Relationships - Sherif Sakr

A Simple Rule for 2020

Sherif Sakr — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:28:03 +0000

Happy New Year! 2020 promises to be a year of growth, challenges, and victories. It’s good to remember a simple rule as you start making (or avoiding!) small and big decisions: Never, never, never make a decision from a place of FEAR.

When making a decision, allowing fear and doubt to influence it will result in a low vibration, compromise, and regret. Saying things like “I’m afraid to start (or end) this relationship because I may not find someone else” OR “I’m afraid to accept (or terminate) this job because I’m afraid of…” OR “I’m afraid of doing this thing (or not doing it) because…” is ALWAYS going to lead to the wrong decision. Fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real and giving in to it will give you a small and unfulfilled life.

Instead, when facing a decision, ask “What is the right thing to do from a place of strength and integrity? What would the best version of me choose to do in this situation?”

It is ok to have fear and doubt sometime. Focusing on that, however, magnifies the uncertainty, the anxiety, the suffering. Acknowledge the fear, and have the courage to do the right thing regardless. This principle will allow you to enjoy an upward spiral in the quality of life. The alternative is leading what Henry David Thoreau called ‘a life of quiet desperation’.

Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Joy

Sherif Sakr — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 20:53:41 +0000

Is there a family member, co-worker, or friend that sometimes gets under your skin? Just when you are not expecting it, they do or say something that throws you off balance (or DON’T do or DON’T say something) ? It’s a common human experience.

Be aware that if someone else affects your mood, you are giving your power away. You are letting them influence you in a way that you don’t like, by your own choice. It’s an example of an unhealthy boundary.

Next time this happens, remember that you are in control, you are powerful, and you will NOT allow them to steal your joy. It’s one thing for them to push your button, it’s another thing for you to choose to suffer because of the story you associate with their action. Hold on to your power and your happiness.

Great Expectations

Sherif Sakr — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 22:24:21 +0000

Chances are, the last time you were disappointed by someone (especially if they are close to you), it is because they did not meet your expectations. An expectation is a picture in your mind of a behavior that is different from how that person actually behaved. In other words, an expectation, to a high degree, is a refusal to accept reality as it is, because you wish reality looks differently in some way. It can lead to judgement and disharmony.

The next time you catch yourself having an unmet expectation, try this: appreciate the person for all the things they are doing right. Appreciate them for who they are. When you focus on the positive, a flood of gratitude will follow and shift the energy in that situation to help you feel more joy and harmony. Especially since in the end, the person who is usually hurt the most by your unmet expectations is you. That’s why it helps to:

REPLACE YOUR EXPECTATIONS WITH APPRECIATION!

This also applies about expectations towards yourself. When you don’t meet your own expectations, you can feel judgement, resentment, and self-criticism rise up. Instead appreciate yourself for all the gifts you do have. Shift your focus! Choose it for your own happiness.

The 3 C’s

Sherif Sakr — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 18:10:28 +0000

The fastest way to make a group environment positive is to implement the 3 C’s. Whether it’s your family, your executive team, or your yoga teacher training group, this standard will keep the conversation above the line and away from negativity. You can find it in Dale Carnegie’s classic How To Win Friends And Influence People, Chapter 1:

Never-ever Criticize, Complain, or Condemn.

Some people are so used to doing these things that they are not aware of it, and find that for a while, they don’t have much to say until their perspective shifts. Try it out for 7 days!

A Wedding Toast

Sherif Sakr — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 12:07:14 +0000

My wedding toast for friends consists of three pieces of advice. First, it’s better to be happy than to be right. Second, treat each other better than you treat anyone else. And third, always have a dream that you can work towards together – a home, a trip, a family, etc.

This weekend we will celebrate our 23^rd wedding anniversary. These are still words I strive to live by.