A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream.
The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him.
She did so without hesitation.
The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.
"I've been thinking," he said.
"I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone."
Author Unknown
Sometimes it's not the wealth you have but what's inside you that others need.
Whether or not you are a fan of Oprah Winfrey, there is no denying that she has made a positive difference in countless lives by giving what’s inside of her. This week marked the end of 25 years on television and 4,561 hours of talking and sharing. Her openness and willingness to reveal her journey in an authentic and vulnerable way allowed so many others to do the same. Her impact has been immeasurable.
Although she gave way material items (cars,etc.), the majority of what she gave was her experience and wisdom, while providing an opportunity for people to feel better about themselves and the inspiration to achieve more than they thought possible.
As in the above story of the woman who freely gave the stone, she gave something that every person on the planet needs….. a forum to be heard, a feeling of being loved and cared about. As she ended the show, she talked about the root of every person’s suffering, conflict, and degree of happiness…. Worthiness. She asked the questions:
Do you see me?
Do you hear me?
Does what I say matter?
She spoke about people wanting to connect, be embraced, liberated, and loved. And, she acknowledged the one and only person who validated her when she was a child that allowed her to feel that she was worth something, that she mattered – her 4th grade teacher. (see Inspiration – April 2008 http://home.ezezine.com/23_2)
All it takes is one person who believes in us to make a significant difference in our lives. Just as the woman in the story above was able to give so freely without fear of losing anything, Oprah gave freely. In doing so, she gained her own feeling of worthiness, something everyone craves.
Her overall message: You receive in direct proportion to what you give so use your life to serve the world and be more of yourself.
In working with one of my clients, she claims she feels bad because she can’t give her children expensive materials items like the other mothers. What she has finally realized is that the love and encouragement she gives is worth more than the material things.
“You can help somebody. You can listen. You can forgive. You can heal. You have the power to change somebody’s life.” Oprah Winfrey
INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT
- What is inside of you that you can give other people without wanting or needing anything in return?
- What do you give freely that might be positively impacting other people’s lives?
- Who has given you ‘validation’ – the feeling that you matter?
- Who helps you feel important and let’s you know that what you say matters?
And
- Who can you help to feel important and validate that what they say matters?
If you feel inclined, please let me know if you decide to go ahead and try this experiment. I look forward to hearing about your experiences. Your feedback and comments have been most welcomed:-) Keep them coming!!
Very best regards,
marion@lifecoachinggroup.com
(c) 2004-11. All rights reserved. Marion Franklin, www.lifecoachinggroup.com
Comments? Feedback? lllfeedback@lifecoachinggroup.com
P.S. If you enjoyed this issue, I'd love it if you'd spread the word. Do so by forwarding this to a friend and inviting them to subscribe at the Life's Little Lessons link. Thank you for continuing to read Life's Little Lessons TO READ PAST ISSUES Past Issues (Highly recommended)
Any relationship conflicts you want to discuss: family? friend? co-worker? boss? employee? Take advantage of a 30-minute complimentary phone "RELATIONSHIP MAKEOVER" discussion around any area of your life where you are feeling challenged.
*NOTEWORTHY* --N E W: YouTube Interview with Life Coach Marion where she talks about her Laser Coaching program, Mentor Practicum groups, her mission as a coach and trainer, and her timeless Life's Little Lessons newsletters. Her expertise is getting to the root of the problem efficiently (laser), skillful direct communication, and creating permanent change in perspective.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyQ_kM5OJpA
**ICF-approved Laser Coaching Program: Become a coach or enhance your skill level AND Mentor Session Snapshot! (see below)
**Laser Coaching Program**
NOW 42 ICF CREDITS TOWARDS CERTIFICATION -- NEW CLASS: June Start and then September (Last 3 classes SOLD OUT) !
If you want to become a coach or are calling yourself a coach but deep down questioning your skill level, not feeling overly confident, need a flexible class schedule that fits into your current routine, and not willing to invest a great deal of time and money, then the
"Laser Coach Your Way to Sustainable Success" a 12-week program may be a great choice for you.
The program is limited to 5 people at a time for HIGHLY individualized and customized attention and has been very affordably priced so that it's easy to say 'yes.' For lots of details and TONS of testimonials (with a similar theme... gained confidence; great value), visit the website:
Laser Coaching Program.
ICF Pre-Approved credit towards certification - 42 CCEUs available.
Next group: JUNE, 2011 and then SEPTEMBER, 2011 - Last 3 groups sold out (at the last minute)!. Grab a spot IMMEDIATELY by contacting me, and I'll answer your questions and address concerns.
Coach With Confidence! -- Practicum Mentor Group**
6 ICF Core Competencies CEU's for every month of attendance
NEW: Mentor Session Snapshot! - Here's a 10 minute peek into my weekly Mentor Group (included in Laser Coaching program) where you will hear a small part of a coaching conversation followed by individual feedback from the group.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO SNIPPET
*N O W - 2 Mentor GROUPS -- ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS
COACHING MENTOR PRACTICUM GROUPS
Newer coaches and/or ACC, PCC (working towards or RENEWAL): Wednesdays at 1pm ET (10am PT) or 8:30pm ET (5:30pm PT)
Ways to build your confidence and coaching skills:
JOIN the group and stay for as little as 4 weeks or as long as you like - 6 ICF CEUs per 4 sessions (Only $100 per month)
-*-Want a place to share your client challenges and ask questions?
-*-Feeling a bit insecure about your coaching?
-*-Need a safe place to practice and get supervision?
-*-Want to keep deepen and lengthen client relationships?
Contact me or click this link for details.