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Showing posts with the label Self- Compassion

How Courage Opened the Door to JOY

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How Courage Opened the Door to JOY Introduction Have you ever wanted to make a change in your life?  Have you ever said you were going to change and then nothing ever happened?  Have you wondered what might be holding you back? As I share my insights in today’s blog, I hope you will discover as I did that although change is never easy, its genesis lies within us -  COURAGE                   Background Almost two years ago, a deeply beloved member of our family suddenly passed away. I have experienced other losses in my life. But this one magnified the fragility of life and its stark brevity.  As I moved through my grief, I made a promise to myself – I was intentionally going to seek out JOY.  In order to do that, it would require Courage.  Courage to change. Courage to be vulnerable.    Courage to Change All of my adult life I have dedicated myself to helping others, first as teacher and then as a...

Living With Skin Cancer: Embracing A Mindset of Self-Compassion

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  For most of my adult life, I have dealt with pesky skin spots and minor skin growths. A trip to the dermatologist has always remedied these nuisances with a quick freezing or a simple shaving .   Unfortunately, over the past fifteen years, the basal cell carcinomas which were easily treated on my back, legs, and upper chest began to surface on my scalp. While recuperating at home the last few days after an eighth surgery on my scalp, I am well-aware that my journey with skin cancer thus far may not be as life-threatening as with individuals who are suffering from other kinds of cancer, chronic illnesses, or serious conditions. Nonetheless, I believe in the concept of shared suffering and in the healing connections which draw us together.   Therefore, my message is two-fold. I have learned that I am not be able to control the progression or the outcome of living with skin cancer. However, I can embrace a mindset of self-compassion. Let’s explore three healing pro...