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Articles from Keith Bray | Selfgrowth.com
- 2012 - by Submitted on Feb 13, 2012 from Keith BrayA NEW YOU IN 2012? READY FOR CHANGE? Here we are, 9 days in to a new year and most things back to normal. By now, a majority of people who have made resolutions have broken them As you looked at a new year, what changes have you committed to make in how you live? More importantly, how are ...
Views: 1441(1 vote) - 2012-Self-esteem - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2012 from Keith Bray2012-Mission to Improve Self-esteem To be of service to others, I do a lot of reading and research. Original thinking is fine but what I know and coach originated from others. The biggest issues I help others to come to grips with are related to self-esteem. Today I share writing from ...
Views: 2276(1 vote) - Need A Recovery Program? - by Submitted on Apr 08, 2011 from Keith BrayNEED A RECOVERY PROGRAM? I am blessed to be acquainted with a great group of people who are involved in addiction recovery and helping others. Patrick Meninga who operates the web site www.spiritualriver.com is one of those people. Over the years, Patrick and I have collaborated on several ...
Views: 1524(2 votes) - SPIRITUALITY-SOME THOUGHTS - by Submitted on Apr 06, 2011 from Keith BraySPIRITUALITY-SOME THOUGHTS I work with people who simply put, want to make major change in their life. The reasons vary and may include addiction, abuse, stress, and depression. The common denominator is that the zest for life is not what they want and personal relationships are stressed or ...
Views: 1230 - Maybe An Addiction Problem? - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Keith BrayDo you have an addiction problem? You’re reading this because you are looking for information about “addictions”. I address this to two groups of people in particular. * The person who thinks s/he has a problem. * The person trying to drink/drug/behave in moderation. Many are here because ...
Views: 1293 - ROCKETED INTO A 4th DIMENSION - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2011 from Keith BrayROCKETED INTO a 4TH DIMENSION of EXISTENCE Over the past weekend, I had the privilege of attending a “spiritual retreat” at a wonderful place of peace called Manresa . What is a spiritual retreat? Sounds out there! For me it is like taking a time out from life and listening to a leader lead ...
Views: 7481(1 vote) - DOES IT STILL PLAY FORWARD? - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2011 from Keith BrayDOES IT STILL PLAY FORWARD? The biggest limiting factor in many lives today is the past, plain and simple. In the “co-creative process of life recovery” that I deeply believe in, a huge part of the coached journey is taking a very hard and detailed look at the past and fully getting things ...
Views: 1209(1 vote) - The Courage to Change - by Submitted on Mar 16, 2011 from Keith BrayTHE COURAGE TO CHANGE Courage: The power to let go of the familiar. --Raymond Lindquist Letting go of the familiar really does require courage. Why? Very simply, the thought of change evokes fear. Fear of what? Only YOU can answer for you. Let me pose three very simple questions to you. If ...
Views: 1401(1 vote) - A DUCK. WHO ME? - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2011 from Keith BrayA DUCK? WHO ME? One of the joys of living in the times we do is the internet. It gives us a huge access to information and people. Through the site www.myrecoveryspace.com, I have had the good fortune of befriending Dennis S. in the California desert. Dennis writes a lot of things I can relate ...
Views: 1608 - SELF ESTEEM CONTINUED - by Submitted on Mar 08, 2011 from Keith BraySelf Esteem Continued To me, self esteem is the most important possession a human being can have. We were born innocent, and the lowering of self esteem occurred through life experiences and over time. They key point, we were born with self esteem and it still exists within all of us, but with ...
Views: 1224 - THE FACE in the MIRROR - by Submitted on Mar 05, 2011 from Keith BrayTHE FACE in the MIRROR On of the greatest compliments I have ever had from a client is that in our relationship, I was a great mirror for him. The mirror is an inexpensive tool all those seeking improved self esteem have at their disposal. It is a tool I often make a primary one in working ...
Views: 1268(1 vote) - Holistic Living-Spiritual Awakening - by Submitted on Mar 01, 2011 from Keith BrayHolistic Living-Spiritual Awakening For something to have an “AWAKENING”, it must have been asleep. Now isn’t that the most brilliant thing you’ve ever read. For me, I made the changes in my life for one big reason, to live abundantly with peace with in. I was an unhappy person and knew that ...
Views: 1030(3 votes) - SELF-RESPECT = SELF-ESTEEM. Want some? - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2011 from Keith BraySelf respect = Self esteem Last week I had the opportunity to talk with you a little bit about the meaning of RESPECT. Ultimately, in the addiction world, we have to add SELF into the equation. How important is self respect/self esteem and have I got it?I have had the opportunity to ...
Views: 1391 - IS ADDICTION A DISEASE? GOT IT? - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2011 from Keith BrayIS ADDICTION A DISEASE? I certainly have my own thoughts on this question. Understanding the “disease” nature of addiction, because it gave me peace of mind, saved my life. Trust me; I’m not trying to be dramatic. From being free of active addiction for over 16 years, I know that the disease ...
Views: 1224 - A Dilemma- "WANT" vs. "NEED" - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Keith BrayA Dilemma-“WANT” vs. “NEED” Things are said and life issues sometimes converge, and really cause the mind to ponder. I have just gone through a situation like that, and it relates to work life/career equally to life recovery, life transformation and getting addiction help. There is a huge ...
Views: 1523 - RESPECT-ask Aretha;it's important - by Submitted on Feb 19, 2011 from Keith BrayTHE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECT in RECOVERY Quotes about respect When I was asked to do an article on respect, my thoughts immediately flashed to Aretha Franklin’s 1967 theme for the feminist movement- “R.E.S.P.E.C.T”.- which upon examination of the lyrics, tells us that she will do anything in ...
Views: 1363 - Life Out of Whack? H.A.L.T. - by Submitted on Feb 15, 2011 from Keith BrayLife Out of Whack? H.A.L.T. Today is February 9, 2011 and it is mental health awareness day in Canada. A reminder to all, 20% of the total population suffers from a “mental health” issue in their life. Be aware of it, and if you are in that 20%, have the courage to seek help. There are no ...
Views: 1262 - KNOW YOUR DREAMS - by Submitted on Feb 11, 2011 from Keith BrayKNOW YOUR DREAM You've got to create a dream. You've got to uphold the dream. If you can't, go back to the factory or go back to the desk. --Eric Burdon Way back when, back when I made a decision to go into the “people helping” business as a profession, I had a dream. I formulated the dream ...
Views: 1246(1 vote) - A FREE GIFT-LIFE CHANGING-NO STRINGS - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2011 from Keith BrayWANT A SHOT OF HOPE? (How’s Your Spiritual Life?) Someone sees that word “spiritual” and the mind says “oh no, more religious crap”. That someone, back then, was me. For those who are familiar with my blogs, you’ll know I like simplicity and often turn to the good book written by Mr. Webster ...
Views: 1346(1 vote) - I Want Change. WHY? - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2011 from Keith BrayYOU WANT CHANGE. WHY? Another great question prompted from my coaching mentor, Dr. Randin Brons “Idea Engineer”. I work with intelligent people who are prepared to invest time, and in the case of my clients, money, to get a better life than current. To get what they want, they must be prepared ...
Views: 1183 - BECOME SELF AWARE! - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2011 from Keith BraySELF AWARE As I went through life, I lost a sense of who I was; I was not aware of certain behaviour patterns and thought patterns that were occurring in my life. I certainly was aware of the patterns of others that I was in frequent contact with, and as we all know, sometimes the behaviours ...
Views: 1344(1 vote) - RENEWING YOUR MIND - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Keith BrayDO YOU THINK THINGS OUT? So, you want to transform your life from where it is today to something much different, something you know inside that life should be for you. If that be the case, do you truly think things out? I am not a follower of any religion but have read many “great” books ...
Views: 1317(1 vote) - FISHING POLE-FOOD FOR LIFE - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2011 from Keith BrayFISHING POLE-FOOD FOR LIFE Yesterday, I had posted something that asked for input and answers to a couple of specific questions. I am still looking for more input, and thanks to those of you who did respond. I got one great reminder and I have to remember it, and it may be a great reminder for ...
Views: 1302 - LIFE ON THE MERRY-Go-ROUND - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2011 from Keith BrayLIFE ON THE MERRY-GO-ROUND I’m generally not a computer pack rat, and tend to keep my inbox, sent and so on with little stuff in them. That being said, every now and again I hold on to something which I’ve read and intuitively know it is going to be very real on an upcoming day. Below is ...
Views: 1230 - HOLISTIC? SPIRITUAL? WHOA!! - by Submitted on Jan 18, 2011 from Keith BrayHOLISTIC? /SPIRITUAL? WHOA I love to think that the huge positive changes in my life over the past 16 years or so have been holistic and as part of this, there has been a “spiritual awakening” (like brought out of a spiritual coma) as a part of what has happened. Let’s go to Webster’s for a ...
Views: 1234(1 vote) - ACCEPTING-VERY HARD - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Keith BrayADMITTING-VERY HARD Admitted to God (Good Orderly Direction source), to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.-12 steps/5th step Admitting can be such a big word and a very hard thing to do. When looking thoroughly at myself and my past, I unearthed many things I ...
Views: 1519 - WHO AM I? - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Keith BrayWHO AM I? I can remember those dark days back in 1994 that I really did not know who I was. Have you been there or are you at that point today. I knew the roles that I played, amongst them husband, father, employer, community volunteer, company leader; roles I played on life’s stage like an ...
Views: 1411(3 votes) - CAN YOU TURN IT OVER? - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Keith BrayCAN YOU TURN IT OVER? A small change had started in my life. A journey of transformation had started and I was starting to recover a life I wanted. I had some hope sanity could return to my life. As I worked through the journey as laid out in the 12 steps, I hit something that called for a ...
Views: 1611(2 votes) - AM I INSANE? - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Keith BrayAM I INSANE? I had not thought this question out very well back in the 90’s. While I did crazy things, the life I was living would have indicated that at times I was nuts, but no one would have considered me insane. I had a responsible job, a family, a home, two or more cars, no debt, ...
Views: 1443 - THE POWER OF ACCEPTANCE - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Keith BrayTHE POWER OF ACCEPTANCE As each new year begins, I love to go through and meditate on the 12 steps. As I constantly tell others, while the 12 steps in the familiar format people look at today come from AA, there is no better model for any human being to follow for good mental hygiene. Want a ...
Views: 1195(1 vote) - 2011-POSITIVE CHANGES? - by Submitted on Jan 07, 2011 from Keith Bray2011-POSITIVE CHANGES? May you LIVE all the days of your life-Johnathan Swift Another new year. Another year entered into with the best of intentions. Ever look back and really measure the changes you planned to make in 2010 and where you sit today? For most, their resolutions are but a ...
Views: 1335(1 vote) - BETWEEN THE EARS - by Submitted on Jan 05, 2011 from Keith BrayBetween The Ears “Life is a game played on a 5 inch course, the distance between your ears” As well move into a new year, the above statement is worth remembering, only because it is true. It is adapted from a quote Bobby Jones made about golf. I am often struck by the similarities between ...
Views: 1455 - AT THE END OF YOUR ARM - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Keith BrayAT THE END OF YOUR ARM The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. --Swedish proverb Every now and again a quote comes to you that is just so obvious but true! There are so many looking for help, looking to others to “fix” them and take responsibility for ...
Views: 4322(1 vote) - PEOPLE PLEASIN' TIME - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Keith BrayPEOPLE PLEASIN’ TIME OF THE YEAR I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.--Bill Cosby I am so blessed to have the space I do to work in. Today my view through my windows is of crisp white snow and snow clinging to mature cedars at the back of our ...
Views: 1226 - SELFISHNESS - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Keith BraySelfishness Every now and again I reflect back on my life to a time before I started what I know call a “co-creative process of life recovery”. There were many negative qualities that were at work most of the time. One that I really regret is selfishness. I wanted the world to see me as a ...
Views: 1716 - SABOTAGING SUCCESS - by Submitted on Dec 20, 2010 from Keith BraySABOTAGING SELF? How are you sabotaging yourself? "If you play it safe in life you've decided that you don't want to grow any more." -- Shirley Hufstedler How are you sabotaging you’re potential for change? We unconsciously use defense mechanisms to shield us from situations we perceive ...
Views: 1391 - Sitting In Judgement - by Submitted on Dec 14, 2010 from Keith BraySITTING IN JUDGEMENT No judgment Everything in life holds both a blessing and a curse. We deny this when we label the events of our lives as either good or bad. The following old Zen story illustrates this lesson most effectively. A farmer had a horse but one day, the horse ran away and so ...
Views: 1318 - Chasing Happiness? - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2010 from Keith BrayCHASING HAPPINESS? “One is happy as a result of one's own efforts, once one knows the necessary ingredients of happiness — simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self denial to a point, love of work, and, above all, a clear conscience. Happiness is no vague dream, of that I now feel ...
Views: 1497(1 vote) - PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE - by Submitted on Dec 03, 2010 from Keith BrayPractice, Practice, Practice I’m a golf nut, and some may say certifiable. With the amount of golf tips and lessons I’ve had appear on my computer screen this last little while; it caused me to reflect on not only my golf game, but my life. I am a believer in asking for help, and when it ...
Views: 1138 - WHO'S BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS? - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2010 from Keith BrayWHO’S BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS? Behind an able man there are always other able men. --Chinese proverb The similarities between this and the saying “Behind every good man is a good woman” are striking. How many say “I am self-made”? No one succeeds alone. Most of us have had a strong desire in ...
Views: 2400 - TIGER GETS HONEST! - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Keith BrayTIGER GETS HONEST “At first I didn’t want to look inward. Frankly, I was scared of what I would find—what I had become. But I am grateful I did examine my life because it made me more grounded than I’ve ever been; I hope that with reflection will come wisdom.” –Tiger Woods This is the first ...
Views: 1107 - GOT TRUST ISSUES? - by Submitted on Nov 22, 2010 from Keith BrayTRUST ISSUES? It’s amazing how many people I run across that have major trust issues. The causes vary. In the information below, you will find some thoughts on dealing with trust issues, and issues of trust that come up in relationships. If you conclude that self-esteem or “the past” ...
Views: 2370(3 votes) - WHAT AM I THINKING? - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Keith BrayWHAT AM I THINKING? "I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written on it." -- William Faulkner Years ago I was in a treatment facility trying to learn how to live life on life’s terms. To say my mind was a super speedway would have been an understatement. Disjointed ...
Views: 1128 - DO YOU OWN YOUR LIFE? - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Keith BrayDo you own your life? "The meaning of life is to give life meaning." -- Ken Hudgins When we own our lives, we accept what we've inherited and the experiences we hold in our memories. We also claim our right to create new conditions if we're not happy with what's come before. We assume ...
Views: 1277 - ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT - by Submitted on Nov 18, 2010 from Keith BrayATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT After a number of recent conversations and happenings, coupled with self reflection, I think the biggest change in my life over the past number of years has been an attitude adjustment. Years ago, it was far too easy to fall into the negative. One of my symptoms was ...
Views: 1471(1 vote) - ASKING FOR HELP - by Submitted on Nov 11, 2010 from Keith BrayASKING FOR HELP We roll into a new week, and I look forward to it! Interesting things happened last week, one in particular that reminded me that I have no control over people in my life, particularly my adult children. While I can’t control them, I am amazed, with all the work I have done on ...
Views: 1352 - BE TRUE TO SELF! - by Submitted on Nov 04, 2010 from Keith BrayBE TRUE TO SELF! And this above all, to thine own self be true. And it must follow as night the day, thou canst not be false to any man. --Shakespeare "To thine own self be true." "Live the life you were meant to live." "Be the person you were meant to be." These statements convey a ...
Views: 1397(1 vote) - MORE ON ANGER - by Submitted on Oct 25, 2010 from Keith BrayMORE ON ANGER Today, I had the pleasure of reading an exert from a book called “In God’s Care” by Karen Casey. What a great reminder about the power of anger. How many people do you run into in your own life that give off vibes that make you feel like there is a volcano present and just about ...
Views: 1029 - A NIGHT OF HOPE - by Submitted on Sep 30, 2010 from Keith BrayA NIGHT OF HOPE Every now and again, we can all use a “shot” of hope. Last night was a great one for me. With all the stats that I keep seeing on addiction recovery, the exploits of people like Lindsay Lohan and the “name” athletes and celebs we are bombarded with and the tough times we are ...
Views: 1350 - TOP 10 REASONS I USE - by Submitted on Sep 16, 2010 from Keith BrayTOP TEN REASONS I USE From my friend Patrick Meninga at “Spiritual River”, I want to share this article with you. If you see yourself in it, you need to talk with someone before you become a statistic! The Top 10 Excuses that Addicts and Alcoholics Use to Justify Their Addiction – and Why it ...
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