Today we use, or rather misuse so many words. Have you noticed? There was a time when we studied a language and used the words available to express a thought or an idea. Words had somewhat universal meanings. Now we are able to string together all sorts of words, phrases and even sounds on text messages. We are constantly adding words to the dictionary and reinventing established words creating new levels of expression.

I am glad to see descriptive new words like sexting, e-reader, and even flexitarian (one whose normally meatless diet sometimes includes meat or fish), all of which were added to Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary in 2012. I believe these new words are appropriate ways to express concepts in our 21^st century world.

What I do have a major problem with are some wrong applications of words used to spread negative concepts that we seem to embrace all too easily! For example the word crazy, as it relates to behavior.

Recently I spoke to someone that asked me about being a life coach. This individual looked at me rather quizzically and inquired further about what I help people to do. Her expression and further comments indicated that being a life coach involves helping people that are really troubled. As we continued our conversation I reflected on other such conversations I have had with others that seem to share her thoughts. Some have the opinion that people who seek help from a counselor, coach or therapist are CRAZY, out of control, off the deep end, out of their minds or lunatics.

In 2012 when Gold Medalists: Gabrielle Douglas, Michael Phelps, Serena Williams and Venus Williams climbed to the winner’s platform in London to receive recognition for their world class accomplishments, I do not remember anyone calling them CRAZY! On the contrary! Each of them worked closely with a coach. The coach was able to see their strengths, and help them to make decisions, set and reach goals. At times the coach helped them to see something within themselves that had escaped their own eyes! Sometimes the coaches were the difference between victory and failure. These champions are looked upon as strong for taking their God-given talent and gifting to another level engaging the advice of their coach coupled with hard work.

When we purchase a vehicle we are given instructions on its operation. We are also provided a set of maintenance requirements to keep the vehicle operating at its best. Our maker has given us a list of instructions – a manual of sorts – the Bible. In it we are told what will cause us to operate at our best. We would not expect our automobiles to operate properly without correct tire inflation, fuel or regular oil changes. Yet we frequently care for our mental, physical and spiritual well-being with far less attention to the detail of the instruction manual.

We would not expect Michael, Gabby or the Williams sisters to even enter a competition without having a coach or putting in the hours of work on themselves. Why is it we see maintaining our physical, mental and spiritual well-being as CRAZY? I would venture to say that not getting routine maintenance and following the manufacturer’s instructions is CRAZY; not sensible, insane! Remember the definition of insanity that is attributed to Albert Einstein, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Our maker has instructed us, through His manual, to love our neighbors as ourselves. I offer strategies to assist you to Take Inventory and Take Action! I facilitate life-changing experiences!  I help you to achieve and maintain your highest life, in purpose as your maker intended.

Perhaps you are going through a difficult time right now. Maybe you need someone to guide you to your best in what seems like a sea of confusion. Could it be that you need someone to be a cheerleader and rally for you? Are you looking for a safe place to share your dreams or have someone work alongside you to bring them into reality? Do you have issues with self-esteem? Do you have difficulty setting boundaries? I assist with all of that and more as an effective life coach. Are you crazy, or are you strong, strong enough to seek help when you need it?

Contact me for information about improving your results to line up with the Maker’s manual. Improve your relationships, beginning with the one you have with yourself!

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This week I will be a guest on the Mother Love Show Tuesday, March 26^th at 2:00 PM! Mother Love is a veteran of talk radio and is heard weekdays on http://www.latalkradio.com/ Click this link on Tuesday you will see an icon below the main banner on the left that reads “Listen Live” click on the icon it will take you directly to the show.

Once the Internet show is archived it can be accessed 24/7. So if you miss the live program, you can go to the following link http://www.latalkradio.com/Motherlove.php and select Tuesday’s show and listen to it at your leisure.

Listen and hear more about my personal journey from the dark maze of hate I experienced as a child into the light of love that is Maps and Lanterns.

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”