Unexpected Reminders of Why

There are so many reasons we choose our paths. Some of them are obvious (making an income, following our interests, making a difference) and some are less obvious but are what keep us motivated and reminded what makes our lives meaningful. Following the September Small Business Marketing Jam, Taiha Wagner (Mom on the Go) and I received warm feedback not only immediately following the event but well after. Notes like this remind us why we do what we do (used with permission):

"It was a pleasant surprise to be so welcomed at an event that I have never before attended. It was an even more pleasant surprise to receive the support and suggestions from other attendees to reach for my potential "just because I can".

I thought I would feel out of my element since I have not yet started any business, but am just reaching out for ideas. The group activities were enlightening and encouraging as to my gifts and direction. Every attendee really is there as a team member and cheerleader.

Your efforts at creating a professional network are truly outstanding. I say this because I do not think of myself as a professional, yet was treated with respect as an equal to the other professional women in attendance. It dawned on me that they are women helping women and that is the motivating factor as well as the feeling of accomplishment." --Bonita

Think about the unexpected reminders that you get about the value of what you offer. It might be a kind note, word or a request for you to do something again (ranging from making a special recipe, to a warm hug, to a referral). Take a moment to let it sink in and accept the recognition that you are unique and valuable for who you are and the qualities you embed in what you offer.

Difficult Relationships

Is someone driving you crazy? How do you deal with it and maintain your integrity? Often times our most difficult relationships pull out the worst in us, making the relationship all the more challenging.

I'm the type of person who wants to know the "why" behind everything. (I can only imagine how tiresome I must have been as a toddler once I learned that word.) Whenever someone belittled, manipulated or bullied me, rather than enforce my boundaries I'd try to figure out the underlying reasons or wonder if I could have somehow brought it upon myself. After fifteen years, something my husband has been trying to help me learn is finally sinking in. He has always told me that often it is just not worth trying to figure out why someone is difficult or doesn't treat you right. He explained that even if I did find out all the reasons, it wouldn't make it okay and that the bottom line is to be treated respectfully.

I am now much better at setting boundaries in difficult relationships but am still learning.

How about you? What are you learning about working through or exiting difficult relationships?

Our November newsletter reflection is about finding strategies to deal with difficult relationships . It includes a link to a really nice article on this subject from our guest columnist, Cari Vollmer, The Life On Track Expert.