Confessions from a Facilitators Garden

Clients tell me they appreciate hearing that I too have issues I need to navigate through. Imagine, a therapist who has work to do on herself. Like you, I too am a work in progress.

The front steps of my home needed fixing and I chose to have a porch built instead of repairing the ugly concrete stairs I'd disliked for 17 years. The day before the job was completed I could feel an unfamiliar pride in my home entrance.

The absence of the embarrassment I'd been carrying around for years about this unappealing entrance was telling. I'd no idea I was burdened with these negative feelings and I realized that I had probably unconsciously blocked the natural growth of my business as a result.

I wondered about the impact on Aziza now that my energy had shifted to match that of my new beautiful, fragrant cedar porch, welcoming all who came without apology. My phone literally started to ring that night and next day as new clients started to book appointments for individual therapy and workshops which take place in my home studio.

Concurrently the front garden demanded renovation and I dug up trees and plants that were no longer suitable. A low maintenance flowering shrub garden seemed like a good idea, and this time I left space for lots of room to grow.

Tolerating the empty spaces between the plants reflected a new facet of patience and deeper self-confidence. When the garden was originally created, I was unsure and had packed in all the flowers I could, growing a colorful yet congested mess. Now, a few well placed ornamental specimens were all I needed to fulfill an aesthetic vision while experiencing that less is indeed more.

I realized I'd grown into myself comfortably these last few years between plantings. Finally, I felt I was enough. It's so delicious to feel truly at home- in my own skin and on my front porch.

How might you be interfering with attracting or receiving what you want?

Where do you overcompensate by giving, doing or adding more than is necessary or healthy for you, misguided in your motivation because you don't feel like you're good enough as is?

Written by Aziza Healing Adventures Founder, Laila Ghattas May 2005