A few days ago, Anke and I received a very touching thank you message from our friend Bene. Since it encapsulates everything for today’s newsletter, here are his honest words:
Dear Anke, dear Norman,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your inspiration has given me a new life. When we met nine months ago in the Caribbean, I was deeply depressed and had serious alcohol and drug problems. I was willing to end my life and had already made several attempts.
On the outside, I was the cheerful, successful artist with my own TV recording. But on the inside, I was helpless and desperate. I was sad, had lost myself years ago, and no longer knew who I was, what I wanted, or what I had to say. My life was a constant struggle, especially against myself.
Through your positive and inspiring honesty, you gave me hope. You were the first to look behind my façade, to overcome the carefully constructed walls I had built over the years, and to trigger something in me that made me rethink.
Through the encounter and work with you, I learned not to sulk and wait for someone to help me, but to take my life back into my own hands with great joy. I had been merely functioning for years – you showed me how I can live again.
You gave me the courage to untie the tightly knotted ties, overcome my fears, and reconnect with my inner child. You imparted the knowledge that now allows me to be mindful of myself, my thoughts, and my body again. I learned to take responsibility for myself. I learned to trust unconditionally again and to allow closeness. I learned to live in the moment and to be grateful. I now have self-worth.
I found my purpose and was able to rekindle the long-extinguished fire of passion.
Through the work with you, I have processed and left my past behind, with all its consequences. I reconciled with my family.
I asked for forgiveness and was able to forgive. I faced all my “problems,” cleared them out of the way, and learned a lot in the process. I ended all toxic “friendships” and contacts. I stopped smoking, drinking alcohol, and silencing my mind with chemical drugs. I completely restructured my daily life and ended my artistic career, which had blocked my way for years due to its self-made obligations. I sold everything I owned that meant nothing to me and gave up my apartment. I exchanged the big city for nature and melancholy for lightness.
Finally, I gave myself the greatest gift for my 33rd birthday: I started completely from scratch and now live every day as the best day of my life.
I have documented this journey of mine. My first book will be published soon. I thank you both from the bottom of my heart and look forward to many more encounters.
What fascinates me about Bene’s message is his determination to change something. Of course, he first gathered all the input from the lectures and workshops on board to have a basis for a new direction. But then he took the first, then the second, the third… step in the new direction. He was (and still is) determined to change his situation, instead of desperately clinging to what does not serve him. This consistency helped him create a new life in a very short time. Not us, but he himself achieved that. And unfortunately, many people forget that. They think the coach walks the path for them. You cannot outsource your life happiness. It’s an inside job that must happen from within.
When are you ready to walk your new path?
Thank you, Bene, for your courage and leadership.
