This questions seems simple at first glance but the longer you sit with it, the more you might end up staring back at it with more questions than answers. If that is what happens, it is okay. Sometimes it is in moments like this we gain key insights into who we are. We throw the word "love" around a lot but what do we really mean when we say it. Many parents would have variations of meaning but the common theme would be centered on having a strong, positive emotion towards someone you value. As you think about being loved, describe how you will know when it is happening. My last question is this: Is there a difference in being loved and being valued? If so, I would love to hear how you define the differences.

Earlier today I talking about being still. A great first step to stillness is learning to pause, especially in the moments where we feel our anxiety rising. If you have started the 2nd module, you will learn some important reasons to pause and how to embrace it as a smart tool in your relationship toolbox. Let me know if you have started the practice of pause and share what you are learning. It will encourage and inspire others who are on the journey with us.

I am not a superstitious person so this day does not impact me. What I can share is that 3 years ago today I had an accident and it was on this day I found out they would not have to amputate my hand. I had gotten hit by a forklift and my hand was detached from my wrist. To say this was traumatic is an understatement and it was 3 weeks before my daughter's wedding. What kept me grounded during that time was my faith. I will tell you the story one day because I truly experienced a healing no one ever believed could happen. I have 97% hand function and even my surgeon, who is the head of hand surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida, says it is a miracle. I share this because I want you to consider what grounds you. If it is luck, let me encourage you to look for something more. You deserve to feel connected to something that is bigger than you and that is for you. When we know we are enough and are loved for who we are, it changes us and the way we love. Let me know your thoughts.

I am sitting on my couch, listening to John Tesh on the piano, in front of a fire. I live alone so I have the luxury of being able to be still more frequently than most. The question for me and for all of us is this: Do we prioritize stillness in our lives? My experience in working with people my entire life is that stillness is scary for most of us. When our children lived at home, it was hard to find time to not be constantly busy so many of us got out of the habit of taking time to simply "be". Have you forgotten how to "be" yourself? Be present in the moment? Be grateful? Let me encourage to you make "being" a priority. It will deepen your reserves, help you "pause" more effectively, and find a greater sense of who you are. You can do this!

https://www.loom.com/share/d398b8bb251a4fc1806de9708fd6df3d