You Have A Choice

I'm a relationship coach and, unlike most, I deal with those 'other' relationships. Of course, I make love happen without wings and an arrow, but I really make a difference with business relationships, family relationships, community relationships, old and stale relationships and all the rest that we take for granted, lost or forgotten.

I'm also an activist for ending hunger and for creating jobs for the homeless. These activities make me think politically. For example, I just found out that this administration gives far more in food assistance than was ever done before. I was initially stunned and pleased. Then I found out that the increase was mandatory. The budget is pegged to the population that requires food aid. This has skyrocketed so the budget has dramatically increased. Hunger is on the rise.

My natural instincts are to rail and rant, to stomp my feet (verbally) and complain. But I'm a relationship coach. I tell people my commitment is that around me people experience love and contribution, wisdom and harmony, So I performed one of the great secrets of relationships ? I remembered that I have a choice. And I forgave them. Forgiveness is that great secret of relationships ? and it's most powerful when undeserved. How I can forgive is that I use what the Buddha said, "Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a different past."

So I take myself away from the past, away from morality, back into the present and working toward the future.

IMPORTANT: You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

Michael Lipp is a coach, an author, an artist, a speaker and a happy grandfather.

You can find out more about him by checking out his website: http://www.1stClassCoaching.com

---

Our Worst Enemy

Who do you consider as your worst enemy? The criminals... Read More

Listen To Me Lad Says Jack

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, when... Read More

Emotional Dependency or Emotional Responsibility

Emotional dependency means getting one's good feelings from outside oneself.... Read More

Its Game Time! Four Powerful Lessons in the Game of Life

I turned 29 last week, and if statistics are right... Read More

The Enchantment of Tribes to Belong To

I am remembering and have a desire to share with... Read More

Identify Your Two Rich Horses

The naked truth of person is that we are still... Read More

Take Responsibility for Reshaping Your Life

We say we want to eat better, feel better, and... Read More

Plug in Your Systems for Success

Have you ever noticed that so many of us who... Read More

Is Time Really Easier to Sell than Products? Generate Extra Revenue by Packaging Up What You Know

Over the years I've worked with very many coaches and... Read More

Personal Strategic Planning

I have a few questions for you ---What if we... Read More

Five Steps to Vocational Passion: A Disciplined Plan for Major Mid-life Changes

There's a famous song lyric that asks: "Is that all... Read More

Mid Life Crisis and the Great American Dream

One of the mainstays of American culture is the "Great... Read More

The Long Way

I wrote you about four years ago, when my eight... Read More

How Coaches Find Clients Online

At a recent networking meeting Jana asked for a recommendation... Read More

Good, Good, Good, Good Intentions

I always do a lot of thinking about good intentions... Read More

Happiness and Work: Your Life Depends On It.

Early one morning, Robert awoke, made his wife of 41... Read More

Great Advice

It never ceases to amaze me that every time I... Read More

Why Pacing and Leading is for Wimps!

Okay, you have read some books on body language and... Read More

The Need to Feel Special

From the time Jennifer was a little child, she was... Read More

Executive Coaching and the American President

Perhaps no one better than a former U.S. president has... Read More

How To Deal With People Who Dislike You

When you read books on personal development and articles about... Read More

Difficult Challenges? -- What If?

Sometimes life can seem like one long series of unsolvable... Read More

Could You and Your Business Benefit from a Business Coach or a Consultant?

The surprising answer is "probably". Most individuals don't realize that... Read More

Executive Coaching

The higher you climb the ladder in this organization, the... Read More

Avoid the Tendency to Underestimate Your Greatness

As a whole I think there is a sad tendency... Read More

Do You Want to Make More Money as A Life Coach

There's a lot of coaches out there not making any... Read More

How To Gain Control Of Your Life

"The latter part of a wise man's life," said Jonathan... Read More

Throw a No-Heat Party for the Planet

Is it really possible to have loads of fun, and... Read More

Corporate Coaching and Employees: One Step Ahead

"Don't shoot... We're on the same side."Contrary to popular belief,... Read More

Are You A Work Addict?

Work addiction is very common in our society today, yet... Read More

6 Practices for Achieving Excellent Self-Care

Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) often feel like they... Read More

Profitable Idea Generation in 4 Steps Using Improv

A large percentage of business are stuck, tied to narrow... Read More

Listening Skills In Relationships

Recently, when out to dinner with another couple, my husband... Read More