11 results for tag: Be Yourself


You Look Weird Dancing Like That

I'm this guy. I am the weird guy on the dance floor, at Yoga class and the beach. I swim and play in the waves like a twelve year old. I am (mostly) comfortable in my skin and with people thinking I am weird.  I am aware that most people do not have that experience when people think or say they are weird. Many people feel like being "weird" is a criticism, insult or putdown, certainly not a compliment. I understand that when someone tells you they think you are weird, it may create doubt or as sense of not belonging or being "normal". It was not always like this for me. I was actually a DJ for decades in clubs and events that wouldn't dance because ...

18 Invaluable Pieces of Advice From Therapists & Counselors

There are not many common pieces of advice from therapists and counselors, since we have diverse training, backgrounds and experiences, but this list seems accurate. The themes around boundaries/saying "no", protecting yourself, letting go of relationships that are not supporting your growth and peace, are essential and agreed upon generally across the field. Of course, your specific situation and circumstances are important to consider as well. My favorite piece of advice from therapists and counselors is first on their list, "Feelings are not facts."  I wish we would all be able to integrate this nugget of wisdom in our lives!
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We Can Still Be Crazy – Pema Chodron

We can practice meditation, Yoga, and Qi Gong every single day and night, and we can still be crazy! We can still be crazy if we practice all of the above, eat organic "healthy" foods, take herbs, and drink kombucha daily, and we can still be crazy. We can meet with an acknowledged expert in therapy or counseling, and we can still be crazy. In fact, it is possible that we may even become crazier if we diligently commit to these practices and follow them up with a 7-day cleanse and a weekly water fast. Nothing can guarantee that we will not be crazy. Nothing. Is the goal not to be crazy or to live an amazingly imperfect life that we get to be ourselves on a regular basis? Would you agree to practice daily if you knew you would never stop being crazy, BUT you would begin accepting yourself for who you really are? If you are curious about how we can still be crazy after daily meditation for years or decades, and that is OK, I invite you to read this short essay by Pema Chodron below. If you are unfamiliar with her and her work, please follow the link in the previous sentence; she is a living gem!  We Can Still Be Crazy - Pema Chodron - Michael Swerdloff - Providence Holistic Counseling, Coaching and Reiki ...

Self-Perception: Beth

It was 1993 and I had recently moved to a new area of New Jersey where I knew few people. We were both attending meetings of the same self-help group. It had been six months since the first time I saw Beth. I fell for her before she even opened her mouth. She was soft, warm and genuine in her walk and demeanor. When she opened her mouth to speak, there were no more questions, I wanted to get to know her. Thew only thing between Beth and I was self-perception, mine. Self-Perception and Shyness A common trait for me then and now, is being shy and intimidated by women I find attractive. Besides the obvious challenge of shyness, I would behave differe...

The Difference Between Being Present and Self-Absorbed

It is easy to be confused about the difference between being present and self-absorbed. Current New Age, pop psychology and self-help literature make them appear to be the same. This is far from the truth. In my experience both personal and professional, there are several differences between being present and self-absorbed. The two that feel most significant are; 1) being present creates a spirit and mindset of service to others and 2) when we are present, we are aware of our inner experiences on many levels AND what is happening around us. When we are self-absorbed, the rest of the world takes a backseat to our own experiences and our own needs/wants/preferences.   The Difference Between Being Present and Self-Absorbed - Providence Holistic Counseling Services - illusion of separateness rich that hang ...

11 Reasons Why You Should Never Hide How Weird You Are

As a child, and even more so as a teenager, I was taught in all situations no matter what is happening; you must hide how weird you are. I repeat, you must hide how weird you are! This mindset was supported by the majority of people in my life including school and family, and to a lesser extent, peers.   11 Reasons Why You Should Never Hide How Weird You Are -Providence Holistic Counseling Services - as-soon-as-i-saw-you-i-knew-an-adventure-was-about-to-happen-winnie-the-pooh-quotes ...

Think You Are Not Good Enough? Please Read

I think all of us at some time or another questions whether we are not good enough. This is why I wanted to share with you 8 Things To Remember When You Think You're Not Good Enough from Collective Evolution.  This insightful piece by Joe Martino does an excellent job of offering thoughts on shifting that moment when we think we are not good enough to accepting ourselves as we are....