Early on in my coach training I attended a tele-class on the do’s and don’ts of social media. One of the ideas presented was that every once in a while you need to include a “rant” in your weekly or daily blog posts. Why? Rants get more attention and responses than the good-natured, informative, “have a great day” types of blog entries.
Well, here is my first shot at the idea of a rant. It doesn’t even feel like it is the right thing to do but here I go!
Rant Topic #1
Several years ago my x-spouse brought to my attention that I needed to get over my bitterness and resentment over his “luxurious lifestyle”. Well, we all know that following most divorces, the man’s quality of life greatly increases and the woman’s quality of life substantially decreases. It would be quite understandable for me to be angry, resentful , even bitter about this lifestyle change. I have to thank him because looking at my life from the point of view of a luxurious lifestyle has really served me well during these post-divorce years. I have come to know and understand what luxuries I can and cannot afford.
Rant Topic #2
One of my long-time close friends, a professional manager at a large corporation, said to me, point-blank, “I have never heard of anyone using a coach and can’t imagine anyone paying money to work with someone on their life.” (paraphrased) What she does not realize is that her friends, spouse and family members have faithfully and patiently listened and “coached her” through a difficult time at work because we love her.
Rant #3
Another so-called friend and prominent arts administrator made two negative comments about my new business and refused to even keep my business card when I handed it to him. He insisted on giving it back to me after he dropped it on the ground. He then proceeded to pull out his own business card which I graciously accepted.
Rant Topic #4
Yet another, long-term collaborator has yet to return my email (it has been at least 3 weeks now) regarding a weekly commitment we have had for 5 years. He allowed my replacement to tell me that my services were no longer needed. I am so grateful for the opportunity to focus on a new direction and relieved that the job I was doing is being done by someone that is talented and highly qualified.
OK…that is all I can stand! I really don’t want to start out my Monday morning remembering and reliving the anger and resentment I have worked through on these topics.
Let’s start talking luxuries!
Louise L. Hay quotes Peter Mc Williams in her book The Power is Within You:
You can no longer afford the luxury of a negative thought.
Louise had just received a cancer diagnosis and began looking at her life in a new way. She realized that she could not indulge in certain patterns and heal from the cancer. So the conclusion could be that a luxurious lifestyle is one based on good, positive thoughts.
Just over a year ago I left a position as organist and music director at a small church for the purpose of honoring my son’s choice in churches. There was a loss of income but I gained the luxury of worshiping with him and respecting his desire for spiritual growth.
We attended “the church down the street” this past Sunday. The Pastor is taking a portion of the Lord’s Prayer each week and looking at its meaning and purpose. This week it was about “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. How could I possibly experience heaven on earth? How could heaven be breaking through to earth? How could my “rant” experiences have anything to do with peace and well-being?
A Course in Miracles says:
The way to God is through forgiveness here.
I have the luxury of forgiving myself and others and the joy of being forgiven during my time on earth.
I have the luxury of being in a relationship with my children, a loving partner, friends, students and clients that serve as a “classroom experience” for spiritual growth.
I am thankful for all of you. I live the most luxurious lifestyle possible on this earth.
Tuned In Coaching is Tuned In to You! 