It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes. – Sally Field
Article written by BridgeMaker contributor Ali Hale. Please visit her at Aliventures.com.
I wasn’t a very confident child or teen. My family moved house when I was ten years old, and I didn’t make new friends easily. I was overweight, wore glasses and had a “posh” accent, both of which made me a target for school bullies. Yes, it all seems a bit silly now – but I remember how much it mattered at the time.
If you read my blogs or even meet me, you probably wouldn’t think I lack confidence. But you’re seeing what’s on the surface. Like many people, I’m still struggling to throw off some false beliefs that got lodged in my head during my adolescence – and I expect that this is the case for most of us who struggle with self-confidence.
Three big false beliefs for me were – and in some ways still are – these:
- I’m not attractive
- I’m useless at practical things
- I don’t have enough experience
Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself. Hermann Hesse
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
There was once a simpler, quieter time. There was a time before your cell phone would regularly light-up with text messages, email notifications, Twitter updates or Facebook statuses. This time has been taken over by the seemingly urgent, but it has not fully disappeared.
Somewhere waiting on the other side of Smartphones, televisions and the internet is a place called stillness. In this place, you will find peace, relief and a chance to re-focus. Finding stillness is not a science, but it is becoming a lost art. Once reclaimed though, stillness can add more value than any modern-day communication device. Read more
Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. – Dr. Seuss
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
The next time you are attending to someone’s needs, or diving headfirst into a project for work or making certain your responsibilities at home are not slipping, do something just as important as these things:
Stop and celebrate you.
How often do you forget, or neglect, to acknowledge the things you do or the gifts you offer? Lost in the busyness of the day is a part of you that needs some attention, too. You are worth the same amount of effort you put into everything else. You are worth even more than what you sometimes give yourself.
So, it’s time to stop and celebrate you.
The beautiful you
Even though I don’t know you, I do know I often forget to celebrate me. My hope is these things will give you the encouragement to take a deeper look at the beautiful you, and then celebrate: Read more
Communication works for those who work at it. John Powell
Article by BridgeMaker contributor Ralph Jean-Paul. Please visit Ralph at Potential2Success.com.
I have had many passions in my life. If you were to ask my parents, “When Ralph was a kid, what did he want to be when he grew up” they would probably respond with a long list of professions ranging from a doctor to a basketball player. Even though I have had many of interests and involvements, communication has a special place in my life.
I’ve always liked the idea of communicating ideas and thoughts. Whether it was through music, writing, art, or the spoken word, I have always been attracted to the concept of communication. Although I appreciate the many different forms of communication, I’ve fallen in love with verbal communication. Great sermons inspire me, creative song lyrics intrigue me, and nothing stirs me more than engaging in a meaningful conversation. Read more
I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time. - Calvin & Hobbes
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
Expressing love to our partners, children, family and friends not only strengthens communication it also improves connection and intimacy. Too often we get distracted by the trivial and forget how important it is to nurture our relationships.
Finding simple, but heartfelt ways to love each other is a source of encouragement for the giver and the receiver. By loving consciously, we discover Love is the force that puts the world back together when it feels like it’s coming apart. It provides a sense of contentment and gratitude deep in our hearts and is the voice that tells us, “Everything will be okay.”
Consider these ways to love each other and help create a world where beauty and grace can fill the hearts of everyone willing to give and then receive Love’s gentle power: Read more
