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Articles from Keith Bray | Selfgrowth.com
- HUMILITY:A TOUGH CONCEPT - by Submitted on Feb 26, 2010 from Keith BrayHUMILITY: TOUGH CONCEPT Every time I get a good reading focused around humility, it causes me to reflect back. I can remember back to the time when I was sure humility had something to do with humiliation, and gosh knows that my life style had caused enough of that. I was not openly boastful ...
Views: 1507 - Ego And Addictions - by Submitted on Sep 19, 2008 from Keith BrayI am a believer that things happen for a reason, and people come in to your life when they should. I have talked in past blogs about my friend Patrick and the great Spiritual River daily blog he does. I look forward to a full collaborative “thing” with him. Who knows where it may ...
Views: 1501 - The Courage to Change - by Submitted on Mar 16, 2011 from Keith BrayTHE COURAGE TO CHANGE Courage: The power to let go of the familiar. --Raymond Lindquist Letting go of the familiar really does require courage. Why? Very simply, the thought of change evokes fear. Fear of what? Only YOU can answer for you. Let me pose three very simple questions to you. If ...
Views: 1498(1 vote) - 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) - BE TRUE TO SELF! - by Submitted on Nov 04, 2010 from Keith BrayBE TRUE TO SELF! And this above all, to thine own self be true. And it must follow as night the day, thou canst not be false to any man. --Shakespeare "To thine own self be true." "Live the life you were meant to live." "Be the person you were meant to be." These statements convey a ...
Views: 1493(1 vote) - SABOTAGING SUCCESS - by Submitted on Dec 20, 2010 from Keith BraySABOTAGING SELF? How are you sabotaging yourself? "If you play it safe in life you've decided that you don't want to grow any more." -- Shirley Hufstedler How are you sabotaging you’re potential for change? We unconsciously use defense mechanisms to shield us from situations we perceive ...
Views: 1490 - TOP 10 REASONS I USE - by Submitted on Sep 16, 2010 from Keith BrayTOP TEN REASONS I USE From my friend Patrick Meninga at “Spiritual River”, I want to share this article with you. If you see yourself in it, you need to talk with someone before you become a statistic! The Top 10 Excuses that Addicts and Alcoholics Use to Justify Their Addiction – and Why it ...
Views: 1490 - 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) - SELF-RESPECT = SELF-ESTEEM. Want some? - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2011 from Keith BraySelf respect = Self esteem Last week I had the opportunity to talk with you a little bit about the meaning of RESPECT. Ultimately, in the addiction world, we have to add SELF into the equation. How important is self respect/self esteem and have I got it?I have had the opportunity to ...
Views: 1478 - 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) - 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) - 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 - Ever Taken Inventory Of You?? - by Submitted on Jun 10, 2008 from Keith BrayOften in my life I have been guilty of taking the inventory of others! In my journey of recovery, I was asked to take an inventory of myself. That was different. I had found myself at 46 with no idea of who I was or how I became the sad person that I was. As I got into a program of recovery for ...
Views: 1453 - THE SECRET ABOUT SECRETS - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2010 from Keith BrayTHE SECRET ABOUT SECRETS "Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets. ~ Paul Tournier ~ Paul Tournier is arguably the world’s most spiritual physician. A Swiss doctor, his practise has impacted people world wide. If a renowned person like Dr. Tournier appreciates the power of secrets; the ...
Views: 1453(3 votes) - ASKING FOR HELP - by Submitted on Nov 11, 2010 from Keith BrayASKING FOR HELP We roll into a new week, and I look forward to it! Interesting things happened last week, one in particular that reminded me that I have no control over people in my life, particularly my adult children. While I can’t control them, I am amazed, with all the work I have done on ...
Views: 1452 - RESPECT-ask Aretha;it's important - by Submitted on Feb 19, 2011 from Keith BrayTHE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECT in RECOVERY Quotes about respect When I was asked to do an article on respect, my thoughts immediately flashed to Aretha Franklin’s 1967 theme for the feminist movement- “R.E.S.P.E.C.T”.- which upon examination of the lyrics, tells us that she will do anything in ...
Views: 1449 - 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) - A FREE GIFT-LIFE CHANGING-NO STRINGS - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2011 from Keith BrayWANT A SHOT OF HOPE? (How’s Your Spiritual Life?) Someone sees that word “spiritual” and the mind says “oh no, more religious crap”. That someone, back then, was me. For those who are familiar with my blogs, you’ll know I like simplicity and often turn to the good book written by Mr. Webster ...
Views: 1442(1 vote) - AND WHO HEALS ME? - by Submitted on Jan 29, 2010 from Keith BrayAnd Who Heals Me? Over a year ago, I went on a journey to look at some real fuzzy philosophical questions. “Who Am I?”was dealt with years ago, but “What Is My Purpose?” remained vague. I went on a real journey to discover what it is about past employment that I loved and was good at, and what ...
Views: 1442(3 votes) - BECOME SELF AWARE! - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2011 from Keith BraySELF AWARE As I went through life, I lost a sense of who I was; I was not aware of certain behaviour patterns and thought patterns that were occurring in my life. I certainly was aware of the patterns of others that I was in frequent contact with, and as we all know, sometimes the behaviours ...
Views: 1441(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) - 2011-POSITIVE CHANGES? - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Keith Bray2011-POSITIVE CHANGES? May you LIVE all the days of your life-Johnathan Swift Another new year. Another year entered into with the best of intentions. Ever look back and really measure the changes you planned to make in 2010 and where you sit today? For most, their resolutions are but a ...
Views: 1428(1 vote) - First Steps-Do You Remember? - by Submitted on Jun 06, 2008 from Keith BrayMy parents and family have told me about my first steps. I certainly don’t remember them, but I am told I was an “early” walker. Seems I was early at trying a lot of things-booze, girls, dope, motorcycles, lying, stealing, cheating! I was not early getting into a journey of ...
Views: 1423 - How Do You Work with Anger While in Recovery? - by Submitted on Aug 17, 2009 from Keith Bray"Character isn't inherited. One builds it daily by the way one thinks and acts, thought by thought, action by action. If one lets fear or hate or anger take possession of the mind, they become self-forged chains." -- Helen Douglas How do you feel about anger, in yourself and in others? How do ...
Views: 1421(1 vote) - RENEWING YOUR MIND - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Keith BrayDO YOU THINK THINGS OUT? So, you want to transform your life from where it is today to something much different, something you know inside that life should be for you. If that be the case, do you truly think things out? I am not a follower of any religion but have read many “great” books ...
Views: 1418(1 vote) - Sitting In Judgement - by Submitted on Dec 14, 2010 from Keith BraySITTING IN JUDGEMENT No judgment Everything in life holds both a blessing and a curse. We deny this when we label the events of our lives as either good or bad. The following old Zen story illustrates this lesson most effectively. A farmer had a horse but one day, the horse ran away and so ...
Views: 1417 - FISHING POLE-FOOD FOR LIFE - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2011 from Keith BrayFISHING POLE-FOOD FOR LIFE Yesterday, I had posted something that asked for input and answers to a couple of specific questions. I am still looking for more input, and thanks to those of you who did respond. I got one great reminder and I have to remember it, and it may be a great reminder for ...
Views: 1400 - 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) - THINK YOUR TOUGH? - by Submitted on May 05, 2010 from Keith BrayTHINK YOUR TOUGH? Real Tough People Show Feelings Alex Karras was a hard nosed football player. In his day, if you looked up “tough” in a dictionary you might have found his picture. Alex on “tough”: It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to ...
Views: 1399 - Maybe An Addiction Problem? - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Keith BrayDo you have an addiction problem? You’re reading this because you are looking for information about “addictions”. I address this to two groups of people in particular. * The person who thinks s/he has a problem. * The person trying to drink/drug/behave in moderation. Many are here because ...
Views: 1391 - TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE - by Submitted on Jul 13, 2010 from Keith BrayI am reminded by fellow coach Phil Evans of the following truth. The most common 'theme' that I introduce to new clients when working in the Life Coaching realm, is the critical importance of being true to oneself! It's just so darned easy to get into doing everything for everybody else, but ...
Views: 1386 - Self-Reflection - by Submitted on Jul 22, 2008 from Keith Bray-we all need it So far, it’s been a really interesting day. Things are now quiet, and I am reflecting on a few things that have happened lately. In response to one of my journals, I got some very constructive feed back on content and approach, and some constructive feedback on my web site ...
Views: 1382 - 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) - In My Head-And Not Paying Rent - by Submitted on Aug 19, 2008 from Keith BrayFor a number of years, I have been told resentments will tear me apart if I don’t deal with them. I was told, and it remains true today, that resentments are like a tenant in an apartment building who occupy space but pay no rent. The space in my head is at a premium, and I need it to be ...
Views: 1377 - AN APPROACH TO TODAY - by Submitted on Mar 16, 2010 from Keith BrayAN APPROACH TO TODAY Once again, along comes my coaching mentor Dr. Randin Brons with another Idea Engineer. Thought provoking. Couple this approach with the question you should ask each day about actions you are contemplating –“How important is it?”- and your days may become a pleasant dance ...
Views: 1375(2 votes) - DO YOU OWN YOUR LIFE? - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Keith BrayDo you own your life? "The meaning of life is to give life meaning." -- Ken Hudgins When we own our lives, we accept what we've inherited and the experiences we hold in our memories. We also claim our right to create new conditions if we're not happy with what's come before. We assume ...
Views: 1373 - Carrying The Message-Do We? - by Submitted on Jul 07, 2008 from Keith Bray-to keep what is given, you must be of service to others Funny, I wrote a blog for today earlier, and for some reason, lost it within my computer! We are nearing the finish line in this review of the steps/footprints, and today I look at “the ask” that we carry the message. Before I ...
Views: 1363 - Life Out of Whack? H.A.L.T. - by Submitted on Feb 15, 2011 from Keith BrayLife Out of Whack? H.A.L.T. Today is February 9, 2011 and it is mental health awareness day in Canada. A reminder to all, 20% of the total population suffers from a “mental health” issue in their life. Be aware of it, and if you are in that 20%, have the courage to seek help. There are no ...
Views: 1355 - 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) - SPIRITUALITY-SOME THOUGHTS - by Submitted on Apr 06, 2011 from Keith BraySPIRITUALITY-SOME THOUGHTS I work with people who simply put, want to make major change in their life. The reasons vary and may include addiction, abuse, stress, and depression. The common denominator is that the zest for life is not what they want and personal relationships are stressed or ...
Views: 1350 - KNOW YOUR DREAMS - by Submitted on Feb 11, 2011 from Keith BrayKNOW YOUR DREAM You've got to create a dream. You've got to uphold the dream. If you can't, go back to the factory or go back to the desk. --Eric Burdon Way back when, back when I made a decision to go into the “people helping” business as a profession, I had a dream. I formulated the dream ...
Views: 1346(1 vote) - HOLISTIC? SPIRITUAL? WHOA!! - by Submitted on Jan 18, 2011 from Keith BrayHOLISTIC? /SPIRITUAL? WHOA I love to think that the huge positive changes in my life over the past 16 years or so have been holistic and as part of this, there has been a “spiritual awakening” (like brought out of a spiritual coma) as a part of what has happened. Let’s go to Webster’s for a ...
Views: 1329(1 vote) - SELF ESTEEM CONTINUED - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Keith BraySelf Esteem Continued To me, self esteem is the most important possession a human being can have. We were born innocent, and the lowering of self esteem occurred through life experiences and over time. They key point, we were born with self esteem and it still exists within all of us, but with ...
Views: 1329 - APPLES and TREES - by Submitted on Sep 08, 2009 from Keith BrayAPPLES and TREES We often hear that the apple does not fall far from the tree. Did that ever come home to roost this week. I received a phone call from my adult son late yesterday afternoon. In this economy, he has gone through a rough patch with employment even with an MBA and Chef ...
Views: 1325 - LIFE ON THE MERRY-Go-ROUND - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2011 from Keith BrayLIFE ON THE MERRY-GO-ROUND I’m generally not a computer pack rat, and tend to keep my inbox, sent and so on with little stuff in them. That being said, every now and again I hold on to something which I’ve read and intuitively know it is going to be very real on an upcoming day. Below is ...
Views: 1325 - PEOPLE PLEASIN' TIME - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Keith BrayPEOPLE PLEASIN’ TIME OF THE YEAR I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.--Bill Cosby I am so blessed to have the space I do to work in. Today my view through my windows is of crisp white snow and snow clinging to mature cedars at the back of our ...
Views: 1325 - Prayer and Meditation. MEDITATION? - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2008 from Keith BrayPrayer and Meditation. MEDITATION? --not just something bearded guys do on Asian mountains As I went through the steps, this meditation thing might have been the item I misunderstood most. I had been exposed to prayer since I was a little guy. I am surprised in my coaching, when clients and I ...
Views: 1324 - SIMPLE SHARE on WHY - by Submitted on Feb 26, 2010 from Keith BraySIMPLE SHARE on WHY Why did I feel it necessary to get "help" and get a coach? My simple story. In 1994 I hit a wall. I was "sick and tired of being sick and tired" emotionally. While my self-employment was earning me a good living, many things around me were going unglued and I was turning ...
Views: 1323(2 votes) - IS ADDICTION A DISEASE? GOT IT? - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2011 from Keith BrayIS ADDICTION A DISEASE? I certainly have my own thoughts on this question. Understanding the “disease” nature of addiction, because it gave me peace of mind, saved my life. Trust me; I’m not trying to be dramatic. From being free of active addiction for over 16 years, I know that the disease ...
Views: 1322 - 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)