Keithbray's Journal: Sunday-Hello Ike

Sunday-Hello Ike A weekend with no golf thanks to life, hurricane Ike and its little friends. I have seen some pictures of the devastation the hurricanes have inflicted in the US. My heart goes out to the people in the Caribbean and southern US for what they are going through. It must be awful. I've had a friend/mentee staying with me for the last four days. One of the most brilliant guys I know, but he could not stop drinking. His addiction caused "wet brain" and a stroke, and the fellow who has been with us is a shell of the person I first met years ago. His addiction literally took everything from him, and one has to wonder how a guy so bright and successful just couldn't get it. During his stay, I gained new insights as to the issues he was not able to face, and I pray in his current state that he will find a way to let go of the past, and live in a fashion where he feels he is of some use to others. His wife returns from a business trip today, and I'm certainly going to miss him. My friend is a power of example to me and others, and I care about him deeply. Watching him spiral downwards over many years reminds me of how powerless I am over people, and how horrible addictions can be. Yesterday, I wrote a very lengthy exam. It was the culmination of a professional standards course I've been taking for six months. After not writing a major exam for thirty years, it was a "remember when" for me. I was surprised at how calm I was; a product of a journey that began exactly 14 years ago today. I am truly grateful. In doing the exam, I had to look at coaching as a whole and from a different perspective that day to day. The coach provides a tremendous service to people who desire change because a coach is trained to bring out the best from within their clients. The foundation of coaching is listening and questioning, not advising. Most people have the capabilities within them to have a much more abundant life, all they require is learned support and to be held accountable. As I went through 11 hours of exam, I was surprised at how many tools the professional body gives us to help others, and how thorough they are in examining. 80% for a pass, not what I was used to in school. For those who require and are prepared for change in any major aspect of your life, find a good "certified" coach who can guide you. It's a new area, but a great investment in you. Aren't you worth it? Feels better to just get things out, and I know in journaling, I can ramble at times. But it is for me, and if I can help anonymous others along the way, then its in keeping with what I believe to be my purpose in life. Today, we will see the wrath of Ike hit our area in the form of "BIG" rain. Today I will see the hurricane that is my grand children and adult children hit our home as they come to celebrate a family birthday. Today, I am comfortable in my own skin and thankful for the learning and good things that are part of life.