Dr Rolanda Schmidt's cherished books

The love of books has played a role in shaping my professional and personal life. I've primarily gravitated toward self-help, Biblical, scholarly, educational, and historical genres. Most recently, I've also ventured into reading a couple of my husband's favorite crime writing authors' books. The addition to our library is refreshing.

WHAT DR. ROLANDA SCHMIDT IS READING THIS WEEK

This week, my focus is on the following topic: People Fuel Fill Your Tank for Life, Love, and Leadership by Dr. John Townsend

When there is lack of preparation for life's abnormal curve balls, resulting from our own decisions or unplanned chaotic occurrences; one can fall into the rut of operating on empty. We allow our hearts to believe there exists a full tank of love, healthiness, and productivity. Yet, our performance manifests that we are completely out of fuel. Our relationships at work and home begin to suffer and the ability to be an effective leader seems unattainable.

There are also moments when our spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being is in need of a long-over due tune up like a vehicle that is void of a pertinent oil change. Dr. Townsend, one of my favorite authors, does a great job of helping readers place their lives in perspective to gain the balance in each of the aforementioned areas of our lives personally, spiritually, and professionally.

1. Be vulnerable enough to ask for what we need, despite obstacles.

Experiencing mistrusts or hurts contribute to the difficulty associated with asking for what one needs. The very first chapter of People Fuel helps readers to realize that a bad experience with another does not define each encounter we have. Despite obstacles, we are divinely created with personal needs and the desire to fulfill the needs of others. Sometimes we ignore our own needs, avoid vulnerability, and lack the proper understanding of relational and functional needs.

2. Understand the difference between a "relational and functional" need.

Let's begin by imagining you're the project manager of a team and a dilemma is brought to your attention. Is there an immediate default to monetary solution mode (functional) or rather listening intently (relational) to decipher if words of wisdom can provide balance?

If we receive a call from a friend having a crisis in their personal life, it may be more rewarding to ask the question: Do you need me to simply listen to you or are you calling for advice? This can help one decipher if the need is functional or relationship.

3. Surround oneself with safe people.

I've recently encountered a group of extremely unsafe people. They've earned this description by seeking to use shame to expose ones past and present; crossed boundaries intended to cause harm and destruction; and have focused an abundant amount of energy on spreading negativity, slander, and gossip. Hence, I'm thankful for Dr. Townsend's sound advice in the aforementioned book to embrace the "warmth and acceptance" one can feel when expressing our needs and surrounding ourselves with safe people.

This is a must read everyone....pick this book up and read every single page ...you won't regret it!

original post from Dr Rolanda Schmidt's blog

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