When I first began my Mentoring Practice back in 2007, I had all the right ideas, huge heart and thoughts that I would be making a difference in others lives. The Ripple Effect!!

 

I’d open my mouth, I would understand what I was attempting to communicate, and others would look at me befuddled. Not to mention back then, I spoke even softer than I do now.  To my ears, it seemed as if I had been screaming.    

 

“Please repeat that, I hadn’t heard you” would be the reply.   I’d repeat until I’d get myself frustrated, others would be frustrated, I wasn’t making any difference.  What’s wrong with me?   

 

There I’d go, making myself bad and wrong.   In the world of communication, it’s not about making oneself or, for that matter another wrong.  I prefer what’s working or not working and what might I do to shift that energy.

 

After learning to laugh at myself a few times, I decided to start changing my perspective… I dared to risk not being understood,  that old , if you can’t beat it join it mentality.  

 

Once I got into a space of self acceptance, nothing seemed to be wrong, it became how can I improve and expand myself?   I decided to accept where I was, sit back and began looking for other ways and means for the same outcome.

 

During my divorce back in 2007, I totally hadn’t felt I was being understood at all. My attorney being the curt sort of guy he was, actually taught me a powerful lesson when I finally got out of my own way to hear.. ‘be clear, concise and in communication.’  He was very good at telling me I was paying him the big bucks, and they were big, to give him a story.  I suppose he’s heard one to many pity party story too many and mine hadn’t sounded original enough I suppose.

 

At first I thought that was so insensitive, today, I get it.   The more I bring the story into focus, the more the focus began to expanded… unfortunately in the wrong direction before recognizing I was living in those past based moments.

  

I am so clear I am not about living in the past any longer, I’ve learned from it, yes, moving forward away from it.  I really get I cannot be in both spaces at the same time, so thus, moving forward was a huge decision on my part. 

 

The more I now focus on my choices, the more I stay out of the past, creating clarity and now expand into a space of taking that risk to be understood.   I view it like going to the gym, the more I work those muscles, the easier it gets.   

 

I am clear, those who are present and ask clarifying questions understand more.  By taking the time to listen, creates a bigger ripple effect outside of ourselves which supports expanding lives.  

 

Commitment is powerful.  By focusing on what I am committed to I manifest that which I want and desire. By opening my mouth, taking a risk, and releasing fear which I’m clear I’ve created,  I risk being happy, understood and of service to others. It’s what I believe we all wish for each other anyway, no?