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

The Right Coach

Who is the Best Coach For Achieving Your Goals?A friend... Read More

Executive Coaching ? Finding a Coach and Understanding the Process

Nobody in business can fail to have noticed the recent... Read More

Happiness and Work: Your Life Depends On It.

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

Avoid the Tendency to Underestimate Your Greatness

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

Be A Champion Communicator by Becoming a Chameleon

Recently, I worked with a client who was having a... Read More

Home For The Holidays

In my husband's family, family members send Christmas cards to... Read More

3 Tips for a Great Summer - Developing Life & Business While Having a Blast

As the last day of school arrives I feel the... Read More

A Small Piece Of Carpet

Have you ever noticed how the way you feel about... Read More

Transitions: Moving Through Change With Grace

MOVING THROUGH CHANGECreating any major change in our lives can... Read More

7 Effective Ways To Boost Your Self Esteem

1. Get a life purpose statement.A well thought out life... Read More

What I Would Include In A Coaching Book

A coach is an essential figure in providing direction and... Read More

Live With An Attitude Of Gratitude

Imagine for a moment one of those nights when you... Read More

Q-Tip It!

Back in the 1920's when Polish-American entrepreneur Leo Gerstenzang invented... Read More

Coaching is Asking the Right Questions

Have you ever known anyone who asked themselves "Why me?"... Read More

The Power of Online Memberships

Have you ever noticed geese flying overhead, whether that be... Read More

Why a Self Help Book May Not Help You

For a self help book to work, we have to... Read More

Enhancing Life for a Lifetime

Do you often feel lonely, anxious, or even depressed? Is... Read More

101 Winning Choices

Personal missions statements (PMS) are just nothing but the winning... Read More

The Difference Between Approval and Appreciation

Having worked with individuals, couples, families and business partners for... Read More

The Rewards and Risks Of Personal Freedom

We all need to decide whether to "play it safe"... Read More