If you struggle with low self esteem, can’t seem to find and own your personal power, or have trouble  fully accepting who you are with joy, check out some of these books below to support you on your journey.

• The Best Year of Your Life Kit by Debbie Ford

• The Dark Side of the Light Chasers: Reclaiming Your Power, Creativity, Brilliance and Dreams by Debbie Ford

• The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life by Marianne Williamson

• Healing the Shame that Binds You by John Bradshaw

• Life Makeovers: 52 Practical & Inspiring Ways to Improve Your Life One Week at a Time by Cheryl Richardson

• The Secret of the Shadow: the Power of Owning Your Whole Story by Debbie Ford

• The Six Pillars of Self Esteem by Nathanial Brandon

• Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson

• A Woman’s Worth by Marianne Williamson

If you know of other resources that have been helpful to you or your clients, I hope you’ll drop me a note below and let me know about them!

Last week, Dr. Gary Newman was on Good Day NY promoting his new book, The Truth About Cheating. During his interview, he listed these 4 signs of a cheating spouse:

• More time away,
• Less sex,
• Avoids contact and cell phone calls, and
• Starts fights and increases criticism.

He also listed 4 ways to prevent cheating include:

• Work on increasing the emotional connection,
• Spend time together on a daily basis,
• Schedule date nights, and
• Monitor friends.

What I know about cheating is that the real problem in the relationship started long before the cheating.  Cheating is just the symptom.

When a couple is in a good place i.e. when both individuals are feeling respected, engaged, and wanted, cheating can’t happen.  If you aren’t in a good place with each other, then cracks (in a relationship) happen and . . . if cracks happen, then cheating is a very real risk . . .  regardless of how much you both may love each other.

. . . the pilgrim learns through the telling of his own tale.  ” – Sheldon Kopp

A Better Pair of Eyes

I require each of my clients to keep a journal . . . not for my benefit, but for yours.  And, more often than not, the question arises . . . “Why do I need to keep a journal?”  Grant it, it’s a reasonable enough question.  If you’ve never kept one, I can understand that you might not yet know that keeping a journal can be like  . . . having another pair of eyes . . . helping you to see clearly . . . building your courage one step at a time . . . for your eyes only . . . and only as you are ready. Keeping a journal for your personal growth can be life-altering.

Turning Points

Often we begin a journal (and then return to our journals) at turning points in our lives.  As you are beginning your work with me, I expect our work together to be one of those turning points in your life.  Your journal is a place where you can begin to lay out your private thoughts and begin to explore those sometimes shakey and uncertain neophite steps – those steps that will ultimately take you to where you wish to be.

Carving Out Time for You

By making the commitment to journal, you are guaranteed to be carving out time just for you.  Remember, favorite client, when I talked about the 90 / 10 Law in an earlier post?  90% of my benefit to you . . . and 90% of your personal growth is going to come from the time and effort you spend outside of the time you and I spend together. That means that taking time out of your oh-so-busy-day to think (and write)about your inner  life is critical to creating that life that you desire.

Agent of Change

Every behavioral scientist knows that by simply recording a behavior, that behavior is actually changed.  That means by simply having you record your internal and external experiences, emotions, thoughts, etc., you are automatically initiating change – even if you are unaware of it!  Journaling = Change!

On Monday, I’ll post a list of my favorite books and websites related to journaling.  In the meantime, let me know that you’re gathering your journal and favorite writing tools and getting ready to put pen to paper!