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I live on 25 acres out in the country. My husband often teases that on the map, we can be located by the H in NOWHERE because we live ‘in the middle of nowhere’. I love the wildlife, the quiet, the huge Texas skies, and the beautiful rolling hills and woods.

Being an introvert, the country suits me well. With the internet, it’s easy to work out here. I coach clients by phone five days a week, and of course, we hold our beloved Mastermind and Coach n Clear sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays via Zoom. However, occasionally, it can be a little too quiet. I get cranky, and that leads to feeling lonesome and sad. Even introverts can miss people.

Connectedness is a core C in the 9-C Life. While I am connected through the phone and Zoom daily, there’s something deeply soul-filling about true connection. As much as I love the solitude of country life, there’s a kind of nourishment that only comes from being in the presence of others—sharing laughter, stories, and even quiet moments together. I love going to town for errands for an hour or so and talking to everyone. It is a real lift in my week.

The Creator designed us to live in connection. From the very beginning, He declared, "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). While solitude has its place in our growth and reflection, connection fuels our joy, strengthens our spirits, and helps us become more of who we are meant to be.

Connection doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Sometimes, it looks like:

- Attending a study group or class (Coach n Clear is a good choice)

- Visiting a farmer’s market or local shop and chatting with the people there

- Calling someone just to hear their voice instead of texting

- Sitting with a loved one, simply being present

We were created for connection, and when we nurture it, we thrive.

Weekly Challenge: The Connection Invitation

This week, I challenge you to create one meaningful, in-person connection. It doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming. Simply invite someone into your space—your physical space or your heart space.

Here are a few ideas:

- Meet a friend for a walk or lunch

- Join or host a small gathering (Coach n Clear)

- Visit someone you haven’t seen in a while

- Attend an event at church or in your community

- If you’re feeling bold, introduce yourself to someone new

Afterward, take a moment to reflect. How did it feel? What did you notice about your energy and mood?

Connection is a gift, and when we step into it with intention, we not only bless others, but we also open ourselves to receiving the joy and warmth that only true presence can bring.

I’d love to hear how this challenge goes for you. Let’s create connection together!

Imagine a person moving through life with subtle, strong qualities that emanate from deep within their very being. You feel more confident, calm, clear, courageous, creative, and even curious when you are near them. You love being around that person.

That’s you, friend.

You are that person. (No eye rolling aloud, and stop arguing with me!)

Within you- are all of those qualities. Now, they are seldom all present at once, but they are definitely in there.

As you continue to gently press forward in hope and faith, your C’s become more and more pronounced. You find yourself more appreciative and loving. Soon, the 7th C of your centered self is more and more present. That C is Compassion.

Y’all know it’s less than 50 days until tax day, right? Boy, I do! Oh. My.Gosh! Adrenaline rush! Filing taxes has long been a stressful event for me. It’s one of those thoughts I continue to work on. This year, we had flu and a late start on taxes, and now I feel under the gun. Less than 50 days! And so much to do!

Ya see, between the wedding, the renovation, and just generally enjoying life, my financial transactions were recorded but not categorized as they needed to be. It’s been a busy year, and I had all those things to reconcile. Once I began recovery from the flu, I decided that couch time would be perfect to go through all the transactions and put things in order. (Spoiler alert: Don’t do hard things in recovery- lesson learned.)

Come with me on my transaction journey. My living room is full of wadded-up blankets; there are tissues and leftover food plates on the coffee table. The TV has an inane comedy quietly playing in the background. My laptop is ready to go. I open it and begin.

The thought comes, “You really need to be better at this.”

As I continued figuring out what I paid for and why, the thought escalated, “You’re inept in business.”

Soon, all bets were off, and my inner critic had taken the wheel and was engaging in a full tirade against my personal worth and ability. Ouch!

Fortunately, there is mercy within my world. I hope you find it in yours as well. My centered self gently offered a tiny glimmer of compassion. A candlelight, but light none the less. It was enough light to recognize what was happening in that tirade of internal darkness. I fanned that little light as best I could. Quietly, and with love, I began.

“Sweetie- you are doing your very best. Remember B- is good enough.”

“You have power within you to accomplish your purpose.”

“You’re good at this.”

“You are important and loved.”

“You are doing God’s work. It’s just taxes.”

“Ouch! This hurts. Let’s take care of you.”

My little candlelight of compassion began to swell with each centered statement, extending out to that irate inner critic. Soon, I was giggling at myself. What a drama queen! Here’s what I learned. Whether your struggle is taxes, relationships, pain, grief, or purpose, the same truth applies...

It’s only a thought, and a thought can be changed.

Light overcomes darkness every time.

Whether we see it or not, we are loved and supported on our journey. It just is.

God has blessed us with many superpowers. Among them is loving self-compassion.

Self coaching works!

Loving self-compassion is an incredible superpower. Try fanning that little flame for yourself!

All my love,

Beth

Questions? Just email Beth@CMHCoaching.com

Brain + Bible is the Ultimate Formula for creating Confidence! Listen, giggle, and smile as Beth, Jaycine, and Jenn share how. Enjoy! Come see us at CMHCoaching.com