Are you a coffee shop kind of person? You know one of those persons that on the way to where you are going, you make a pit stop to grab a cup of coffee or tea. Let’s be honest….It becomes a habit and you and I both know it’s much more than the coffee. It becomes a hangout…You might talk sports, politics or a myriad of other subjects. It becomes a social thing. You know you are guaranteed to see some friendly or unfriendly faces of people you know.

In fact last summer two sixty year olds got into a fist fight. It was the talk of the town. They both were excluded from the local scene for a period of time until recently one was reinstated.

I wonder what they were fighting about. I guess it was a matter of being right. Being right became more important than getting along. What about you? How many times has the need to be right interfered with your getting along with someone? How about getting along with someone who was special in your life? Has it cost you some important relationships?

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach, inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He also publishes, Letters on Life, an inspirational ezine. Contact him for an opportunity to create the life of your dreams. http://www.inspirepossibility.com

AS SOON AS: Last week I was at a music conference with my daughter and participated in a songwriting workshop. I started thinking about taking a writing workshop since I was doing more and more of it.

And when I got home there was an announcement that at the local high school Annie Lamott, best selling author and humorist would be giving a talk. So I went and got inspired. One thing she said which struck a chord were the words “AS SOON AS”. Those are the words that get in the way of one beginning a writing project. And I realized that for many people those are the words that keep them stuck in their life.

So here is the moment of truth. Is there something in your life that you are putting off doing because the time isn’t right. Are you saying AS SOON AS this happens you will then do it?

Well let’s face it…when you say those words you usually won’t begin the project.

Perhaps right now you are home free. But ask yourself when was the last time you used those words and did you ever begin the project?

Journey On

Mark

Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach, inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He also publishes, Letters on Life, an inspirational ezine. Contact him for an opportunity to create the life of your dreams. http://www.inspirepossibility.com

FOUR FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS OF COMMUNICATION: Yesterday I shared an experience with you that gives you a glimpse of what is possible when you connect. Who wouldn’t want to have these experiences more often. So here are those four truths.

The first truth is to know that what we all want on a deeper level is the ability to connect with another, to touch each other’s soul. Unfortunately, too many of our conversations are just an exchange of ideas and information and we very rarely penetrate the surface. Most of our focus is on how we are going to respond to what is being said instead of listening.

The second truth is to know that listening involves much more than just listening to the words. It is tuning into the energy beyond the words. It is understanding the needs and feelings of the other person. It is about being totally engaged and at the same time being in the rhythm of life. Yes, it takes a lot of energy but you will be energized by what you get back. Imagine living in a world where you are truly listening and fully engaged.

The third truth is to know that you must take responsibility for the quality of your communication. Because we all have long standing attitudes and beliefs we sometimes find ourselves trying to convince the other person of our viewpoints. Being right then becomes the goal of the interaction rather than communication and the next thing you know you are in a full-fledged argument. Just think of what happens when you discuss politics or religion. Is being right more important than experiencing one of those magical moments?

The fourth truth is that communication is a process and an art. Being a masterful communicator doesn’t happen over night but it starts with the intention to experience more connection in your busy life. Just like other art forms, i.e. dancing or music, their is a natural ebb and flow in the learning cycle. As your commitment deepens to this process you notice that you are having more frequent glimpses of the magic that is possible in your life. The ultimate communication occurs when you are able to touch each others soul and share who you are. This new-found magic then becomes the gateway to a more fulfilling life.

At our core level we all have the same human needs and desires. We want to know that we matter and that our life has meaning and purpose. When we accept and recognize that we all have these human needs and desires we realize that we are part of one human family. When we work together as one, what is possible in our lives, communities, and the world expands.

Journey On

Mark

Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach, inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He also publishes, Letters on Life, an inspirational ezine. Contact him for an opportunity to create the life of your dreams. http://www.inspirepossibility.com