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Relationship Issues Reflect Life

Relationship Issues Reflect Life

Question: How are relationship issues a reflection of other things happening in my life?Power Struggle Between a Man and a Woman

Answer: There are many complex issues about relationships. We get into relationships to be shown a mirror of ourselves and our unresolved conflicts. If we’re not treating ourselves well, then our partner probably won’t.

They say that opposites attract, and that’s true many times. When we’ve abandoned parts of ourselves, we attract those parts in our partners.

A woman who loves to be a homemaker may attract a successful man. An analytical person will attract someone very intuitive. If one person is always late, they may attract someone who is always early. The issue is the same – time – but they act on it differently.

And you can look at the challenges in a relationship as if they are metaphors, as well as with anything else, because you are half of the dynamics of it. Don’t focus on the particulars, but become more objective to perceive the broader picture and bigger issue.

For instance, I once had  a boyfriend who didn’t call me when he said he would. Although the issue might have been perceived as his not following through on his promises, after the relationship was over, I could see that it was actually a lack of communication. He didn’t tell me details about himself that I needed to know to make informed choices about the relationship.

So it’s difficult to know how your relationship issues are reflecting other issues in your life. You may be too close to it, as I was. Notice what isn’t working for you, and see if it shows up in other areas of your life. There very well may be a pattern of miscommunication, disrespect, being taken advantage of, or something else.

Copyright 2005, 2014 Linda Ann Stewart
All Rights Reserved

Honor Yourself

Honor Yourself

by Linda-Ann Stewart

When I was young, I was given the message that I had to sacrifice those parts of me that made others uncomfortable. If I was talented, and it made another envious, I was supposed to hide my talent, otherwise I was accused of being “selfish.” At one point, I felt bad for making good grades because I somehow thought I was taking a good grade away from someone else. Many people are like me and have been told they were being selfish, when they were only being true to themselves.

In many cases, the definition of “selfish” has been perverted. If you say “no” to participating in an activity that would overextend you, you might be called “selfish” because it inconveniences the person who asks you. You can always consider your needs against what other people want from you, then decide the most appropriate action to take.

True selfishness is when you disregard the welfare of others. It doesn’t mean that you must ignore your own welfare to please someone else. But the term may have been twisted to become a club to manipulate you.

There is such a thing as healthy selfishness. That’s when you concern yourself with your well being. You’re not taking anything from anyone else, you’re just attending to your needs. Remember that everyone else has the same Universal power that you do to manifest what they want. They don’t need to take what is yours, whether it’s time or resources, to achieve their goal. Nor do you need anything of anyone else’s.

This isn’t a carte blanche to ignore the needs of others. But be aware that some people will have their own agenda when they put their desires ahead of your basic needs. You have a right to your needs and to express the Spirit within you. One of life’s lessons is to learn to honor yourself first.

Affirmation:

I honor myself. I recognize when someone tries to manipulate me, and take appropriate actions to take care of my well being. Everyone has the same connection to Universal power that I do, and can take care of their own needs. I have a right to be here. My welfare is as important as anyone else’s.

Giving Is NOT Better Than Receiving

Giving Is NOT Better Than Receiving

by Barb Wade

I love to give gifts, and give thanks, and give service to others – that’s one reason I love the holidays so much. But for those of us “givers” it’s sometimes a little more difficult to receive.

The ironic thing is that receiving is actually an innate “skill” that we all have when we are children. But at some point, we are told that it is selfish or wrong to enjoy receiving.

We hear, “It is better to give than receive” constantly. But that is an erroneous equation. Both giving and receiving are rich in their own gifts, and both are necessary to have a balanced life.

This is from a book called Soul Currency by Ernest Chu:

“Most of us, as we conduct our everyday lives, exhibit difficulty in receiving… We too often subordinate our needs to those of loved ones and friends. […] When the circulation of love is stopped by an inability to receive, then eventually we have little or nothing left to give.”

You must complete the “circuit,” as it were, in order for the most powerful flow to happen. It’s strange that we think of  giving being an act of humility, but I have often felt most humbled when I truly accepted someone’s love through receiving.

Just imagine how your finances and income is influenced by your inability to receive – if you can’t receive, money can’t flow to you!

One of the ways that we block ourselves from attracting abundance is by giving more attention to the lack of what we want rather than the fulfillment of what we want. Then, by the “like-attracts-like principle,” we recreate the lack of what we want.

And remember: we’re not just talking about receiving material objects and items. This is about our ability to open up to joy, love, well-being, abundance, and all the other things that are available to us.

Have you ever had someone complement you on what you are wearing and your reaction was “Oh this? It’s just a thing I threw on. I got it on sale…” etc, etc.

That is just one way of not receiving or deflecting love and affection. But you not only cheat yourself out of fully experiencing that love, but you short-change the giver’s experience of happily contributing.

So during this season of giving, isn’t it a good time to start practicing gracious receiving as well?

The next time someone gives you a complement, try this: smile, fully take it in, and simply say “thank you” – no deflecting or excuses, just put your focus on connecting with the other person and then notice how you feel.

You see, giving and receiving aren’t really opposites. They are part of an energy loop that is only truly effective if the circle continues and grows unbroken.

Business Coach & Mentor Barb Wade specializes in teaching entrepreneurs how to make more money more easily while enjoying a business and lifestyle that reflects their priorities. Download Barb’s “Word-for-Word Scripts To Overcome Objections” and book more high-paying clients now at www.BarbWade.com

How do I achieve self-image, prosperity and success?

How do I achieve self-image, prosperity and success?

Question: I want a better self-image, prosperity, and success, but what do I work on first to achieve these?

Answer: First, a good self-image is the basis of the other two. If you don’t feel like you deserve good, you won’t manifest more prosperity or success. So the first thing I’d focus on is the self-image. I usually tell people to focus on one issue at a time, but since these three items tend to run hand in hand, I think you can work on all three of them at one time.

Write down what makes you feel bad about yourself. Do you feel like you don’t deserve, aren’t enough, aren’t worthwhile? Turn it around and create a positive statement that affirms your worthiness. Work on self-acceptance. And to begin with, I’d state that you deserve prosperity and success in the amount that you want. That would be the first step.

When you start to feel comfortable that you do deserve prosperity and success, then I’d expand the suggestion. State how much prosperity and success that you want. And remember, you don’t have to know how it will happen. That’s what your subconscious mind is for, to work out the details. That’s not to say that you don’t have to take some action, or move in that direction. But you don’t have to worry about the how.

Copyright 2004, 2013 Linda Ann Stewart
All Rights Reserved

Adjusting To A Life Shift

Adjusting To A Life Shift

When you have a change in your life, you can have a sense of loss and sadness over what has gone. People don’t understand that this is a normal process. Even if you’re eager for the new door opening, there can be some grief over the old one closing. Learn how this is a normal process and how to approach it.





~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich” #6 – Self-Discipline

Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich” #6 – Self-Discipline

In this rare video, Napoleon Hill, author of “Think and Grow Rich,” talks about the habits you need to cultivate and break to be successful. “Everything you do to or for another, you do to or for yourself,” he says. He describes 8 specific habits that you need to discipline to best use the master key to riches. Self-discipline is the only means by which you can improve your life.



~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Why do negative thoughts arise when using affirmations?

Why do negative thoughts arise when using affirmations?

Question: How come when I use affirmations, negative thoughts take over my mind?

Answer: One reason the negative ideas may be surfacing is that your positive statements are flushing them out of their hidey-hole. As you put more positive in, the negative rises to the surface to be acknowledged before it can be released. But if they’re sticking around, something else is probably going on.

Sometimes the old, negative thought patterns resist our changing them, and the more we affirm positive, the more they clamor. Generally, it’s because they feel like they need to be there for to protect you. You accepted them at a time when they were necessary (or so you thought), but they aren’t helpful any more.

Sometimes, I’ll use an affirmation such as “I have outgrown old, outdated negative thought patterns that were implanted when I was much younger. My subconscious now recognizes that I no longer need or want them in that form, and releases them.”

Whatever you use, you need to understand that they’ll be there until you realize that they aren’t necessary any more. Sometimes it can feel safe to stay in the old (uncomfortable) rut, because its familiar. Or feelings of anger, hurt, fear or guilt can hang onto them.

In that case, you need to address those feelings. Just don’t resist the negative words, that gives them more power. Acknowledge that you recognize that they’ve been there, but you don’t need them any more. You might be surprised what surfaces when you do this.

Copyright 2004, 2013 Linda Ann Stewart
All Rights Reserved

Make A Commitment To Your Dream

Make A Commitment To Your Dream

When you begin moving in a direction, and accept opportunities that are offered, you may discover all sorts of new possibilities. A few months ago, I started re-thinking my business model. The old one didn’t serve me as well as I’d hoped. So I set my subconscious mind to find new ways for me to move forward in ways that suited my desired lifestyle.

Within a short time, I was presented with the opportunity to register for Kendall Summerhawk’s weekend workshop LeapLive13. As a member of her International Association of Women in Business Coaching, I was able to register early enough to be eligible for three extra teleclasses that gave specific direction to grow my business.

Within three weeks of my committing to attend the workshop, another major strategy for my business fell into my life. It was one I’d heard before, but I wasn’t open to it then and had forgotten about it. But because of my more open and seeking mindset, this idea got planted in my mind. And it was one that completely resonated with me.

Kelly Chicas of Albuquerque Family Counseling
Kaye Halligan – Assisting to Manifest the Divine You

Then, in April, I attended the 3-day LeapLive13! workshop. It was amazing! Some of the information Kendall shared I already knew. But the way she put it together, the package she created with it, impacted me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s changed the way I plan to do my business.

Nafissa Shireen of Unleash Your Success – Executive Health and Success

We had exercises to work through, generally with partners. I had some fantastic coaches to help me with insights and new directions. Kelly Chicas from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kaye Halligan from Australia, Nafissa Shireen from Canada, Zahra Efan from Canada, and Niki Klein from Canada. I can’t thank them enough for their assistance!

Zahra Efan – Life and Business Success Coach for Women

The moral of this story? Make a commitment to yourself and your dream, ask for guidance, and follow the signs along the way. You may not know quite where you’re going, but your inner self will guide you to what is for your greatest good.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Drink In Motivation and Inspiration To Keep A Positive Attitude

Drink In Motivation and Inspiration To Keep A Positive Attitude

Making sure you get motivation and inspiration is as important as drinking enough water. If you get parched, and you inspiration runs dry, it may take some time to get your attitude back on track. Discover how to make sure you keep your mind hydrated with enough motivation and inspiration so you get better results.



Copyright 2013 Linda Ann Stewart
All Rights Reserved