It's easy to think about what we need from others. Today's challenge is to think about how we could improve the relationship with ourselves. Ask: What one thing can I do to treat myself better? #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #empowerment #relationships #awareness #health #positivity #selfcare #love Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

I heard these words rise from the quiet place within this morning. Perhaps this message is for you. #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #hope #positivity #change #mindfulness #meditation #quiet #inspiration #calm #heart #messages #change Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

We can't always avoid being used, lied to, hurt, or cheated, but we can control our response. Every self-pitying thought is a sip of poison that keeps us down by keeping a trauma alive. Finish this sentence: "I could be happy and successful if not for ____________." Now flip that sentence to an empowering one: "I am happy and successful because I ___________." Do you feel a difference? #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #empowerment

Whatever got us out of bed this Monday morning will be so much better with enthusiasm. Say, "I am GREAT at what I do!" right before starting work today. See what happens. Do people respond differently? Are you more productive? How do you feel? Do it. I dare ya! #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #motivation #enthusiasm #productivity #energize #purpose #success #positivity Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

Before answering, pause to consider the various kinds of miracles, how often they happen, and who or what is responsible for them. Ask: Has a miracle ever happened to me? #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #positivity #miracle #hope #beauty #design #divine #love #recognition #grace Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

We usually think more about the problem than the remedy. Let's flip that today. Listen for a complaint from yourself or another, pause, and consider the "antidote." New month, new perspective. Happy November! #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #action #perspective #shift #positivity #solution #change #vision #nextlevel #results Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

Happy Halloween, Friends 🎃 #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #growth #empowerment #healing #positivity #purpose #motivation #magic Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

How will you know when you reach it? #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #health #career #purpose #motivation #visualize #goals #vision #positivity Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

I once had the childhood chore of polishing the silverware before the holidays. Freeing the shiny silver from the dull tarnish was like finding hidden treasure. Bad life experiences leave a similar residue. When we spend time with people who put us down, we begin to doubt our abilities and our self worth. Our creativity dulls. We enjoy life less and feel tired more. And yet with a little work, we can renew our shine as easily as polishing silverware. #ReadTheStain #writer #bl

The sky was layered with the serious dark clouds of unsettled, ominous weather. And yet, this one cheerful white fluff seemed completely oblivious to the impending disaster that never came. #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #perspective #clouds #attitude #positivity #brightside #inspiration #nature #mood #joy Photography by Catherine Ivers Norton.

We feel vulnerable when we love, because we might be hurt. But we have the ability to love! We feel vulnerable when launching a new project, because we might fail. But we have creativity and a vision! This is an upside-downside duality. Shifting perspective changes everything. Ask: What is the strength on the other side of my vulnerability? #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #duality #shift #perspective #vulnerability #strength #focu

The old standard of duty and obligation is breaking down. If we want someone to stay in a personal or professional relationship, we need to earn that honor every day. #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #freedom #choice #honor #positivity #respect #relationships #nextlevel #timeschange #integrity #purpose #inclusion #retention #longevity Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

Whether throwing a party or building a team to work on a project, the most successful planners know a shared sense of Joy is what brings people together and keeps them motivated to return. We gravitate to what feels good. That's human nature. #ReadTheStain #writer #blogger #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #leadership #motivation #joy #fun #purpose #community #positivity #consistency #creativity #appreciation #results Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library

Yes, it takes a lot of courage. But those who speak up about injustice, even to say, "I saw what you did," make a big difference. Why? Baddos don't like being called out and will think twice the next time. There is a choice between being a silent cowardly accomplice or a hero who changes the world for the better. #ReadTheStain #writer #writing #blogger #psychology #mentalhealth #empowerment #bravery #change #agent #TeamGood #speakup #voice #confidence #courage #hero #champio

Bullies come back to haunt us in the form of negative self-talk. Perhaps we weren't able to defend ourselves in the past, but we can now by paying attention to our inner dialog. When we hear an insult like, "I am stupid," we can pause and think of one exception to that statement. Perhaps we got an A on an exam or knew the answer to a tough question on a TV game show. We certainly didn't feel "stupid" then, right? Just one positive memory at a time will erode the power the int

Guess again, Buckaroo. The only reason we take anything personally is because our pride is injured. Without the ego's involvement, we'd be laughing at the folly of life while walking away from the emotionally provocative situation. #ReadTheStain #writer #writing #blogger #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #ego #pride #peace #freedom #calm #positivity #awareness Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

How well do you know that feeling? #ReadTheStain #writer #writing #blogger #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #purpose #positivity #rise #empowerment #strength #vision #achievement #rise Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.

Sometimes we don't know what to do next but we do have an idea of what we'd like to be doing a year from now. Spending a few minutes a day imagining a scene that represents the desired outcome will help the pieces come together to make it happen. This isn't woo-woo. An image gives the mind a puzzle to solve rather than constantly grinding on how unhappy or stressed we are right now. Our minds work 24 hours a day. Let's put them to good use inspiring us with action steps. #Rea

There is physical pain and mental pain. Neither are fun, but there are other similarities between them. Did you know that taking ibuprofen also eases emotional pain? Yes. That suggests a shared pathway. The mind also keeps physical pain going by focusing on it after the initial signal is sent. That sounded crazy to me so I did an experiment. As I lay awake with throbbing knee pain one night, I consciously shifted my focus to the healthy knee. That focus wasn't easy to mainta

What's the first thing that comes to mind, hot shot? #ReadTheStain #writer #writing #blogger #psychology #fun #projective #creativity #conversationstarter #positivity #fantasy #lightenup Image courtesy of the Canva pro media library.