A Sweet Place of Breakthrough

Posted on January 30, 2014 by lkuhar

If I could reach through the computer screen I’d give you the biggest (((HUG))) and thank you for joining me on this inspiring journey of practicing COURAGE this month!

As I was sitting at my desk thinking about writing today’s post, I looked down and noticed my art journal I’ve been using for an online class I’m taking with Brene Brown. (Side note: I love her and all of her books!)

I couldn’t help myself, I have to share with you one of the coolest things I think I’ve done in quite some time.

One afternoon a few weeks ago, I was a little fidgety and I had this sense that I really wanted to do something fun, like create, paint or draw…

Because I’m not artistic in that way, like my daughter, I usually ignore those fleeting thoughts and do something “more productive”. You know like cleaning out my kitchen cabinets, folding laundry, vacuuming the floors, grocery shopping. I mean who has time to sit around and create a useless piece of art when so many things have to get done?

However, because of all this COURAGE talk we’ve had going on this month, I took a deep breath and thought to myself, Linda, this is an opportunity to practice courage. Are you going to do it?

And then I felt that uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach.

A siren went off in my head.

COURAGE ALERT! COURAGE ALERT! MUST ACT NOW!!

In that moment, I made an intentional decision and pushed through the resistance. I was brave. I asked my husband and daughter if they would like to join me in the dining room to create something. I had no agenda; I just wanted to use my watercolors, markers and journal.

And to my surprise, they both curiously looked at me and nodded their heads yes!

The three of us gathered around the table and spent about half an hour or so randomly creating things. I loved being with my family doing something creative. The only time we ever do this kind of thing is on a half-to basis, like school projects.

You want to know the absolute best part about this?

The way it made me feel!

I felt HAPPY…. ALIVE…FULL…. PEACEFUL…. CONTENT.

Looking back, I believe that was the day COURAGE led me to a sweet place of breakthrough.

Will you take a moment to reflect and share with me the last time you chose courage? Leave a comment below.

REMEMBER tomorrow is the big day! $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway. It’s not to late to win. All you have to do is Like, Comment or Share on social media using #mycouragecoach you will be entered to win!

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

Linda Kuhar is a Certified Christian Life Coach, Board Certified Life Coach, Certified Human Behavior Consultant, Writer, Speaker, and Mentor. Click here to learn more about coaching with Linda & frequently asked questions about the coaching experience.

I’m posting today over at Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies, Made To Crave Blog Hop. Check out all the amazing blogs over there!

You are not alone…

Posted on January 28, 2014 by lkuhar

We are the most connected world yet the most isolated because of social media.

It’s hard to have that personal intimate connection when you meet over the internet, unlike meeting with someone face-to-face.

In my quiet time this morning I was reading Matthew 28:20 “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This scripture brings me so much comfort to know whenever I’m feeling alone, Christ is with me, the Holy Spirit is always with me and I am never alone.

We’ve been talking about courage all month and I have to say it takes COURAGE to truly believe the word of God. I want to encourage you to spend some time with scripture and connect with God today. I love hearing from you! Leave a comment below.

REMEMBER the $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway this month. Every time you Like, Comment or Share on social media using #mycouragecoach you will be entered to win $100!

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

Join me over at Holley Gerth’s blog and have some coffee for your heart! She has a blog hop so you will be able to connect with hundreds of beautiful women on their blogs!!

The 5 Letter Word…we all feel.

Posted on January 23, 2014 by lkuhar

Shame.

I’ve wrestled with this word my entire life. I’ve tried to run away from it, but to no avail I sink in the slimy pit of this five-letter word desperately fighting my way out.

Shame suffocates.

Shame blames.

Shame cuts like a knife.

Shame isolates.

Shame feels like hell on earth.

There’s no way around it. We all feel shame. It’s part of who we are. It began in the garden with Adam and Eve. Do you remember their first response to God after they ate from the forbidden tree?

They hid! They felt shame.

We are not alone in this human emotion. Everybody has it. We all face it over and over every single day.

After so many years of avoiding the topic of shame, I finally came to terms with how much I’ve suffered from it. I decided I was sick and tired of the struggle, so I faced it head on. Dealing with it has literally transformed my life.

A while ago, I stepped out in faith and connected with a group of women to discuss shame. I learned very quickly that I’m not alone in my struggles.

I became EMPOWERED from making one intentional decision to connect with others instead of hiding. This snowballed into making more intentional decisions such as allowing myself to feel when I am hurt, instead of reaching for a box of cookies. Just the other day, when I was feeling discouraged I picked up the phone and scheduled a massage.

It is a very rare that I take the time for such luxury and pampering as a massage. As I’ve been learning exactly what it means to be courageous it’s rearranging my entire outlook on life. It’s empowering.

I want to challenge you today to step into courage with me. Be intentional. What can you do for yourself today that you’ve desperately needed for quite some time?

REMEMBER the $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway this month. Every time you Like, Comment or Share on social media using #mycouragecoach you will be entered to win $100!

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

You’re beautiful…just as you are.

Posted on January 21, 2014 by lkuhar

Recently after taking a self-compassion survey, I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I realized how hard I am on myself and how little compassion I show myself.

We are all beautiful just the way we are. I am beautiful just the way I am.

In this picture as a young girl, I really had no self-compassion or any concept of it. I remember always feeling not good enough.

At 39-years-old I’m becoming very aware of how important self-compassion is.

Will you courageously join me in self-compassion and comment on my blog. Tell me what makes you beautiful?

I’ll go first, one thing that makes me beautiful is having a heart that wants to show love to others and also to myself. I cannot wait to hear from the beautiful YOU! I’m posting on Holley Gerth’s blog hop today, click here to check it out!

REMEMBER $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway this month. Every time you Like, Comment or Share on social media using #mycouragecoach you will be entered to win $100!

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

How To Be A Good Listener

Posted on January 16, 2014 by lkuhar

Last night as my teenage daughter was sharing her struggles with me, I found myself wanting to talk and give advice so badly. I knew I could help her “fix” things because I am her mom, right? I mean I’ve got 26 years on her. I do think I know a thing or two about being a teenage girl.

As I sat quietly and semi-patiently listening, I thought I was going to bust. I could barely stand it. I even started feeling a little anxious with sweaty palms and shallow breaths. I wiggled in my seat and adjusted my posture several times as I thought to myself, keep your mouth shut and listen to her Linda.

Why in the world is it so hard for us to just sit and listen?

Why do we feel the need to fix, rescue, advise or control when others just simply need to be heard?

I believe when we are faced with experiencing someone else’s pain, it brings up our “stuff”, our deep personal pains.

It takes courage to slow down long enough to become aware of how we are feeling and be present with another.

There’s an acronym I learned in coaching school that has been an invaluable tool for me as a coach, parent, wife and friend.

WAIT. Why Am I Talking?

When I find myself desperately wanting to talk (because oh how I love to talk!), I’ll say, “WAIT, Why am I talking?” and that usually quiets me long along to gain self-awareness.

I am then able to ask myself questions like, what are you feeling, why are you uncomfortable or what are you afraid of?

It reminds me of James 1:19, one of those graciously humbling scriptures if you know what I mean? Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

So how can you slow down and practice courage while listening to others today? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below.

REMEMBER $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway this month. Every time you Like, Comment or Share on social media using #mycouragecoach you will be entered to win $100!

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

{Love & Belonging}

Posted on January 14, 2014 by lkuhar

I hung this sign over my dog’s beds because I thought it was cute. I really do love them, but unintentionally deep down inside I wanted them to know they have a place of belonging.

I’ve caught myself lately reading the sign {You are Loved} throughout the day, and my heart smiles every time.

I believe we feel the most loved when we know that we belong.

Knowing that I truly belong to Jesus and accepted just the way I am with all my imperfections reminds me daily that I am loved.

How can you remind yourself daily that you are loved? Courage is intentional. Leave me a comment below.

I’m linking up my blog today over at holleygerth.com! Check out Coffee for Your Heart!

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

REMEMBER $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway this month. Every time you Like, Comment or Share on social media using #mycouragecoach you will be entered to win $100!

My Secret Weapon

Posted on January 9, 2014 by lkuhar

My heart is racing. I’m panicking! Where in the heck is all this courage that I’ve been talking about for the last week?

A writing deadline fell out of the sky today. I’m starting to shrink. I’m questioning am I enough? Who do I think I am? I’m not good enough for this assignment? I’m a fake, a wannabe, a phony!

This is the garbage that rattles in my mind.

I have a million things to do. Pick my daughter up from school, get dinner on the table, respond to emails, meet with clients… I don’t have time for this. I have a list a mile long.

Resistance is taunting me with pretty little lies. Resistance is nothing but a big fat bully!

Then I remember to reach for my secret weapon. She grounds me every time I start to unravel in the whirlwind of “not enough”.

I pick up the phone and call my Coach.

She asked me those simple yet profound questions that brought me back to earth, that surrounded me with COURAGE.

Who are you writing for? What is your goal? How can you give yourself compassion in this moment?

My heart rhythm settled into a steady calm and confident beat once again. I found my courage.

What unraveling has fought for your attention lately? How can you find your courage once again? I love hearing from you, comment below.

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

#mycouargecoach $100 Giveaway will be announced Jan. 31! Spread courage….

$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Posted on January 7, 2014 by lkuhar

How do you find courage within? My favorite way to dig deep and find courage is to talk about my obstacles and fears with someone.

I want to challenge you to share with a friend or leave me a comment about your obstacles and fears. I find when I share my fears I am much more likely to overcome them courageously.

REMEMBER $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway this month. Every time you Like, Comment or Share on Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest or Instagram {be sure to use #mycouragecoach} you will be entered to WIN a $100 Visa Gift Card that will be drawn on January 31, 2014! This is so much fun!!!

Who can you invite to be a part of #mycouragecoach this month? Spread courage…

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

My Courage Coach

Posted on January 2, 2014 by lkuhar

I have some exciting news for you my friend! For the month of January I am going to be your personal Courage Coach! Yep you read that correctly.

I am all yours {big smiles}.

My blog & vlog will be completely focused on COURAGE to keep YOU motivated and inspired to live this year with audacious courage as you move ahead in 2014.

I’m giving you permission to stop asking yourself; am I really going to follow through with my goals this year? Will I have enough self-control to eat healthy, exercise daily or keep a positive mindset?

There’s no need to waste another second stressing out and worrying if you can do it, because you have me as your personal coach to give you a daily dose of courage.

Are you ready to join me?

Oh and that’s not all sweet friend! Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram to receive daily Courage Coaching because every time you Share, Like, Retweet or Comment {be sure to use #mycouragecoach} you will be entered to WIN a $100 Visa Gift Card that will be drawn on January 31, 2014!

I’m excited to take this Courageous journey with you! I cannot wait to connect over the next few weeks as we dig deep together in COURAGE.

Who can you invite to be a part of #mycouragecoach this month? Spread courage…

If you do not already receive my blog, click here to subscribe and get your free gift today!

A Little Piece of Heaven

Posted on December 31, 2013 by lkuhar

What path are you taking in 2014?

2014 for me will be about self-love & acceptance.

Thank you for giving me so many virtual ((hugs)) throughout 2013! You bless me over and over.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I’m looking forward to a breakthrough year in 2014!!

Fun fact: I trained for my very first half-marathon with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team In Training 6 months after my coma. Never say never on your bucket list!