WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT - Kathy Bourquin

by Kathy Bourquin

Quieting The Taskmaster In Our Mind

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Friday, 29 March 2013 13:49; Written by Kathy Bourquin

I’m writing this on a Monday. I allowed myself a Sunday away from all work. I have decided to keep true to that practice. For my own well-being, I realize I must set that intention and hold to it. My type of work is not a schedule set in stone. I decide my own time for clients, writing, speaking or teaching. Sounds like freedom, doesn’t it? It is, indeed. However, I have found out another side to that kind of freedom: I am harder on myself than any boss for whom I ever worked. When the office doesn’t close at a specific time at the end of a day or close due to a National Holiday, I don’t feel permission to break from work. What I call “The Taskmaster” in my own mind keeps prodding me, reminding me of all that still needs doing, amplifying the importance of its being done RIGHT NOW. It chastises me subtly, but determinedly, for taking any time to breathe and rest. A really frustrating thing about the Taskmaster is that no matter how much I accomplish, it constantly creates more to do. Therefore, the list is eternal and never-ending. The Taskmaster has no mercy and living by its dictates is a form of slavery.

It is Safe to Relax

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Tuesday, 05 February 2013 11:07; Written by Kathy Bourquin

We all relish those times in our life when we do not feel pushed to make something happen or get something done. Don’t we all revel in the idea that there is a time coming up soon when we can simply kick back and allow ourselves to let go because we know all that needs doing or contemplating is accomplished? Don’t we wish for the peace that would come to us if someone just told us they have everything handled and we can relax?

The Masterpiece That's You

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Tuesday, 06 November 2012 12:29; Written by Kathy Bourquin

We are often overwhelmed with messages that tell us how we are not good enough. We are bombarded with information aimed at persuading us to accept the idea we are not lovable, deserving, or worthy unless something is changed. Influencing individuals to believe that they are not good enough without changing serves the greed of those who want money and power over others.

Jealousy is a Poison

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Tuesday, 02 October 2012 14:45; Written by Kathy Bourquin

The first thing that comes to mind for most people when jealousy is mentioned is its occurrence between lovers. And it is indeed one of the most common places that jealousy shows up. Between lovers and spouses jealousy is very evident when it is felt. But jealousy is at work in many other relationships, as well. In fact, it is epidemic in its proportions. It is more insidious when it is at work in places other than love relationships - like in business, between countries, in government, in politics, between neighbors, etc.

Spiritually Speaking...

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Thursday, 02 August 2012 10:14; Written by Kathy Bourquin

AN ADVENTURE AWAITS OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

I have always been a lover of the great outdoors. The woman who babysat me, beginning at my tender age of 3 months, was a real lover of nature. She was older, past retirement age and grey-haired from the day I met her. Once I was old enough to accompany her, she would take me several times a week across a field behind her house and into the woods for the day. After making sure I was protected from poison ivy, she would put a walking stick in my hand and lead me on a day’s adventure of fun and learning. I remember copying how she used her walking stick with each step. I remember the feeling of complete trust that she’d keep me protected, guide me and teach me something new.

Not What I Think But What I Do!

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Monday, 02 January 2012 20:02; Written by Kathy Bourquin

As a new year rolls in, we are triggered to think about making changes in our lives. Most often these are referred to as New Year’s Resolutions. Typically we decide on things in our life we would like to Do differently. We decide we are going to work out more, eat less, and give up something we deem unhealthy. We decide that this is the year to clean out the attic or get the backyard re-landscaped. I am going to suggest that this year we focus less on changes that need to be made in our actions and focus more on our mental outlook. My suggestion is to Think differently.

The Power of Anticipation

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Tuesday, 20 December 2011 20:02; Written by Kathy Bourquin

Is it already really the Holiday season, again? I feel as though it has not been a year since I wrote my column for the month of December. I am hearing many people exclaim their disbelief that the holiday season is upon us again. From most, the tone and energy is not one of gladness or excitement. It is a tone of burden at the thought of the things we typically do for the Holidays: shop, decorate, cook, entertain, and travel. I also feel the upcoming crunch to fit in the everyday tasks, responsibilities, and expenses in addition the extra responsibilities of the Holidays.

The Energy of Abundance

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Tuesday, 01 November 2011 19:02; Written by Kathy Bourquin

The Energy Of Abundance
November 2011

Energy is behind EVERYTHING that moves, breathes and changes. It is the power force that creates all things, grows all things, and moves all things. In some cases, it is even the force which stops things. Without energy, plants would not exist, the earth would not rotate, rain would not fall, the sun would not shine, and the wind would not blow. Energy is the essence of life. It is what causes our breath, the beat of our heart, and the flow of our blood.

What Am I Giving to Life?

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 19:02; Written by Kathy Bourquin

It’s easy to get caught up in the examination of what we’re getting out of life. We ask ourselves, “What am I getting out of this job?" "What am I getting out of this relationship?” "What does this situation have to offer me?" Others ask us...."Well, what’s in this for you?" "How are you benefitting from this situation or this deal?" Of course it is right to take care of ourselves. It is perfectly okay for us to see that our needs are met. But the commonly held perspective that taking care of #1 is most essential is greatly harming ourselves and our world. In our efforts to serve ourselves, we are on the course of destroying ourselves.

THE PRACTICE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Wednesday, 31 August 2011 04:00; Written by Kathy Bourquin

RESPONSIBILITY........groan. This is a word we often recoil at hearing. It implies to us we have something that we must do. It moves us into a place where we have to live up to an expectation, take the lead, work at something. It often feels heavy because doing the right thing falls on our shoulders. Whatever the words are to explain the reaction, most of us feel our shoulders weigh down a bit when we hear from someone else or from within that we are responsible for a task or outcome.

Flying Above The Bar

Details: Category: WORDS OF EMPOWERMENT; Published on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 19:02; Written by Kathy Bourquin

There was a teenage boy who was a star pole vaulter on his high school track team. He had set records for his school and was going for the State’s pole vaulting record in one of the final competitions of the season. Although this achievement was important to him, it was not what he was most nervous about for this meet. This was the meet where many college scouts would be present to watch him. This was his ticket to a College Scholarship in Track.