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Unique Speed Dating Events and Dating Preparation Classes for Singles "Celebrating 11 years of helping Singles DATE BETTER so they don't date forever." E-mail: melody@singlesworkshops.com |
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| "CULTIVATING A PERSONAL GROWTH ATTITUDE"By Melody Ellenberger At a
lecture I attended a couple of years ago, a woman asked the speaker, "How
can you tell if someone is interested in personal growth?" After the
speaker gave a somewhat vague answer, I raised my hand and said, "It seems
to me that you should be able to simply ask someone if they are interested in
personal growth. If they reply with a glazed-over look on their face, then
the answer is probably 'no'." However, after giving my response
greater thought, I realized that some people may have difficulty answering that
question because they are not sure how it is defined. Thus, for
all the people who have attended my workshops who have expressed a desire to
find a partner who is interested in personal growth, this article is an
attempt to create a solid definition for the term "Personal Growth
Attitude." First,
let's break down this phrase word by word with the help of Webster. personal:
relating to an individual's character, conduct, motives or private affairs growth:
progressive development; evolution attitude:
a position assumed for a specific purpose We could
merge the above definitions by saying a Personal Growth Attitude is: "a belief that an
individual's character gradually develops toward maturity over the course of
their life" I believe
that people with this kind of attitude always feel like they have more to learn
about life. They are eager to take advantage of educational opportunities
that help them create fuller, richer lives. Here is a
list of possible educational opportunities. (Put a checkmark by the
opportunities you have pursued in order to determine just how bent you are on
personal growth.) _____
Regularly attend a church and truly listen to the sermon (extra points for
taking notes) _____
Occasionally attend talks/lectures by visiting authors _____
Read books or listen to audio tapes about relationships (extra points for doing
the written exercises usually suggested) _____
Attended a divorce recovery or some type of relationship workshop (extra points
for taking notes at each session) _____
Visited a therapist during a difficult time (extra points for going more than 3
times to the same therapist and doing the recommended homework) _____
Joined a support group for help during a difficult time _____
Attended a Bible study, Sunday School or some type of spiritual growth class _____
Recognizing unhealthy patterns and seeking some type of help to break out of the
cycle It is up
to you to decide which of these are important to include in your own practice of personal growth. You can probably think of a few others to add to this
list. Just be sure that the list is made up of opportunities that help you
improve your quality of life. Why is
it so important to have a Personal Growth Attitude?
Because seldom do our lives go exactly according to plan, and sometimes you need
help to work through the sadness, disappointment, anger, etc. You do not
want to be afraid to seek help when you are having trouble coping with a
difficult situation. You do not want your partner to have to watch you
stuff your emotions by wallowing in depression, alcoholism, drugs, infidelity,
etc. Needless to say, you also do not want to be with a partner who
exhibits this same behavior. When both
partners have a Personal Growth Attitude, they will be more likely to work
through a rough patch in order to keep the relationship together, and that is the kind of
relationship that can last. Proverbs 1:5 - Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and
let the discerning get guidance... |
Send mail to
melody@singlesworkshops.com with
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