Lessons Learned From My Clients

"Man - a being in search of meaning. " Plato

One of the benefits of being a counselor is that I have the opportunity to learn about others and my myself. For today's entry, I would like to list several of the lessons my clients have taught me through sharing their experiences.

1. No matter who you are, we all want to be loved.

2. We all have a desire to be heard and validated.

3. Life can throw you a curve ball.

4. We all have more similarities than differences.

5. No one plans to end up in therapy.

6. There is freedom in acknowledging our struggles.

7. If you want a different result, you must do something different.

8. There is a greater force running the show.

9. It is possible to feel peace in the midst of pain.

10. We are stronger than we know.

There are many more lessons that I have learned and will share in the future. Have a great day.

"Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind." Eric Hoffer

What motivates you and your behaviors? Most of us think we are driven by honest and helping desires, but there are times when our motives may not be true. Before responding to people or a situation, it is important to consider your motives. If you are doing something for praise or approval, your motives are selfish. This may sound harsh, but it is true. When we seek validation from others, instead of from ourselves and our higher power, we are acting selfishly. It is nice to receive compliments, but the need for acclamation need not be the driving force behind our actions. Watch out for people-pleasing behaviors as the motives behind these behaviors are not honest, either. Make decisions based upon altruism and kindness.

The desire for revenge can easily be a motivating force, if we let it. If your actions are intended to get even with someone, you are harming yourself. I would suggest that if you are experiencing this desire that you slow down and give it some thought before taking action. We cannot take back words and it is far too easy to say something we may regret later. Some degree of competition is common, but keep careful watch as to keep it in healthy boundaries. When we are constantly driven by power and the need to win, we lose value in our relationships.

As the above quote suggests, when we act our of true and kind motives, we become more kind. I encourage you to evaluate your motives on an on-going basis and strive to keep them honest and true.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6351717

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