You Have A Choice

I'm a relationship coach and, unlike most, I deal with those 'other' relationships. Of course, I make love happen without wings and an arrow, but I really make a difference with business relationships, family relationships, community relationships, old and stale relationships and all the rest that we take for granted, lost or forgotten.

I'm also an activist for ending hunger and for creating jobs for the homeless. These activities make me think politically. For example, I just found out that this administration gives far more in food assistance than was ever done before. I was initially stunned and pleased. Then I found out that the increase was mandatory. The budget is pegged to the population that requires food aid. This has skyrocketed so the budget has dramatically increased. Hunger is on the rise.

My natural instincts are to rail and rant, to stomp my feet (verbally) and complain. But I'm a relationship coach. I tell people my commitment is that around me people experience love and contribution, wisdom and harmony, So I performed one of the great secrets of relationships ? I remembered that I have a choice. And I forgave them. Forgiveness is that great secret of relationships ? and it's most powerful when undeserved. How I can forgive is that I use what the Buddha said, "Forgiveness is giving up all hope for a different past."

So I take myself away from the past, away from morality, back into the present and working toward the future.

IMPORTANT: You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

Michael Lipp is a coach, an author, an artist, a speaker and a happy grandfather.

You can find out more about him by checking out his website: http://www.1stClassCoaching.com

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