Coaching Corner: Picture perfect!
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
This week I had new head shots done--this is one of the most painful experiences for me that I can imagine. Don't laugh, I do not like getting my picture taken--never have! As I was preparing for the photographer, I found everything imaginable wrong with various parts of me. My hair, of course, was not looking even a tenth as cool as it had all week, my face had some red spots from who knows what, the tail end of my cold has left my upper lip chapped, and on and on! Oh, how we judge ourselves. In fact, it seems we are much much harder on ourselves than we are on others.
How can we look for, and find qualities about ourselves that we can appreciate? This is truly an inside job. Although we may love when others compliment us, that compliment may also be uncomfortable, and we find very creative ways to deflect what we are hearing. The real juice of this activity must begin within ourselves, reaping countless benefits.
So you may be asking how this wondrous feat might occur? First, think about my words earlier, 'look for and find qualities.' We have the ability to focus our attention wherever we choose, so what if your choice became to consciously seek out things we can appreciate, qualities that we may well be taking for granted. For instance, how often do you appreciate your ability to see, feel, hear and touch? Probably not as often as finding fault. When you bring your daily awareness to seeing yourself (and the world), from a place of appreciation, it becomes easier and easier to feel more vibrant and connected, as opposed to judgmental.
This week, begin your day with the intention of seeking out things for you to appreciate--wherever they show up. And please, keep yourself in the mix, even if you need to start small. Can you appreciate your taste buds for bringing such pleasure to your eating experiences? Or your legs for taking you where you want to go? This may seem trite, but I assure you, it is very powerful as you continue to build up your appreciations.
Have fun with this!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
