Self Improvement Site
On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
On The Internet! Take the Self Improvement Tour
Articles from Keith Bray | Selfgrowth.com
- I Am-The Key To Awakening And Addiction Recovery - by Submitted on May 13, 2008 from Keith BrayI must admit that I missed A New Earth and Eckhart Tolle on web cast last night. I don’t miss Oprah, even though she did a good job. The things that I found in A New Earth, particularly as they apply to addiction recovery, life coaching and transformation, and awakening spiritually are ...
Views: 735(1 vote) - I Have a Reason to Be PO'ed - by Submitted on Aug 06, 2009 from Keith BrayIt is true for all of us, there are times when S..T happens. It is how we respond to it that counts. I love to play golf. The golf course is such a window on life and an insight into the people who play the game. Spend four hours plus with a seemingly intelligent and balanced human being, let ...
Views: 1290(1 vote) - In Praise of Differences! - by Submitted on Jul 21, 2009 from Keith BrayMy Life Coaching mentor, Dr. Randin Brons, Has once again hit a chord with this week Idea Generator. Celebrate differences. "Souls don't have races or sexes or religions. They are beyond artificial divisions." -- Brian Weiss Intolerance of differences always exists in people who don't know ...
Views: 1241(1 vote) - Insanity-Awakening-Recovery - by Submitted on May 18, 2008 from Keith BrayWith a smile on my face, I say, “will restore us to sanity”! It’s Sunday, and for the second day in a row, I headed to the golf course with anticipation. For the second day in a row, it began to rain part way through the golf game. For the second day in a row, I finished the ...
Views: 868(1 vote) - Lack Trust in Others? - by Submitted on Mar 05, 2009 from Keith BrayFor as long as I can remember, I have loved to “observe” people. We are fascinating creatures. Throughout a great business career, and being people orientated, I have seen humans around the world in all colours, shapes and sizes. There are issues shared by all, and “TRUST ISSUES” are ...
Views: 734(1 vote) - LET BYGONES BE BYGONES - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2009 from Keith BrayHow to Let Bygones Be Bygones In working with others, I coach clients and sponsees to find tools and answers to issues that prevent them from having the abundant life they want. Things that prevent us from living the life we want and can live are common. Living in the past and collecting new ...
Views: 3442(2 votes) - MAKING A TOUGH DECISION - by Submitted on Sep 29, 2009 from Keith BrayMAKING A TOUGH DECISION No apologies to anyone. I believe that the "12 Steps" are a great model for good mental hygiene for EVERY HUMAN BEING. Have people had success dealing with a myriad of addictions using the steps? You bet they have. 12 step programmes have played a role in millions of ...
Views: 1542(1 vote) - MORE on THAT FIRST STEP (forgivenes/living help) - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2010 from Keith BrayMORE-THAT FIRST STEP (forgiveness) As usual, my coaching mentor, Dr. Randin Brons has hit a very good topic with this week's Idea Engineer. Recently I did a blog on that first step that sparked very good response. Response indicates that it caused some thought, and I love to do that internally ...
Views: 1352(1 vote) - More on the God Thing... - by Submitted on Jul 17, 2009 from Keith BrayI am not, today, a religious person, but to move from a low start point to a life I love today, I had to understand what god is to me. It is safe to say, at my lowest hour, I was spiritually bankrupt. I was the centre of my own universe and I tried to control all within it. For a long period it ...
Views: 1136(1 vote) - Need Someone to Just Listen? - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2009 from Keith BrayAs I started on the process of life recovery, I felt that there was no one there who would really listen to me and actually hear me. Today I realise there are a few people who do listen to me and hear me; and this includes my wife and a few “skilled” others. Listening is a learned skill that ...
Views: 841(1 vote) - NO GAIN WITHOUT PAIN? - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2010 from Keith BrayNO GAIN WITHOUT PAIN Man, those words flowed from the lips of my old football coach Mr. Fleming many years ago. I still remember them well. Back then, you knew exactly when the pain would end (right after practice) and after playing a while, you got smart and learned you in deed could make ...
Views: 1865(2 votes) - NOVEMBER 11 - by Submitted on Nov 11, 2009 from Keith BrayNOVEMBER 11 May I Never Forget/Gratitude Thankfully, November 11 is an annual day that is celebrated. I wonder if I would so clearly remember to be grateful without the reminder. I am truly grateful that I did not have to live through or fight in any global wars over my lifetime, and I pray ...
Views: 1245(2 votes) - Open Mind? Read On - by Submitted on Apr 15, 2009 from Keith BrayI was blessed a year or so ago to have a man named Patrick Meninga come into my life through “electronic” channels. He is the “Spiritual River” man (www.spiritualriver.com). Over the period we have got to know each other and have partnered on a few very small ventures. Our common bonds? We are ...
Views: 1016(1 vote) - Personal Growth - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2009 from Keith BrayPersonal Power "We are no longer puppets being manipulated by outside powerful forces; we become the powerful force ourselves." -- Leo Buscagli In making dramatic change in our life, is there really not just one thing we are seeking? Personal Power? Ther came a time in my life that I realised I ...
Views: 861(1 vote) - Playing Life Forward - by Submitted on Jul 06, 2009 from Keith BrayPlaying Life Forward (and loving you). Life moves forward whether we want it to or not. It never plays in reverse. The past is past. Over. Finished. Our job is to move with the flow of the present. We are propelled by what went before, but we do not try to swim against the current of our ...
Views: 1257(2 votes) - Seeking a Simple Life? - by Submitted on Mar 20, 2009 from Keith BrayA simple life is something I sought, and continue to seek. I love this article written by my coaching professor (literally), and think many of you will enjoy it too. As you would expect, it is in keeping with what we coach at Hope & Serenity-Coached To Success. Living Life the Simple Way by ...
Views: 1298(1 vote) - SPITITUAL GROWTH - by Submitted on Oct 21, 2009 from Keith BraySPIRITUAL GROWTH (a part of life recovery) An addiction driven bottom as evidenced by the dramatic decay to my closest personal relationships caused me to seek a dramatic change in the way I lived. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and was empty inside. There are questions on my web ...
Views: 1459(1 vote) - Taking Action-Ouch! - by Submitted on Jun 12, 2009 from Keith BrayThought to Ponder . . .Never mistake motion for action. I read the book, sat on the sidelines at dances, talked the talk but didn’t get off my duff to actually dance. I dreamed I was mister dancing king, I fantasized what it would feel like, but when it came time to dance, reality was much ...
Views: 757(1 vote) - THE FACE in the MIRROR - by Submitted on Mar 05, 2011 from Keith BrayTHE FACE in the MIRROR On of the greatest compliments I have ever had from a client is that in our relationship, I was a great mirror for him. The mirror is an inexpensive tool all those seeking improved self esteem have at their disposal. It is a tool I often make a primary one in working ...
Views: 1379(1 vote) - THE POWER OF ACCEPTANCE - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Keith BrayTHE POWER OF ACCEPTANCE As each new year begins, I love to go through and meditate on the 12 steps. As I constantly tell others, while the 12 steps in the familiar format people look at today come from AA, there is no better model for any human being to follow for good mental hygiene. Want a ...
Views: 1293(1 vote) - The Stumbling Block - by Submitted on Apr 22, 2009 from Keith BrayUpon reflection, the biggest stumbling block to get a journey started to a life I am happy with was seven little letters. HONESTY. Over many years I had lied to myself and others, I had been less the honest in dealings with others, and had created a Disneyland in my head which had become a ...
Views: 1045(1 vote) - Time for Personal Responsibility - by Submitted on Jun 09, 2009 from Keith BrayResponsibility brings power. "To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist." -- Gail Sheehy Time spent on my personal co-creative process of recovering a life that I knew was meant for me opens my eyes to truths on a continuous basis. One of these truths is that for my ...
Views: 1047(1 vote) - WALK.DON'T RUN. - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2010 from Keith BrayWALK. DON'T RUN Another reading reminded me of the title of one of those great old songs from my past- "Walk. Don’t Run". Who did that one? The Ventures I certainly remember when I finally accepted that my life needed major change, and found the courage to go out and get the help I needed to ...
Views: 1400(2 votes) - WANT A USEFUL LIFE? - by Submitted on Jan 04, 2010 from Keith BrayWant A Useful Life? Well, here I sit well into a new year. Over this period, I love to take time to reflect back, look at journals that go back many years, and appreciate the journey that has unfolded and what was the underlying motivation to take the journey I continue on. To the headline ...
Views: 1466(2 votes) - What Does Sobriety Mean? - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2009 from Keith BrayWHAT DOES SOBRIETY REALY MEAN? WHAT IS SUCCESS? When people hear the word sobriety, they automatically think of freedom from alcohol. When I was finally ready to accept my life was being negatively impacted by the over and improper use of alcohol, sobriety meant exactly that-freedom from ...
Views: 8962(1 vote) - What Is Life Coaching?(The Key To A Big Life) - by Submitted on May 20, 2008 from Keith BraySo You Want the “Big Life”? Getting it through coaching Written by Gary Glasscock and Keith Bray Whether it is in life, sports, fitness, career, relationships, health, or executive performance, more and more people are turning to personal coaches to help them achieve goals they set ...
Views: 913(1 vote) - WHERE TO FIND SERENITY - by Submitted on Jul 23, 2009 from Keith BrayWHERE TO FIND SERENITY I'm sitting here on a rainy Thursday morning, at peace with the world. I was to have played in a golf tournament this morning, and was quite looking forward to it. In days a decade and a half ago, having the event canceled by rain would have ticked me off and disrupted ...
Views: 1436(1 vote) - Why Am I...? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2009 from Keith BrayA Moment of Clarity Ever have occurrences and thoughts in your life that seem to come out of nowhere, then reoccur over a period of time? I have been going through just that over the past few weeks. In my line of work, I see many people struggling to get a new life and grow in a new direction. ...
Views: 790(1 vote) - You Want The Big Life? - by Submitted on May 12, 2008 from Keith BraySo You Want the Big Life???? Getting it through coaching Written by Gary Glasscock and Keith Bray Whether it is in life, sports, fitness, career, relationships, health, or executive performance, more and more people are turning to personal coaches to help them achieve goals they set for ...
Views: 780(1 vote) - WILL THEY FIND OUT? (Or do they already know?) - by Submitted on Nov 05, 2009 from Keith BrayWILL THEY FIND OUT? (Or do they know?) I sit here today a relatively content man. That is the result of a journey to change that I found the courage to start some 15 years ago. Today, the constant worry about will they find out or even worse, do they already know is gone. What a ...
Views: 1243(4 votes) - Family Relationships - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Keith BrayHow many of us have been negatively effected by bad family relationships- past or current? There is no required school for parenting, and we don't choose our families. In my own case, family relationships had a huge impact on the negative feelings I had toward myself; and these started way ...
Views: 1656(2 votes) - Please like me? - by Submitted on Jul 28, 2009 from Keith BrayPLEASE LIKE ME? I don’t know how many years I went through life deep down just wanting people to like me. Can you relate? As a kid, I had friends, but never felt that I was anyone’s “best friend”. I longed to be the person who got that first phone call or had people knocking at my door on ...
Views: 1265(4 votes) - GET REAL (with expectations) - by Submitted on Oct 05, 2009 from Keith BrayGET REAL (with expectations) Another one of those readings that struck a chord, and reminded me of universal truths in life and recovering an abundant life! I am a very avid golfer; some have even accused me of being addicted to the sport. Funny, what I really like about golf is the ...
Views: 777(3 votes) - A SPIRITUAL LIFESTYLE - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2009 from Keith BrayA Spiritual (not religious) Lifestyle Thought to Ponder . . .True religion is the life we lead, not the creed we profess. As I made a decision to do something about my life as it was back in 1994, early on I had the GOD thing thrown at me. Like most, I had attended Sunday school as a kid and at ...
Views: 1627(1 vote) - AN EXPECTATION/PROMISE - by Submitted on Jun 30, 2009 from Keith BrayAN EXPECTATION/PROMISE You have decided to work hard on rebuilding a life that you are happy with. You understand the process ahead of you and realise that it will require commitment and hard work. You have set some goals. It is time to act, but you have normal fear about making big changes. ...
Views: 1479(2 votes) - Being Genuine - by Submitted on May 25, 2009 from Keith Bray"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson R.W. Emerson certainly must have known me in a past life. I spent a four decades trying to be who I thought you wanted me to be, and no one, and ultimately ...
Views: 1448(1 vote) - Getting it Up! - by Submitted on Mar 01, 2009 from Keith BrayAlways good to read something from Norman Vincent Peale, the king of positive thinkers! I know a ton of people in my life who can find a negative in almost anything, they are the "king" of BUTS. Yes, But. Heard the phrase? I've been in that space also. Normal (what's "normie"-seperate ...
Views: 847(1 vote) - Learn to Be Aware - by Submitted on Apr 14, 2009 from Keith BrayLearning to be aware of who we are and why a tremendous part of a recovery of life journey is. To do this, there is nothing better than a thorough working of the 4th step of the 12 steps. Going forward, we must make sure we stay in contact with “self” in an honest fashion each and every day. We ...
Views: 982(1 vote) - Must Practice Principles In All Affairs? - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2008 from Keith Bray-living a life with new behavior in play!! So here we are, at the end of the page, and oh what a challenge. We’ve gone through all this work. We’ve had a “spiritual awakening as a result of THESE steps” and now we have to live the life? So what are these principles ...
Views: 1190(1 vote) - Out of Balance? - by Submitted on Aug 25, 2009 from Keith BrayDick Cavett was quoted as saying "It is a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn't want to hear" and Oscar Wilde said "To love ones self is the beginning of a lifelong romance”. Emerson said "Where there is no vision, people perish". I hit a point in my life where balance became a real ...
Views: 1309(1 vote) - MASSIVE INSECURITY - by Submitted on Sep 03, 2009 from Keith BrayMASSIVE INSECURITY I just read an article by a writer named Lisa Kogan on this topic. It was a great reminder that massive insecurity is an affliction suffered by a huge cross section of the entire population. We with addictions think it is unique to us. I have believed for years that while ...
Views: 1934(3 votes) - TIME to BLOSSOM - by Submitted on Oct 06, 2009 from Keith BrayTime to blossom "The voice of our original self is often muffled, overwhelmed, even strangled, by the voices of other people's expectations." -- Julie Cameron Ah, the expectations of others. They had a huge (negative) impact on my life, how about yours? I lived many years feeling that I had ...
Views: 1268(2 votes) - HOLISTIC HEALTH/BALANCE - by Submitted on Oct 13, 2009 from Keith BrayHOLISTIC HEALTH/BALANCE “Health is wholeness and balance, an inner resilience that allows you to meet the demands of living without being overwhelmed.” — Andrew Weil, MD Health is wholeness, and health is multi-faceted. When major areas of health are addressed, balance results. With an MD ...
Views: 1497(1 vote) - "The" Key to Life - by Submitted on Jan 19, 2009 from Keith BrayIn a search to get a life I wanted, I began a journey. There were a number of things out of whack when the journey started. My wife had moved to an apartment leaving me in the home with our late teen kids, the kids kept their distance, the dog kept his also, my company was under performing, ...
Views: 659 - 12 Steps - Life Going Forward| - by Submitted on Jan 13, 2009 from Keith BrayAfter we have worked the 12 steps to the best of our ability, we have started a journey that offers unlimited potential. What we do from here is critical. We have made tremendous change in our life. We have begun the practice of good mental hygiene and are humbly confidant in who we are. We ...
Views: 1110 - A Dilemma- "WANT" vs. "NEED" - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Keith BrayA Dilemma-“WANT” vs. “NEED” Things are said and life issues sometimes converge, and really cause the mind to ponder. I have just gone through a situation like that, and it relates to work life/career equally to life recovery, life transformation and getting addiction help. There is a huge ...
Views: 1628 - A DUCK. WHO ME? - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2011 from Keith BrayA DUCK? WHO ME? One of the joys of living in the times we do is the internet. It gives us a huge access to information and people. Through the site www.myrecoveryspace.com, I have had the good fortune of befriending Dennis S. in the California desert. Dennis writes a lot of things I can relate ...
Views: 1714 - A NIGHT OF HOPE - by Submitted on Sep 30, 2010 from Keith BrayA NIGHT OF HOPE Every now and again, we can all use a “shot” of hope. Last night was a great one for me. With all the stats that I keep seeing on addiction recovery, the exploits of people like Lindsay Lohan and the “name” athletes and celebs we are bombarded with and the tough times we are ...
Views: 1454 - Accepting Change - by Submitted on Dec 21, 2008 from Keith BrayChange is a word we hear oh so often. Whether we like it or not, things are going to change; we can influence how they change, and whether the change has positive direction for our life. There is much that directly affects our own well being that is within our control. When the journey to a new ...
Views: 8964 - ACCEPTING-VERY HARD - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Keith BrayADMITTING-VERY HARD Admitted to God (Good Orderly Direction source), to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.-12 steps/5th step Admitting can be such a big word and a very hard thing to do. When looking thoroughly at myself and my past, I unearthed many things I ...
Views: 1629