Victor Frankl on the Power to Choose

"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom" ~ Victor Frankl

Victor Frankl's time in the Auschwitz concentration camps was tumultuous. This traumatic personal experience forced Frankl to examine his life, leading him to several realizations. One of the most salient realizations was about an individual's power to choose his or her response to any environmental condition. However simplistic in thought, the notion is often forgotten in practice.

Applying a mindful lens to this quote, we can begin to see how often we become reactors instead of actors to our environment. Becoming aware of the space that exists between stimulus and response empowers us to choose our response in any set of conditions (traffic, teachers, managers, weather conditions, interpersonal conflicts). STOPPING to become aware of and create "that space" enables us to identify our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and expectations before they turn into our reactions. This enables us to become more active participants in our daily experiences.

With Failure Comes Opportunity

The current unemployment rate in the U.S. is over 9.8 percent. The media continues to report that the US economy has not recovered. New studies show that the divorce rate is idle at 50 percent and websites like 'Fail Blog' publicly chronicle mishaps of everyday people. With these dreary statistics flowing regularly from media outlet, it seems that our society’s psyche is being shaped by the idea of failure. It is possible that a person’s daily outlook is impaired by this news? I believe it’s important to remember that in times of crisis, failure creates opportunity.

Two months ago I moved across the country without a job. I left my family, friends and the coast where I was born and raised. I had spent the past five years building a professional foundation that I was now prepared to let go of. It was a personal decision, but one that potentially contained more risk than benefit. An encouraging reoccuring thought in my decision was that this was going to be a major personal challenge. I trusted in my abilities, remained patient, and stayed committed to my belief that I would find success in this job market.

Throughout the first eight weeks it was difficult to stay positive after experiencing rejection. Attempting to let go of momentary shame from small setbacks is easier in theory than in practice. But with time, I found a job I love and that challenges me. Although there are many people currently out of work I suggest they keep in mind that failure is not the worse thing in the world. The very worst is not to try.

Part 10 of 10: Today is the day!!

The Making Strides for breast cancer event is finally here! It's not to late for you to join the team! Join us at the hatch shell on the Charles River. Also, limited pink iB-LIEVE t-shirt are available. Email joseph.lamendola@gmail or visit goibelieve.com to learn more.

iB-LIEVE would like to thank everyone that helped in making our team so great this year. Big thanks to Joe Lamendola of the iB-LIEVE team for the event.

I got a feeling that today is going to be a great day

Part 9 of 10: The Importance of a Coach.....in overcoming Breast Cancer

In our personal lives, the thought of having a coach is confusing. To admit to needing a coach we must acknowledge that we could benefit from some sort of guidance and support. Breastcancer.org offers one on one online coaching service for anyone who is in need of support and guidance.

iB-LIEVE offers similar coaching for students who are searching for a way to gain awareness about themselves, their strengths and goals. Visit goibelieve.com here workshops to learn more about our services...

Part 8 of 10: Get you Breast Self-Exam On!!

Today kicks off the first day of breast cancer month! That means that there is no better day then today to take a few minutes and do a breast self exam (BSE). You are probably asking yourself, how, when and where. Click here for details and information.

The IB team is only three days a way from making a difference in Boston. Email Joseph.Lamendola@gmail to learn how you can join the team and visit goibelieve.com