Personal Growth: Change is Possible!
I once heard a workshop leader say that he thought we were the same people today as we were when we were born. He said that we don't really have the capacity for significant change. Well this statement caused a bit of a tornado of anger within me.
I know in my heart of hearts, that significant, long-lasting change is possible.
I have seen huge shifts and changes within myself over the years. I used to be a wallflower. I was someone who sat in the back of a room during a class, or meeting, and never spoke up. I defined myself as being an introvert, and I was content to stay that way. I also questioned my value as far as contributing to any kind of important dialogue…I would say thing to myself like, "who am I to say anything...? Someone else can say say it better than I ever will." This was my usual inner dialogue.
Fast forward many, many years, and I am a facilitator/trainer/public speaker. I earn my living primarily through speaking in front of groups of people, and writing. I always feel nervous before I get in front of people, but when I start talking my whole body relaxes, because I know now that I am living my "why".
I have also been on a journey of healing from some past difficulties and I am continually learning new ways to manage the darkness and anxiety that sometimes comes to visit me.
Through heaps and heaps of self-work, I have learned to dramatically change my thinking to one of a strength's perspective. I have learned to think about creating intentions around how I want to feel and making deliberate actions to bring it to fruition.
I have also had the honour of working within the mental health system for more than 20 years, and I am continually inspired by people's resilience. I have seen so many people find their power within and triumph over some pretty horrific life situations. I have heard hundreds of stories of recovery–stories of strength, and courage.
There are so many heroes living out there amongst us. People we pass on the streets might seem like ordinary people, but they aren't–they are extraordinarily heroic.
I am continually moved and inspired by others who have decided that they can break out of the boxes we tend to get shoved into. People who are willing to stretch and grow, and sort through the muck and mire in their lives to become refined human beings.
So self-work, personal growth and development are very important–to both us as individuals, and to the community as a whole.
Can you imagine the synergy in the world if everyone spent quality time on self-care and personal development?
Luminate Wellness will always be committed to this important aspect of wellness.
Community and connection is also important, so the majority of the personal development work Luminate Wellness provides will be group work.
“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experiences that reveals the human spirit.”