November 20, 2008
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In This Issue
Featured Article: Tell Them The Truth
Audio Tip
Announcements
Speaking Schedule
Daddy's Little Girls
Greetings!
Welcome to another issue of Appreciation in Action. I hope you and everyone around you are focusing on the many things you have to be grateful for.
Thanks for being on my e-zine list. I’m honored to be able to connect with you in this way.
With Appreciation,
Tell Them The Truth
Sometimes we think that appreciation is all about being “nice.” That’s not the case. Appreciation, in my opinion, is about recognizing the value of someone or something and about being able to empower ourselves and others. It is, however, also about coming from a place of gratitude, respect, and truth in our relationships with the people around us. Giving people honest feedback can be one of the best ways to appreciate them and let them know we that we care about them. This, however, isn’t always easy.
First of all, to give someone honest feedback you must have a foundation of trust and appreciation in your relationship with them. It’s also important to ask their permission and make sure it’s okay with them before you launch into your feedback.
Often we wait until it’s too late or we don’t say something because we’re scared about how they might react. It’s easy to say nothing or to just “blow smoke.” However, it takes real courage to speak your truth to another person.
The key is your intention. If your intention is to make a difference for that person, “clear” something that might be in your way with them, or help them see something they may not be able to see – you’re coming from a place that can empower and ultimately support that person. If your intention is to be superior, to show them how wrong they are and how right you are, or some version of either of these two things – you’re coming from your ego and your “truth” will most likely push them away.
I’ve recently been confronted with a number of situations like this in my own life. I’ve handled some of them very poorly - either by not speaking up or doing so in a self-righteous or ineffective way. There have been a handful of situations, however, where I’ve had the courage to speak up and say what was on my mind and in doing so something wonderful happened. Regardless of how we go about this, in the end it’s almost always better for us to speak up than not. We learn more about ourselves, get closer to the other person, and grow in the process.
When someone speaks a “hard truth” to me, I know that have a tendency to push back and defend myself initially. Once that happens, however, I’m usually able to hear their feedback and learn from it. Most importantly, I always appreciate their willingness and courage to say something honest and potentially vulnerable to me.
Look at your relationships - especially the most important ones. Where are you not telling the truth, not giving feedback, or worried to say something honest? What would it take for you to be willing to tell them the truth? What are you afraid of? What would be possible in your relationship with them if you spoke up?
I challenge to you to pick a few important people in your life that you’ve been afraid to speak your truth to and just do it. Remember that speaking your truth (with appreciation, honesty, and kindness) is a great gift for the people in your life and is one of the best ways you can acknowledge them and strengthen your relationship.
How will you speak the truth with appreciation and honesty? Share your thoughts on my blog, click here.
Tell Them The Truth
Here are some additional ideas and specific tips about how to tell the truth to people around you...
Click here to listen.
Book Recommendations:
Spiritual Liberation, by Michael Bernard Beckwith:
My friend Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith – the dynamic spiritual teacher who has touched millions of readers and viewers in The Secret and through the spiritual community he founded, the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles, CA – has written a new and incredibly powerful book called Spiritual Liberation. Michael’s teachings are profound, his wisdom is clear, and this book will touch your heart and soul in a transformational way. For more information and to order copies of this new book, click here.
Tactical Transparency, by John Havens and Shel Holtz:
Understanding how to communicate the value of your brand in an honest, open, and creative way is essential for businesses in the 21st century. Tactical Transparency is an insightful new book that teaches business leaders and entrepreneurs how to harness social media in a way that allows them to speak directly and authentically to their customers. For more information about this book and to get some free bonuses when you purchase it, click on this link: http://www.ttoffer.com/
Spiritual Cinema Circle:
With so much negativity on TV and in films these days, my wife Michelle and I were excited when we found out about the Spiritual Cinema Circle. It is a DVD club that specializes in films about love, compassion, growth, and positive messages. This month’s film selection is an inspiring documentary film based on the bestselling book You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. This wonderful film features teachers and authors like Wayne Dyer, Esther and Jerry Hicks, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Gay Hendricks, and Cheryl Richardson. You will receive You Can Heal Your Life along with 3 great short films for free (plus a nominal shipping fee) when you sign up for a free trial membership by December 15th. Click Here for more info, to sign up, and to receive these free and inspiring films.
Below is a list of where I'm speaking in the next few months. All of these events are for my corporate or organizational clients (i.e. not open to the public). If you live in any of the cities where I’ll be traveling and want to contact me about setting up a speaking engagement for your group or company while I’m in town, feel free to contact me. I will have more public events scheduled later in 2009. Thanks!
11/20/08 – San Francisco, CA
11/21/08 – Monterey, CA
12/9/08 – Concord, CA
12/16/08 – San Francisco, CA
1/14/09 – San Francisco, CA
1/27/09 – Novato, CA
1/30/09 – Lincoln, NE
“Even though only one of us speaks in words these days, we plan to always tell each other the truth.”
– Samantha and Annarose Robbins
For more photos of Annarose and Samantha, click here:
http://www.jklifestories.com/RosieArrives/
