Vol. 2, Issue 47                                                  February 6, 2002
www.BrightSideCoaching.com                             ISSN: 1530-4334

Hi!   Greetings to all and a special welcome to those who have joined The Bright Side as a result of the interview in the February issue of Atlanta magazine.  It nice to have you join us whether you are a new client or a new e-zine subscriber.  Thanks!   If you missed the article, it is entitled Ways to Soothe The Body and Soul.   You can read more about it at http://www.atlantamagazine.com/current/index.cfm.

On another note, the Olympics start next week!  I love to watch the opening ceremony -- all the flags and nations represented in a goodhearted global competition!   Wherever you reside in the world, my wish for you is that your country is well-represented with pride, integrity, and dignity.  That's really what it's all about, is it not?

With Love,
Beth

One of the best parts about being a coach is always believing in the very best for your client.  It is seeing the vision of how the client wants his/her life to be and then helping them find a way to get there. Sometimes, however, I listen to clients and they are stuck -- often it is because they feel an injustice has be done to them.  They just can't seem to let go and move beyond "it" -- whatever "it" is for them.  "It" can range from a relationship issue, feeling taking advantage of, a miscommunication and a plethora or other things that seem too "big" to forgive.

People who hold a grudge are choosing to keep a (sometimes self-inflicted) wound from healing.  I ask how long they intend to let the past dictate the future.  I wonder how long true personal freedom will elude them by their inability to forgive.   This can be quite a conversation, as one might imagine.
Lord Herbert said, "He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man must be forgiven."

When we forgive, we let go of the stifling thoughts in our mind so that we are better able to fully participate in the abundant life that God intends for us.  The simplest way I know to do that is to replace a negative thought or memory with one that is positive and healthy.  When one does this, the mind is free to grow and focus on the present, without dwelling in the past.

Imagine releasing the self-defeating and self-limiting beliefs that come with carrying a burden that is too heavy and for too long.  Imagine letting go of rigid ideas and notions.  Imagine replacing that space in your heart with love, compassion and grace.   Imagine loving yourself enough to be honest and open-minded.  Imagine being free to move forward and create healthy foundations in your relations with others.   Imagine all the possibilities that can come from the simple act of forgiveness!

Let's remember that forgiveness benefits both the forgiven and the forgiver.  It's a two-way street!  Never forget that "the fragrance always remains in the hand that gave the rose." (Heda Bejar).

We are immediately and infinitely present with that which gives us
Life. Yet in our human perception, God can seem far away. We can
build a bridge to the divine on the foundation of the pillars of
spiritual practice, beginning with forgiveness.

"The Kingdom of God is within you."—Luke 17:21

Forgive. The "for" of forgiveness means "before" we can give and
receive love freely and fully, we make room in our hearts by
letting go of any resentment or bitterness we feel towards
another person.

It is in the "give" of forgive that we most closely emulate the
nature of Spirit and are most aligned with the power of God, in
harmony with the divine flow, in sync with the Life that gives us
life.

Mary Manin Morrissey's Life Keys
Love is a Bridge - Rev. Scott Awbrey

Thanks for sharing your time with me!  Next week is St. Valentine's Day -- I wish each of you much joy and love!

Beth
Coach / Writer / Human Being