A first experience with NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

A good friend introduced me to this concept by suggesting a give it an honest try. I'm in a good place with myself and decided to have at it. Leaving the session on Tue, I felt changes and the next day I noticed those same old, ugly thoughts that had plauged me in meetings, during interactions w/colleagues and bosses, and in home situations were a lots less stressful. It is truly from within that the NLP thing works, I get that. I have to believe and continue to see and act on the transformation, but honest to goodness, I thought this was hogwash at best going in. I had to be completely vulnerable and thankfully I did;).

John Grinder and Richard Bandler founded the NLP methodology, it appears, and I am soaking up bits of it this week from the Web.

My personal style of learning and adaptation has always been through reading, reading, reading, and reading some more....then writing it all down for absorption. I really see now how past experiences that have binding effects on me can be altered - not brainwashed, I guess - bu made to contain these new "resources" rather than the old junk. I guess I harvested out the old garbage and implanted anew. That's the best way I can describe this. The gal I worked with for those several hrs sure knows what she's doing and I appreciate that whole journey.

How do I blog about this stuff, this intimate stuff that's unfolding, and make it apply towards my goals of this blog? I'm starting to figure it out.

I'm halfway through Crucial Conversations...a great text. I'm actually listening to it in audio form. I am not a very good learner in this format, so we'll see. I like to see and feel the words on the page or in a document on my iPhone....nonetheless, this is another bit of homework I've given myself - this book, that is...

To want growth, you have to believe in yourself

I'm shockingly learning more about myself as I get into my new found kick (for those unaware, I've sought professional support, coaching, if you will to help my personal and professional power)...I had a very interesting experience last night that honestly helped unlock past emotions to really surface why I am a certain way - feelings and events that led to what I am today - an almost 40-somethin' character that realizes (luckily) that I need to change how I react to professional settings and how I can enrich my life as a father and husband.

It sounds kind of cooky, I'll admit, but I just have this sense of value, worth, security, and compassion that I couldn't explain a few days ago. I need to learn more about this thing (we'll call it for now), but I'll share more in the coming days. It's truly life changing - one building block at a time. But, I'm open, vulnerable, and willing to adopt change, spill my guts...I want to feel better about taking on new challenges in life, learning how better to negotiate with clients/peers, being a better role model for my young daughters, a better hubby, and advancing my career.

Is it an early midlife crisis, this life coaching desire? Nah. But, I'm thankful to those nearest me who believe in me and for me having the guts to believe in myself and reach out for external support. Pretty awesome discoveries so far.

Still seeking an old book called, I'm, OK, You're OK. I'm reading Crucial Conversations right now. Love & Logic will be next.