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
- Believing In You | Life Coaching And Addiction Recovery - by Submitted on Oct 28, 2008 from Keith BrayBelieving In You! Over the weekend, I was asked by a friend about the similarities of people I coach on “Life” issues and in the area of addictions. Throw in people I work with on a “service/volunteer” base and there is one huge area in common. Those who are struggling or ...
Views: 973 - Do I Hear You? | Life Coaching and Addiction Recovery - by Submitted on Oct 27, 2008 from Keith BrayWe need to listen to one another. --Chaim Poto How basic is this statement. How often do I forget it? It is a good reminder to me. How often do I get so caught up in my own world I hear what you’re saying without hearing? Can others relate? Listening is an important skill to cultivate. We ...
Views: 647 - Don't Look Now - by Submitted on Oct 26, 2008 from Keith BrayDON’T LOOK NOW! YOU MAY BE WINNING Frequently we read or are told how to tell when we need to look for help and the things to look for to notice when we are going backward. In my own experience, we do not often have an inventory list to check against when we are achieving. On a cloudy ...
Views: 630 - Refocus: The Journey,The Journal - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2008 from Keith Bray15 years ago my personal, internal life hit a wall. Externally things looked OK, internally they were horrible. I was at a bottom spiritually and emotionally, self-esteem was gone, and those I cared the most about in my personal life were pulling away. I had lost sight of goal setting, had lost ...
Views: 755 - Sensitivities? - by Submitted on Oct 16, 2008 from Keith BrayYesterday in conversation with a friend who is starting a journey, I asked for input about a topic she might be interested in. Without knowing it directly, and not answering what I had asked, she did answer! It is amazing how early on we can find a bit of dark in the bright light. I am reminded ...
Views: 1239 - Someone Gave Me A Compass - by Submitted on Oct 15, 2008 from Keith BraySomeone Gave Me A Compass Early in my journey, someone gave me a compass. What the heck is this about I wondered? One of the great discoveries I have made as I get stronger on the journey, the divine spirit I know is there trusts me enough to give me freedom of choice. This spirit is also the ...
Views: 800 - Got Resentments And Faith? - by Submitted on Oct 12, 2008 from Keith BrayOne of the beauties of a long weekend is that I usually get to catch up on some reading, and the read in combination with quiet time, leads to some new thinking. To summarize something I just read, it stated, if you profess a love of a higher power in your life, and carry resentments with you, ...
Views: 726 - Laughter On The Journey | Life Coaching And Addiction Recovery - by Submitted on Oct 11, 2008 from Keith BrayThis getting your life back together, setting goals and being accountable is serious stuff! That being said, Laughter plays a very important role along the way, and one of the new skills I have picked up is a genuine ability to laugh at myself. I found the following quote and reading a good ...
Views: 980 - Thanksgiving - by Submitted on Oct 10, 2008 from Keith BrayHere in Canada, we are starting our Thanksgiving weekend. While timing is great to get a long weekend, the name thanksgiving means so much more to me than three days were the work world shuts down; it brings gratitude to the forefront! Around me the trees are changing color. The reds in some of ...
Views: 769 - The Power Of We | Life Coaching And Addiction Recovery - by Submitted on Oct 09, 2008 from Keith BrayWhen I started on the journey to recover a life that was happy, joyous and free, and life filled with hope and serenity, I quickly learned the power of “WE”. While addictions were active in my life at the time, they were not the problem that stopped me from achieving the life I ...
Views: 757 - Are Written Goals Important? - by Submitted on Oct 08, 2008 from Keith BrayTo me, the simple answer to this question is yes. The complex answer, another yes! In both my recovery to a more abundant and joyous life, and my reaching fulfilling work (and golf results), goal setting is a key. If I don’t have targets, write them down, and measure against them, how will ...
Views: 820 - Paradox In The Journey - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2008 from Keith BrayFor the last 14 plus years I have been on a journey. I had hit a wall in life, in particular the life I was living inside myself. The outside world may have thought things were OK. I had a home, 2 cars, the bills were paid and my consulting company was doing fine from a financial ...
Views: 814 - H.O.W.? - by Submitted on Oct 03, 2008 from Keith BrayMan, I enjoy Thursdays. Sometimes the simple gems I hear or am reminded of resonate so strongly in me. The acronym “HOW” falls into this category. The world is filled with insanity, and most of the time insanity as a part of life (my definition-repeated behavior expecting a different ...
Views: 786 - Make It A Good Day? - by Submitted on Oct 02, 2008 from Keith BrayWhen I got up Wednesday morning, I had a choice to make. I choose to make it a good day. There is enough craziness going on in this world, the talk of economic collapse, and gosh help us, elections on both sides of the border. Here in Canada, as far as leadership goes, I don’t find any ...
Views: 621 - The Wisdom - by Submitted on Oct 01, 2008 from Keith BrayAs a part of each day, I start with the “Serenity Prayer” to get a focus for the day. This has become an ingrained daily habit, but as can happen, sometimes we don’t pay attention to things we do so frequently. Today, from Hazelden, I received a great reminder, and it was ...
Views: 925 - Your Soul's Desires (Goal Setting) - by Submitted on Sep 30, 2008 from Keith BrayIn working with others to help them find the life they desire, it is critical that the client look into themselves and understand what they really want, what are meaningful goals for them. How do you approach that? Why is knowing the soul's desires so important? Many people go through life ...
Views: 1144 - Mirroring - by Submitted on Sep 29, 2008 from Keith BrayA weekend just past and the first client of day completed, and my head turns to a technique known as mirroring. Funny, as I work with clients to bring out the talent within them, I find myself asking questions that I am, in part, asking of myself. It is true that we see ourselves in others. In ...
Views: 935 - ASS/U/ME - by Submitted on Sep 27, 2008 from Keith BrayThis is one I’ve wanted to do for a while. I’m just back from my favorite Saturday morning meeting, and it is always a great reminder of where I was, and what has changed! I am eternally grateful. It stops me from taking things for granted, from assuming! Even though I have been on a ...
Views: 830 - Finding Balance - by Submitted on Sep 26, 2008 from Keith BrayFor some reason, finding balance is a theme that has resonated deep within this week, and I’m not sure why. The past 2 weeks have seen our local 12 step community bury 2 members. Both too young, both at the time of death back using their substance of choice. In listening to comments, both ...
Views: 852 - Balance-Have You Got It? - by Submitted on Sep 25, 2008 from Keith BrayFrom post at www.hopeserenity.ca I got up early this morning, and while taking my quiet time, the word BALANCE kept playing through my head. I have the privledge of coaching several people and helping them to articulate and move towards goals in various parts of their lives. As well, I do a ...
Views: 807 - Why I'm Here - by Submitted on Sep 24, 2008 from Keith BrayWhy I'm Here * View * Edit Posted September 23rd, 2008 by Keith First and foremost, I'm here to attract clients. I am a life coach who has helped clients to achieve the results they want, and have also helped others to create a life journey that is free from the effects of ...
Views: 783 - Humility Is Freedom - by Submitted on Sep 23, 2008 from Keith BrayFrequently I am reminded of what asset humility is. Frequently, when I think of “humility” I think of “humiliation”. My actions were responsible for humiliation to both myself and others I care about, and humiliation is not something I want! I am slowly starting to learn ...
Views: 941 - Are You Afraid To Be Different? - by Submitted on Sep 22, 2008 from Keith BrayAre you afraid to be different? After doing a coaching session this morning, and spending a weekend in what will eventually be our new home town, I thought the question asked and information shown below (Received from Express Coaching-Dr. Randin Brons) was right on the money! Unfortunately, ...
Views: 1116 - 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: 1479 - Like To Be In Control? - BigLife.ws - by Submitted on Sep 18, 2008 from Keith BrayWhen we live with fear and a lack of self confidence, we need to be in control. Do you see the need to control people, places and things in yourself? Daily, I use the serenity prayer, and on some days, with great frequency. In my professional life, it is easy to slip in to this mode and to be ...
Views: 814 - Are You Living In Today? - by Submitted on Sep 17, 2008 from Keith BrayARE YOU LIVING IN TODAY? There is real joy in working with others. They, in part, keep me totally focus in the day. I help my clients to identify their dreams and make them a reality. By the journey they take is taken a day at a time. Again, the words of others ring true. “Living or ...
Views: 726 - Your Own Hero? - by Submitted on Sep 15, 2008 from Keith BrayCan You Relate? You are the hero of your life. This statement is the foundation behind my journey and a new life (now 14 years and counting) and the true fundamental principal that drives my coaching practice. YOU MUST BE THE HERO OF YOUR OWN LIFE. Coaching can help you find that hero! Each of ...
Views: 784 - Reality Check - Transformation/Awakening-Free From Addictions - by Submitted on Sep 12, 2008 from Keith BrayReality Check Last night, in talking with a fellow who I work with as a guide and mentor, I was faced with a reality check. It was a reminder, and a mini-awakening. Seated in the room with me was a friend of long standing, a doctor, who through abuse of substance and things that can go with it, ...
Views: 745 - Live Today-Things Change Quickly - by Submitted on Sep 10, 2008 from Keith BrayI awoke this morning to a brilliant blue sky, and an awareness that something subtle had changed. I have a funeral to attend today. I attend meetings on a fairly regular basis. I am a creature of habit, and have been sitting in the same area of the meeting for years. I look around the room and ...
Views: 679 - You Are Special and Unique - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2008 from Keith BrayYou Are Special and Unique As I do my coaching thing, there is one thing that is a mainstay. Each of us is special and unique. Each of us has talents, and each of us is capable of setting goals and achieving them. I am a recovered person from addictions who is constantly recovering. This ...
Views: 1710 - I Have the Right To Be Wrong - by Submitted on Sep 08, 2008 from Keith BrayIt’s taken me a long time to learn, and I was reminded again in working with a client today, I have the right to be wrong. Oft times, upon reflection, I am wrong. New behaviors dictate that when I know I am wrong, I promptly admit it, and make amends when needed. I’ve also learned ...
Views: 740 - Having Fun Yet? - by Submitted on Sep 07, 2008 from Keith BrayHaving Fun Yet? Recently, life has been full of challenges that a larger than the norm. When issues are directly related to blood family, they can be more stressful than most issues. Money gets in there too. On a frequent basis, I ask myself, “Are We Having Fun Yet?” I began the ...
Views: 689 - Formula For Failure - by Submitted on Sep 05, 2008 from Keith BrayWhile reflecting on the early part of my life, seeing and understanding what happened, and looking at how things played out, it is apparent the people pleasing, the need to make others happy, has played a large role in my life. I see the remnants of this behaviour, learned at a young age, still ...
Views: 723 - Procrastination-Summer Is Over - by Submitted on Sep 03, 2008 from Keith BrayHard to believe, what we consider summer is over. School is back in, traffic is back to insane, and they days are definitely getting shorter. Seeing September 2 pop up in my calendar is shocking. There are so many things I had said to myself I would do over the summer, and of course, a lot of ...
Views: 787 - Things Don't Change; We Do - by Submitted on Sep 02, 2008 from Keith BrayThings do not change; we change. --Henry David Thoreau For a man who is in the coaching business, and is on the life journey I’m on, I find the title statement PROFOUND. Think on it and see if you can see the depth of the thought. I spent a good portion of my life thinking I could change ...
Views: 7529 - The Crab Bucket Syndrome - by Submitted on Aug 30, 2008 from Keith BrayWhat a fabulous day yesterday with my grand kids. With no other adults around, and with the range of things that we did, I loved seeing the day through the eyes of children; and being “silly” at times also. I’m so grateful that the journey I’m on allowed me to have a day ...
Views: 2708 - Where Are You At Today? - by Submitted on Aug 28, 2008 from Keith BrayIt has been a crazy Thursday from very early in the morning, and tomorrow will be more insane. We call it “Grampy Day”, my annual venture into the world of fun with my two oldest grand kids sans parents or other adults. Golf, fishing and whatever else my little heroes want. I’m ...
Views: 759 - Vision- Got One? - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2008 from Keith BrayThere is a daily blog that I love done by a fellow named Patrick who resides in Michigan. It can be found under “Spiritual River” and is one of the best feeds I’ve been exposed to on the net! I am hoping Patrick and I find a way to work together, I love a lot of his ...
Views: 608 - Humor-Age and Wisdom - by Submitted on Aug 26, 2008 from Keith BrayHumor-Age and Wisdom When doing my journal, I can get very serious. For those that really know me, humor has been a huge part of my recovery and journey, and is evident in most of the places I frequent. My higher power certainly finds ways to make sure I don’t take life too ...
Views: 1230(1 vote) - Easier, Softer Way - by Submitted on Aug 25, 2008 from Keith BrayThis is a phrase used in the bible of the original 12 step organization (known as the Big Book). As I have traveled the road of life, I often found myself looking for an easier, softer way to get what I wanted. In school, I dogged assignments and read other peoples notes. I have tried get rich ...
Views: 1930 - Taking Risks- Getting Outside The Box - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2008 from Keith BrayI’m a real Canadian, and as such, a hockey fan. Wayne Gretzky is a hero. I was coaching a client this morning who shared a great statement he ascribed to “The Great One”. “You’ll miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” How true is that? What do we miss ...
Views: 714 - The Face In The Mirror - by Submitted on Aug 21, 2008 from Keith BrayI like others, can be sensitive to what others say, and what I perceive they think, about me? Can anyone relate? I have a very deep faith that the higher power in my life exists within (as well as outside) me. As I go through my journey, and with the beliefs I have, I must be mindful that ...
Views: 816 - 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: 1361 - And Who Heals Me? - by Submitted on Aug 15, 2008 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 ...
Views: 759 - Gratitude-A Reminder - by Submitted on Aug 14, 2008 from Keith BrayGratitude-A Reminder Last night I was a t a meeting, and old timers were welcomed. A couple of people glanced my way, and I guess it a fitting title in that fellowship. I should be grateful. I was there again, and free from addictions. Over the last period of time, we have had some major ...
Views: 685 - Do you love yourself? - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2008 from Keith BrayDo you love yourself? What a great question and I thank Express Coaching and their Idea Generator for sending. It is probably the first question I drill to with the clients I take on, and one each of us must regularly ask ourselves! "At the heart of personality is the need to feel a sense of ...
Views: 701 - Family- The Weekend Thought - by Submitted on Aug 11, 2008 from Keith BrayOne of the most important things in my life is family, yet sometimes I wonder why. As I start a new week, the thought of family and relationships is foremost in my mind. Funny, I’m reminded, you can pick your friends, and you can’t pick your family. In these thoughts, I must remember ...
Views: 697 - Patience. What Is It? - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2008 from Keith BrayPatience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. --Lida Clarkson We all want life to unfold according to our plan. After all, we are certain we know what's best for us. But hindsight quickly reminds us that few, if any, of us had included recovery in a Twelve Step program as part of our life's plan. ...
Views: 793 - Courage And Willing To Change - by Submitted on Aug 08, 2008 from Keith BrayCourage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that little voice at the end of the day that says: "I'll try again tomorrow." --Anne Hunninghake “A key quality that distinguishes a successful athlete, or a top-notch performer in any field, is the way he responds to his bad days. ...
Views: 941 - Insanity? Restored to? - by Submitted on Aug 07, 2008 from Keith BrayInsanity? Restored to? I think we all go through rollercoaster rides. Even though I’ve been on the recovery journey for a while, things happen, we face stress, and even though we try to turn it over, a black cloud appears! This isn’t the first one I’ve had, nor will it be the ...
Views: 800