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Emotional Enrichment

Emotional Enrichment lies within our desire and ability to correlate
all our needs into a rewarding existence

User Submissions

Blooming Change

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

As I drove out into the Hills last week I noticed the fresh-looking clusters of pink blossoms on the fruit trees in the orchards. My heart jumped slightly as Spring is my favourite season – and what better indication than blossoms, that Spring is on its way? Spring, for me brings with it brightness, hope and growth.

The orchards had rows of trees covered in these little blooms; but then in stark contrast, in the very next section were bare trees. Very naked, by comparison.
Not everything may change at the same time or at the same speed. But, as Paul Young warns in his song, “Everything must change.”

Protecting Your Treasure

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

I often tell a story about a grandmother who once told me, “I don’t need Life-Coaching as I’ve finally learned to say NO. Especially to my family!”
I laughed at this comment, appreciating the inherent wisdom in it.

The ability to say no, with suitable assertiveness, compassion and respect is a skill.
Often this means saying No to things not in your value system, your purpose, your vision or to something that impedes progress on the way to your greater good. This kind of self-compromise takes away from your happiness, your fulfilment and satisfaction. A bigger challenge (as the grandmother so rightly observed) is saying NO to something within your value system such as a family request.
So - How do you handle these?

And Your Choice Is….?

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

I’m reading a great book at the moment called “An Intelligent Life” and in it, the author, Dr Julian Short says that humans have only 2 primary emotional needs:

• Belonging (love & acceptance)

• Territory (dignity & individuality)

He explains the concept of territory further in that it’s more than material things and places. But, rather also, your individuality which includes your philosophy, ethics, morality, what you want and what you believe to be true. (I’ve paraphrased slightly.) Simply put, these are some of the things that collectively help define you as being separate from everyone else.

Facebook – Friend(s) or Foe(s)?

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

Today (May 31st) is officially ‘Quit Facebook Day’ - and with Facebook continually in the media gathering the popularity (or notoriety) that it has, I’ve started to wonder what it’s really all about.
Facebook, being everywhere, is now part and parcel of our society today.

Most organisations and people want you to ‘befriend’ them or ‘like them’ (with the ‘fan’ option no longer being available!).
The power and influence of social networking can no longer be denied – and Facebook seems to be the Big Mamma.
It was launched in February 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg.
He was a Harvard undergrad student who realised that it was time to change the traditional student directory they used.
His realisation was that, although students develop affiliations on campus and constantly meet new people, they needed a further place to find out “more” about someone you were interested in.

Are Your Experiences Really Enough?

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

I started writing this article on the drive down to Busselton for the Half-Ironman event this weekend.
Being the day before the event, the conversations in the car milled around the usual topics that pre-race jitters bring up: training dramas; personal timing; event pacing; food need before and during the event; the respective cut-off times and tips for doing the quickest transitions…

A group of us travelled in convoy and this has reminded me of my running days of old – travelling to the larger events away from home. Taking part in a long distance event could take up to a week at times as we usually extended our stay for a small holiday.
A good example is how we planned a 3-week European trip around the Geneva marathon. I wanted to do a marathon in Heidi-land (Switzerland).

But thinking back now - I can’t remember the time I ran for that marathon, but I can remember the restaurants we ate at the week before; the feeling of being an “international runner” in a foreign race; I recall the sights and the sounds around the lake; seeing Ipods being used for the first time in a race; and of course the feeling in my legs as I boarded the flight to Rome the same night.

Reflecting on all of this makes me think about what we do in our lives to create experiences rather than merely doing things to produce results.
What is it that you treasure most: the experience; the shared moments with loved ones and friends; the memories you accumulate - or is the fun in the single-minded determination to achieve a goal you’ve set?

A single result is a wonderful and masterful achievement as you even receive a medal and the T-shirt to prove it. Yes, you may have a collection of certificates hanging on your walls – but perhaps there’s even more to it all when you allow yourself to enjoy the accumulation of special moments surrounding the events in your life?

After we’d done our race registration and collected our gear and goodie bags on Friday afternoon, I lay on my bed with my girlfriend chatting. Neil Diamond music was blaring in the background (thanks to the house-owners) and she was asking me about my university days, previous boyfriends and suchlike… yes, girl-talk.
Once again – I realised that I’d need to really think hard to remember the subjects I’d done over the years and the results I’d received (although I’m better academically than athletically!) – but a variety of stories of people, parties, student-holidays and heart-breaks came flooding out!

I’ve realised that my life is largely about people and relationships. But I don’t think I’m unique in this – I’m just allowing myself to experience as much as possible with regard to what life is offering up at any time.

Although, I’m sure it would be different if I were an elite athlete, my reality is that as I sat writing the article, wearing a cute (and unique) t-shirt designed for our triathlon team by one of the team members, I knew that my true joy and success of the entire Half-Ironman experience lay in the build-up, the actual race and in the celebration function afterwards – regardless of how long it took us to actually cross the finish line.

What are you sacrificing from the fuller picture of your life in order to achieve a single-focussed result?
Is this what you really want?

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
Albert Schweitzer

What American Idol Can Do For You.

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

I have an addiction. A public addiction.
I watch American Idol – despite being a few years (er.. decades) beyond the target audience.

This may be justification, but the main reason I enjoy it so much is seeing the personal transformation each individual goes through (Internally and externally)
The seemingly ‘lost’ auditionee is seldom the same when he/she leaves the show once voted off.
The winners and finalists have usually developed into ‘fuller’, more resilient people in awe of their life (and of themselves).

This transformation is a result of risks being taken; opportunities grabbed and the willingness and openness to change and undertake personal growth.
It’s a demonstration that a desire can take you through self-discovery to self manifestation and ultimately to dream creation.

I’m of the opinion that 5 phases happen in the lives of the contestants during this competition that make this possible.

The same can apply to your life and your dream creation.

You. Simply You.

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

Within a short space of time I’ve experienced two extreme contrasts. The simple family home life of a Cambodian Tuk-Tuk driver as well as the pomp and ceremony of the Mardi Gras in Sydney. The poverty and simplicity on the one hand and a lavish parade highlighting the need for human rights and equality.
Ironically, both herald social issues.
And to further the irony, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French.

There’s no denying we live in a complex world, as complex beings, with complex issues surrounding us.

Seeing both these things in such start contrast made me realise that within self-made complexity it’s important to let your inherent simplicity matter.

Enjoying coffee in a group of friends yesterday morning I overheard a lady mention something about her divorce. I immediately turned towards her because of the wording she’d used in her story.
She said, “I no longer wanted to be the angry and mean person I was in my marriage.”

Changing Times, Changing Ways

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

During January I encountered numerous people in the throes of huge life change, such as:
- changing or losing jobs
- starting own businesses
- babies born to first time parents

On a much smaller scale, I joined a new, large gym and caught myself feeling slightly out of sorts about my first day there. Attending a new gym involves a new routine, finding my way around; locating the route to the swimming pool from the change room and of course how to use equipment.
Although this may sound simple (or silly even), it’s true that anything new or a change in routine can leave you feeling a little “unsettled” and needing to change your focus of attention.

Although my gym example is a small one and around which my uncertainty dissolved within a few minutes by shrugging it off and “just doing it”, imagine how much more a large change in your life frightens you!

But having an awareness of yourself helps settle you into any change process. And by self-awareness I mean the following:

What A Difference, Difference Makes

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

After spending three weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia a single word that really stands out for me is contrast. Contrast within each country as well as to ours.

Travelling in a group of course also presents contrasting personalities. I took this opportunity (and there always is one) to learn from others.

Running On Empty

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

The personal development industry has grown in the last number of years. More and more people are starting to understand the importance of “growing yourself in order to grow your world”.

Many aspects of personal development work are designed around WHAT you want in life. You’re encouraged to set goals, create vision boards; keep a cheque for $1 million dollars in your wallet and so forth.
Is Personal development work being translated into being successful? And does success always involve money?

Or is success whatever you want it to be? Could it be called wellbeing? Being well?
A constant state of wellbeing involves you being solidly in touch with who you are (the good, the bad and the ugly) PLUS what you want (now and for the future)

How Does Your Bread Rise?

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

How much time do you spend worrying?

What is your worry?
Finances? Your Relationships? Your children? Your Future?

What is it that you’re holding onto?

It’s tiring and energy-consuming to hold onto things you’ve created.
You may have seen the email joke which involves clicking on a specific area of the screen, only to have it dart away as soon as your mouse hovers over it? The frustration is the moment you attempt to click on it – it disappears!

The same is true of life; the more you chase after something the further away it becomes.
Therefore setting your intention for your heart’s desire and not surrendering it to your highest good works exactly the same.

Have you ever watched a loaf of bread being baked?
It takes the necessary time to rise, at the right temperature after having mixed the right ingredients.
You, as the baker can’t push it along or try and bake it faster (unless you want a flop).
Deliciously warm melt-in-the-mouth bread WILL result when the time is right.

Life’s Richest Blessing Is….

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

I’ve recently celebrated my birthday and experienced a time of feeling special and blessed. A benefit of living in a different country is all the new experiences, opportunities and people that continually come along your path.

I believe as humans, we’re not meant to be alone within this earthly experience. Human interaction provides too many emotional options, choices, learning and just plain FUN.

I had a few celebrations of my birthday (why not?) and at each get-together I felt truly grateful for these many varied people in my life (both near and far).
Yes – people come and go – some stay in your life longer and have different impacts.
But everyone leaves a footprint of sorts – usually with a memory or a life lesson.

As you know, “People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime”.
I’ve had too many ‘coincidences” in my life to discredit a divine order to my relationships and friendships formed along the way.

Unsilencing The Lamb

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

I watched the usual Saturday morning dogs playing at Trigg this week. A small maltese poodle that bounds like a lamb is part of our walking group. She (Grace) has no inhibitions. And this week she enjoyed bounding around some friendly babies, who were valiantly trying to keep from toppling over.
Grace’s playfulness and freedom were noticeable as her paws, tail and ears flapped as she ran. With abandon.
Both dogs and baby head off in a direction and stop and turn suddenly. The dogs from exertion and the babies from sheer panic at suddenly being alone on their adventure.

There is an open-eyed wander and fearlessness to these antics. Every action seems new and carefree.

But not you, maybe? As a possible jaded adult you’ve seen and done most of your routine activities a million times before. You tend to rush through your walks, drives, shopping, chores and coffee-catchups etc.
But these routine things take up your days. And hence your life. Which quickly feel rushed and routine.

Taming The Shrewd Ego

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

TAMING THE SHREWD EGO

Have you ever watched people “gossiping”? There’s a feeling of secrecy and constant nattering, isn’t there?

Are you aware that you have this going on for you as well? Yes – you potentially lie (secretly) to yourself every day.
Statistics say that, on average, you speak almost 5000 words a day and almost 80% of this is self-talk.
This translates to 4000 words!
And – wait for it - most of these are lies.

Did you just gasp and feel insulted?

What about words like: “I can’t do this…I’ll never be like him/her… I’m too stupid/fat/ugly… or No one will ever love or accept me”?

Your 4000 words probably include a lot of judging, blaming and oh-so-many opinions on everything!
The good news is that this is nothing but your Ego talking.

How Free Are You?

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

So often I hear “After all, we’re only human” or “That’s fine, you’re just human.”
You’ve probably said it yourself as a placating remark to console the “human” you’re talking to at the time.
But what are you really saying?
Is this a sense somehow of forgiving others (and yourself!) for being human? (i.e. for being yourself?)
Surely this is not necessary?

Therefore, do these words reflect an underlying belief that Jane’s (for example) is not really acceptable, but rather understandable because of her “human” status?
In effect, do you permanently judge yourself and others for being merely human?

By “forgiving” Jane and saying “Don’t worry – that’s Ok, You’re only human” – you’re in effect creating a position of Right/Wrong or OK/Not OK to make Jane feel better and more at ease.
But – does she really need permission to feel this?
Does she need to apologise for being who she is?

Being human is to be embraced, not excused.

In the Picture, The Full Picture?

Submitted by Heidi Cornelissen, Completely Human

I spent an afternoon in a hospital with a friend recently where the top half of the room’s window was glazed and our vision was limited to the legs of the passers-by.
It was interesting seeing only “half the person” and trying to recreate the rest of them. It made me wonder how little we know about people, despite seeing them – do we only know half their story?

Guest Article by Denis Waitley

Submitted by Kathleen

Motivation from Within

Lost

Submitted by Anonymous Member

December 10, 2007

Behavioural Change

Submitted by Cath Ashton, Mariposa Health Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coaching

The only constant in life is change. The way we deal with it is up to each of us.
To become our true, real and honest self may require some dramatic change internally and externally.

I Have Found Purpose

Submitted by Anonymous

30 came and went. Still single and fearful.
40 approaching at breakneck speed. Still single but excited.
Firstly I have to ask, how does it happen that each decade seems to take so much less time than the previous one?

Looking Inside

Submitted by Michael van der Zanden

What I experienced when I looked inside was very enlightening. I let go of the how and why’s and surrendered the feelings I have. Suddenly I felt a lot lighter.

Ramblings by KJ

Submitted by KJ

There are good days and there are bad days. Frankly there are days where we should just
stay in bed.

But there are days where your positive energies are such that you should be able to not go
to work and go out into the country.

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