Finding Hope Through Connection

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo

I started my day by having tea with a wonderful friend; the connection was awe-inspiring. Feeling the bond and our sense of community (meeting at a local coffee house in a small town) is the essence of the human experience. It is how we can light the world we are in, especially when we are struggling. Where would we be without each other? We had a deep exchange where we unpacked our challenges as of late; the thought of suffering together most certainly involved a higher power.

As we departed from our morning of fellowship, we both said how we thought things looked pretty good, with a bit of dark humor sprinkled into the moment. Still, after our departure, things felt like they had improved. Our spirits hugged each other, which helped shed light on each of our paths. 

If your world feels dark right now, step into the light. Yes, it may seem out of reach. Still, with some concentrated effort, you can lean into some kind of connection (with an animal, child, friend, family, coworker, clergyperson, or through brief encounters with your community like at a coffee house, in the library, at the store or on public transportation). Sometimes just smiling at a stranger warms our hearts when we unexpectedly get a smile back.  

Where is the love in your life? I encourage you to go inward and sense your heart if you feel empty. Can you feel it beating? It beats for you; this is the wisdom of the body and self-love; allow the feeling to grow. With some grace for yourself, take some deep breaths, and remember you are alive and meant to connect with others; we can find hope through connection. Give it a try!

Self-love

Photo: By Kathryn J. Raths (the front of a book container I painted)

In the short time I have been working at Still WatersCounseling, in Saline, Michigan, I have sincerely been blessed with a wonderful work environment, heartfelt coworkers, and supportive owners who are well-credentialed therapists. The client base that shapes my day-to-day existence has kept me focused and has continuously challenged me to go deeper within myself and into their worlds. I am intrigued by each and every person whom my path crosses. As I witness the transformation gifted by each individual’s therapeutic process, I learn something new daily. It is a very individual experience. While many commonalities exist in mental health struggles, each person brings a unique experience. What works for one person may or may not work for another; considering this, it becomes a discovery process and an adventure. But, much of the struggle is heightened and prolonged because of the view of self. When we face the world being unkind and harsh to ourselves (often, this is the underlying belief of being a failure or feeling a lack of worth), we cheat on our own successes. This distorted belief blinds us, robs opportunity, and cripples movement forward; it energizes darkness and more suffering.

By enabling self-forgiveness, we can manifest self-compassion. Without it, our energy will continue to drain, and although we may be strong enough to keep pushing, the fight will always be a fight, and we will never be self-fulfilled or truly give ourselves credit for all our accomplishments. You can be the most successful person through a societal lens, but if you do not love yourself, you will believe you are a failure. You, my friend, are worthy of the miracle of you and all that your best self has to offer. All you have to do is plug into the movement of self-love and learn to celebrate yourself. Please do not give your power away by sitting around and waiting for others to do this. You are your best investment; you have your back, which is the most important thing to realize; run with this notion! Once you fully embrace this message and make it part of you, your light will shine brighter than ever, and the outside pieces of your life will fall into place and flow more peacefully, much like your inner self. This love and happiness authentically came from the inside out instead of the outside (material wealth only boosts happiness momentarily). Genuine love from the inside out is what feeling good in your skin is all about; it gifts long-term bliss. Bless yourself with the wonders of you. If you feel you have lost hope, tug on a lifeline for help, and seek local counseling, you are worth the effort!

Just Enough

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo

It seems like we all start out striving to get everything, which is exhausting. The more we get, the more we have to manage. Still, we want more. It wasn’t until I started embracing spirituality that I realized the value of simplicity and the blessing in having just enough. And, when abundance comes knocking at our door, we must remember that this gift can be shared with a pay-it-forward perspective. 

There is an energy connected with gratitude, which seeds kindness, and with the foresight of others, there becomes a nurturing abundance for all.

It is an invaluable garden that is part of all of our lives; all we have to do is realize this. And, when our vision is skewed by the focus on desperation for more, we will never be fed from this garden. Gratitude gifts abundance, and when shared, it's all the better. 

It is necessary to see the intangibles in life instead of the tangible stuff. It is all just stuff!

Growing up in a poor environment and then striving to make good money with a 6-figure salary eventually taught me that there is a greater value than that which money gifts. When we share our God-given talents with the world, which energizes the greater good, we create from our passion; fundamentally, it stems from love.

I believe love's power is priceless, and it is within every human being regardless of material well-being.

If you are worrying about the lack of something, start recognizing how you have survived and managed with what you actually have. It is critical that you shift your energy from not enough to just enough, which will gift growth in your world instead of scarcity.

Does this resonate with you? Leave me a note and let me know your thoughts. I’m curious.

Synergize

Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC photo

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I had to write a reflection paper recently on Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, below is an insert from my paper about synergy:

“In those quiet moments in life, which I believe are sacred, I am able to see beyond the inner workings of my life, regardless of what I am going through, to remind myself that my life is a small but important part of a larger whole. As an individual I can make significant change but by rallying my energy with the energies of others this synergy is much more profound and powerful. I am embracing this concept as I learn more and interface in the counseling world. My network is growing and strengthening and this collective energy is creating a momentum that is beginning to open doors and enable me to reach farther and grow.  Synergy is a pretty spectacular concept.”

I consider myself an introverted person; I enjoy time with self. But, I equally enjoy the work of a team. I loved the collective energy my purchasing team used to fuel; we were unstoppable and very strong as a group; the bond was pretty great. Individually we each offered something special but as a whole it felt like we could persevere through anything the organization could throw at us.

The more synergies we can create in our lives the better; we are empowered by these circles and, at the same time, we power them. It is a beautiful give and take process!

What synergies are you fueling? Drop me a note and let’s discuss it!

Dating myths, continued...

Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC photo

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I have communicated previously that after my divorce, I gave up dating for 1 solid year. I had had enough crap to last for a long while!  After the year was up I went out on 3 separate dates with 3 different guys.  After about 10 dates with the 3^rd gentleman, he met my children. He is my fiancé now and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

We’re very much alike. We have had similar childhoods, we’re both aggressive business savvy people with big hearts and we both brought 2 kids each into the relationship. My life was pretty great the year I spent on my own but it got much better when I was able to share it with the love of my life.

My wish for you is you find someone who doesn’t make your life (only you should do this) but for this person to accentuate you and your life in the best way possible!

Happy Valentine Day!  

Beautiful inside, continued...

Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC photo

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Who knew when someone said, "She is beautiful inside," science would be able to actually validate this and, that the source of these perfectly crystalized molecules in the human body would be love! This really is the answer to much of our dismay!

I am really intrigued about this stuff!

My son has recently decided to go into BioChemistry and study to be a scientist. I'm hopeful this venture for him will gift more of this type of education to me, it is quite insightful and profound. It really does help put things into perspective.

What are your thoughts about this, do you care to share?

A beating heart, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Are you open to life or do you feel stuck? Does you heart ache or is it warm and beating? After and during my divorce, I was shut down, closed to the world. It seemed like everything went black and white. Without color the world seems lifeless. My body ached, my heart hurt; I couldn't feel anything but anger and bitterness.

It is not the way to live. I gave myself 1 year to live on my own, without the warmth of another in my life. I had my children and I'm sure they kept my heart flowing focused towards them but outwardly the world looked grim. This was more than 10 years ago.

I did learn during this time that I had to find love for myself before I could really have love for another person, at least genuine love. Today, I've come full circle. I have love in my heart and in my world. Once I was able to open myself again, I found true love. My heart beats manifesting true happiness.

I can't imagine going back to the way it was. And I can't imagine anyone else suffering this way long-term. Feel your heart, let it flow and light your world.

We've all had heartache, move past it, free yourself. Feel the love!

Spiritual enrichment, continued...

Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC Workshop/Class Sampling page

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

The more I live, the more I realize that even when I win an argument and I'm right, I've really lost because if I'm in the mode of arguing, I'm sending out the wrong kind of energy into the world. It is the kind that destroys instead of creates; it's dark not light. I'm practicing diligently to stop fighting the world and instead flow from love.

How are you finding and sharing love in the world?

Pandora was the first woman used to punish mankind, continued...

Click on the below link for background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I believe we all have soul mates on this earth and these individuals are very attractive to their counterpart. Although, sometimes we may not realize this at first. Maybe your heart is closed at the time you meet yours or you're in another relationship and 1st must learn a lesson or two before you can meet your heavenly match but regardless it isn't only about outer appearance.

Have you ever met someone who didn't really appeal to you at first but after getting to know them, suddenly you were attracted to them? This is a situation where inner beauty came to the surface and won you over!

If you are lucky, you'll find a diamond in the rough. You might not see it this way but it will be someone who sweeps you off your feet (surprisingly) and it is someone who accentuates your core being taking you to a whole different level!

Remember the lesson from Pandora's box and let it help you find your way to true love!

Princess is my service dog, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I'm so intrigued by the relationship between Princess and Kelly; it is so special, loving and critical! Kelly helped educate me about the intelligence of animals; they are such amazing little creatures. Not only dogs but cats, lamas and many others are also trained to help people in need.

It really does reinforce that animals can support us mentally and physically. Princess is Kelly's little angel here on earth and it warms my heart to have learned about their relationship!

Is your pet able to help you in any way; if so, share your stories with me!