In This Issue
October 2007 Issue 17
Hello %$firstname$%
Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Wellness Wisdom. I’d like to especially extend greetings to our new subscribers with gratitude that you’ve joined our community of Wellness Seekers.
If you have trouble reading this, read today’s issue online.
Each week we explore the process of following our paths toward Authentic Wellness: Essentially this is an ongoing experience of growing into a place of balance and renewal that also honors your unique perspective and spirit. I emphasize emotional, relational and spiritual well-being, with the awareness that when these dimensions of wellness are supported, the other aspects of well-being (such as physical health and our relationship with food) tend to follow more naturally. We inspire ourselves and feel pulled toward a place of balance; we are no longer “pushing” ourselves.
Today’s issue explores the concept of self-responsibility and its place within authentic wellness.
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What’s New from Centered Living
In late fall/early winter I’ll be offering a complimentary Teleclass to introduce you to the concept of Authentic Wellness. Have you participated in a Teleclass? If so, you know this is a fun and convenient way to connect to folks all over the globe! If you haven’t tried a Teleclass, this is the perfect introduction.
Simply send a blank email to lori.boothroyd-273698@autocontactor.com (you don’t need to fill in any details) and your interest in this Teleclass will be registered! There is no cost and absolutely no obligations. This is a gift from me to my readers. Stay tuned for more details.
Wellness Wisdom Feature Article: Responsibility
Self-responsibility and Authentic Wellness
This week’s exploration challenges us to consider the role of self-responsibility in our journey toward authentic wellbeing. Our acceptance of responsibility for the quality of our lives creates a powerful context for learning and growth. Without responsibility, we are often stuck, waiting for that external “thing” to happen that we hope will motivate us to create change, a waiting that becomes discouraging and futile. We’ve all been there.
Here are some tenets of self-responsibility*. I offer them with the suggestion of reviewing them with compassion for yourself and consider where you fall within these tenets. It is guaranteed to get you thinking and feeling on new levels.
Self-responsibility means:
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Developing awareness of your own processes and patterns – physical, mental, emotional and physical.
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Discovering your needs and finding ways to meet them directly.
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Appreciating and accepting that you are unique and the expert of yourself.
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Making choices and living courageously in the midst of uncertainty and discomfort.
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Creating the life you want, rather than reacting to what comes along.
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Asking simply and directly for what you need and want from others.
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Expressing yourself truthfully to let other people know who you are and what you know – with no expectation of external approval or validation.
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Respecting and nurturing your body through nutrition, exercise and self-care.
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Creating close relationships that are mutually nourishing.
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Sharing of yourself within larger contexts that are meaningful to you, being supportive to others and caring for your environment.
By choosing (and modifying) these tenets to guide our journey and committing to ourselves through responsibility, we subsequently grow and learn in ways that make living and living in authentic wellness become increasingly the same thing. We commit to staying on that path; when we stray, we identify it and gently get ourselves back on the path. It is a lifelong responsibility and commitment that contains the rewards we long for as seekers of well-being.
Here are some Challenge Questions to ask yourself this week:
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Do I take responsibility for myself?
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Am I waiting for someone or something else to assume responsibility for me?
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Have I made agreements and promises to myself?
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What might happen if I did (make agreements)? What happens when I don’t?
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Do I want something different?
What emotions do you associate with self-responsibility? Next week we’ll explore the very positive and rewarding emotional experiences that come with commitment to our wellbeing and why these emotions are critical in making meaningful small changes that will endure and sustain authentic wellness.
* These tenets are adapted from The Wellness Workbook by Dr. John Travis.
Personal Reflections
I took a lovely walk today. It is an ideal autumn day in northern Michigan – a crisp, cool breeze, warmth from the sun and the crunching of leaves underfoot. The variety of colors and smells is almost overwhelming. This may be my very favorite time of year. When I look to nature, there is beauty and what strikes me within it as paradox. As the earth is preparing to go to sleep (at least where I live), there is a slowing, a dying and preparation for dormancy and rest, signifying introspection. I felt a vague sense of loss, a letting go of summer’s brevity. Yet, nature teaches me that the transition is embraced and celebrated through glorious color and harvest. Wherever you live, please take a moment to acknowledge the transition of seasons and what it reflects back to you; wisdom is there for the taking.
To the courageous hearts within each of you,
Lori
About Lori
Dr. Lori Boothroyd is known as the “Coaching Psychologist”. She has served her clients and students well over the years through integrating her knowledge from earning a Ph.D. in psychology, as well as her advanced training in coaching and wellness psychology. Appreciated for her warmth and down-to-earth style as much as her expertise, Lori is a dynamic speaker, author and coach. She lives in Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, Dr. Gregory Boothroyd.
For a complimentary coaching consult, to inquire about programs or to ask any questions, please email: lori@loriboothroyd.com
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