Reader, some lessons just smack you in the face, and this is one.

When my Dad started chemo, we decided that I would come to stay the week after his treatment to help out.

Three weeks ago, I was with him after his second treatment, and his nader (the low point post-chemo) happened exactly one week from his infusion date and lasted two days.

Not only did my Dad talk about how tired he was and how little appetite he had, he was very emotional as he prayed for strength. My Dad is not that kind of emotional guy.

Last weekend, I spent three days in St. Louis, helping my oldest daughter move from her college apartment to her new apartment.

All this time away from home left me feeling mentally and physically tired. So, as I made plans to come to WV to be with my Dad this week, I decided to leave my house Sunday morning.

The story I was telling myself was that I wasn't needed right away and that I deserved some time to relax at home during the weekend.

Everything changed on Friday morning when I called my Dad to check on him.

This third round of chemo was hitting him fast and hard. I could hear the struggle in his voice.

I ended the call and headed to my yoga class. An hour later, as I rolled up my mat, I felt calm and centered, and I knew I wanted to be in WV with my Dad.

I quickly packed my suitcase, texted my husband and daughter to let them know I was leaving and got on the road.

I no longer felt tired or the need to spend a few more nights in my bed. As I drove, I realized that labeling my schedule as laborious was fueling a narrative of exhaustion and the need for a break.

The truth is my time is a gift I am giving freely for the benefit of myself and others.

In other words, I am gaining much more than I am losing; I was just allowing my mind to get stuck on the wrong side of the equation.

And that is why I am offering you this week's #ShowUpPositive Spark -- CHALLENGE.

Frequently, people respond to being challenged by defending themselves. And because defensiveness feels negative, we put the word challenge into the negative bucket.

Alternatively, a challenge can also offer an awakening or opportunity to reexamine our current thinking, assumptions, and beliefs.

It can be a beneficial and productive experience.

I could have held onto my belief that being away from home was onerous and that I deserved a break.

Instead, I listened to my heart and challenged myself to dig to the truth of what mattered most to me. It made the decision and the drive so easy.

So, this week, I offer you the opportunity to embrace challenge as the #ShowUpPositive behavior it is.

Challenge your thoughts and the thoughts of others with kindness and grace. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Focus on discovering instead
• Don't use labeling or win-lose language
• Prioritize aligning
• Listen to learn
• Be open to what emerges and willing to release knowing

Notice in my story that my insight was the result of my openness, not my obligation. And this is the key difference I want you to practice this week.

When challenging starts with criticism or aims to convince or compel behavior, it is negative. However, there is a positive and helpful way to challenge.

Reader, I am confident that you can build your skills and capacity to put positive challenge into practice and reap the extraordinary benefits it offers.

I can't wait to hear how it is going.

Have an extraordinary week,

🥰 Who do you know that is looking for a speaker for meetings, workshops, or trainings? An introduction would be awesome! 🥰

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