A Creator-based® Life

Family & Relationships: ‘Peace in Diversity'  #2 Different is not Deficient.   We are different by design. Immersed in our culture with all of the media influences and business of life, it’s easy to be swayed into opinions and expectations in our relationships. What did your culture of origin dictate? Our childhood experiences and modeling, like clay, blends colors and categories into something that feels permanent.  (It’s not, and we can help you change it). What categories were you taught in society, school, or home? What core beliefs were modeled in your childhood?   We each have family culture, community, church, and educational cultures.  They all impress upon us in their own way the way things “should” be.  This impacts our current family and relationship expectations. We form thoughts of how our family and relationships “should” be.  But are they accurate? And what happens when the family or relationship is different from our picture? Trouble.  Judgment. Distance.

I am excited to share our Family & Relationships: ‘Peace in Diversity'  Series with you this Holiday Season. Over the next five weeks, we will explore the peace that comes from understanding that ‘different is not deficient’ and applying that principle to families and loving relationships.  Compassion, mindfulness, hope, and a little faith can create more peace and happiness in your life.  Creator-based ® Circumstances and Calling Out Have you ever been worried, sad, or felt like you were failing in a relationship or family circumstance? When you looked at the condition of your relationship, did you think it was subpar?  Consider the context or the lens through which you examined that part of your life. It’s easier to do when you look at a situation you have already resolved and are past, but you can use a current situation if need be. What is the circumstance or situation you see?  Name it.   What is the thought associated with this situation?   Examine it. Lately, I

  We’ve all seen our share of suffering in our lives.   Everything from a skinned knee on the playground to the death of someone you love.   It can be tough.   Contrast that to the days of clear skies and sailing in the sun.   Those heart-filling, life-is-perfect days are universal, too. You will see more of them when you acknowledge them. Life is very much a study in contrast, like the Yin-Yang symbol above.  I love that there’s a little spot of darkness in the light, a reminder of what you’ve been through.  Then there’s the little spot of light in the dark, a place to remember rescue and provide hope and light. But have you ever wondered why the Ying-Yang symbol has survived for so long? It’s because it is truth.  Life really is a 50/50 experience.  About half is dark, and about half is light.  Blessedly, there is not 100% darkness- there is a little light there to remind us of the fleeting nature of any situation and remind us that things will soon change again. When we suffe

Creator-based® Commentary Do you have a running commentary in your head? Does it sound somewhat like a sportscaster that lets “them” know exactly what your moves are, where you succeed, and gloriously emphasizes your bloopers and blunders? Yeah, me too.    My running inner commentary generally leads me to fail.   Sometimes that inner voice will be encouraging, but my default is definitely not positive.   Interestingly, that’s as it should be.    Our brain naturally protects us and will keep a constant scan going for ways that we may experience hardship or danger.    That inner commentary is there to protect you.    It is, believe it or not, your friend, but it’s more like a best friend that says mean things to you.    Not one to encourage. What if the inner commentary drags you down? Maybe it’s critical or unkind.    What then?Well, my friend, simply say to it,  “Not helpful.” That’s right. When your commentator is filling you with critical or judgmental thoughts, tell her, “No.    Not