growtogether #fridayvibes #friday #fridaymotivation #communication #mindsetiseverything #marriagecoach #businesscoaching #positivity #postivevibes #positivemindset #powerofpositivity #powerofthought #successcoach #dailyinspiration #betterme












