An Important Message For You

Hey Coach,

 

2024 starts in one sleep, and we wanted to share an inspiring story that we hope will ignite something in you…

 

This is an incredible story of determination and resilience with someone who has no barriers and knows no age or experience limit.

 

Clifford Young was not your typical athlete, he was born and raised as a farmer in Victoria, Australia, Cliff had never shown any particular interest in sports during his youth.

 

However, at the age of 57, he had a change in his values. The farmer from Down Under discovered he was inspired by long-distance running.

 

In 1982, at the age of 60, Cliff attempted to run a thousand miles (approximately 1.6 thousand kilometres) around Memorial Square in Colac, Victoria, aiming to break a world record.

 

Although he fell short of his goal, Cliff’s failure did not deter his pursuit.

 

Just a year later, at 61, he entered the Australian Super Marathon—a gruelling 864-kilometre race from Melbourne to Sydney (that’s 9 hours drive – imagine).

 

Unconventional Competitor

On the day of the race, seasoned athletes and spectators were bewildered when they saw Cliff Young at the starting line.

 

Sporting overalls and galoshes over his boots (think booty covers), he was at the start line, ready.

 

Many initially assumed he was a spectator, while others expressed genuine concern for his well-being.

 

After all, attempting such a feat at his age without sponsors or specialised training seemed implausible and even impossible.

 

But Cliff was undeterred by the outside world.

 

When interviewed by the media, he declared, “No, I can do it. I grew up on a farm where we couldn’t afford horses or a car until very recently. When the storm was approaching, I went out to herd the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep grazing on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I caught sheep for 2-3 days – it was not easy, but I always caught them. I think I can participate in the race because it is only 2 days longer and is only 5 days, while I run after the sheep for 3 days.”

 

So he’d be training for this moment most of his life.

 

The Journey

As the race began, professional athletes quickly left Cliff far behind.

 

Spectators from across Australia watched in awe, praying for his safe finish.

 

Little did Cliff know that completing the 864-kilometre journey required running for 18 hours a day and sleeping for only 6 hours, a fact unknown to him at the time.

 

To everyone’s astonishment, Cliff didn’t sleep during the race’s early stages and trailed behind.

 

However, each night, he gradually caught up with his competitors.

 

On the final day, he surged ahead and ultimately claimed victory in the Sydney-Melbourne Supermarathon, completing the gruelling race in just 5 days, 15 hours, and 4 minutes

 

That was 10 hours faster than his nearest rival.

 

Inspiring Others

In his victory, Cliff refused to claim any prizes for himself.

 

Instead, he divided his $10,000 prize money among the other runners, winning the hearts of the entire nation.

 

Cliff Young continued his love for running, participating in international events, and even taking on the challenge of running to raise money for homeless children.

 

His final running accomplishment was setting a world record in a six-day marathon in 2000 (so that is 18 years of doing his craft).

 

In 2003, at the age of 81, Cliff Young passed away, leaving behind a legacy of endurance and inspiration that continues to inspire generations to this day.

 

INSPIRATION & GROWTH

So 2024 is around the corner. What can we learn from Cliff?

  1. If you fail once, it doesn’t mean give up, it means keep going. The magic is in what you are avoiding.
  2. Your childhood experiences have meaning to your mission today.
  3. Don’t let the outside world influence your inner determination.
  4. Age nor experience doesn’t have to be a barrier to your mission. If you have an inner calling to coach, then coach.

 

Let’s make 2024 all about chasing our dreams and achieving more than we once thought possible.

 

With love,

Tanya, Justin & the Maximum Growth Team

Maximum Growth

Have you lost a sense of self?

When a person is stuck in the trauma of their past, they find it hard to imagine a future for themselves.

 

Coupled with the loss of identity, you question ‘who the hell are you?

 

Not having a sense of self can lead to a downward spiralling state of mind (think Alice in Wonderland – but you don’t go to such a wonderful place.)

 

For some people, their struggle is with choices they made in the past that have not aligned with who they want to be.

 

Some struggle with regretting the past.

 

Some do not love the skin they are in.

 

Whatever it is. The struggle is real.

 

What is common to these people is, they have a sense of stagnation.

 

Their identity is rooted in the past, and they can’t move forward. Time becomes this eternal loop. Stuck in the past.

 

When problems came up, it felt like a replication of a past problem.

Over and over again, unable to envision a solution.

 

Instead of dealing with the mayhem in their memories, they push them away.

 

Compress. Repress. Suppress.

All leading to depression. Depressed self.

 

It takes courage to review your life, face things that are painful, and ask quality questions to appreciate the choices you made under challenging circumstances.

 

It takes courage to draw a line in the sand to say, enough! No one else can make the change but me.

 

Yes, it is so difficult to face yourself.

 

But let’s face it (not you, but in a more general sense).

 

Facing it alone sucks.

 

That’s why we have doubled our Maximum Growth Community Co Working Space each week.

 

These classes give you an opportunity, when you are part of the membership, to join other like-minded coaches to do the work together. Face your staff as a team.

 

When you change any “you” statement to “we”, it gives a greater sense of belonging.

 

When you belong, you feel connected to a community, that people care, you feel less isolated and alone and can build connections and you get inspiration cooties to rub off on you.

 

So, when you have trauma, and you lose a sense of self, the next thing is to tell you that it will get better – but that means anything.

 

And in fact, it is only selling you a fantasy of the future.

 

But you want to imagine a future for yourself.

And you have to be willing to do the hard work to shift your perspective.

Because it is hard work staying where you are.

So you may as well roll your sleeves up, and get to work.

 

Come join us for Maximum Growth classes. The community co-working space is on 4 times a week, every week.

 

Be with others who are on the same journey.

 

Hang out with Justin, myself and the community.

 

Love to see you there. Hit “yes I’m in” if you show up next week.

Tanya “mind (and sometimes spoon) bending’ Cross – or just call me Bendy for short.

Unveiling the Intimate Mirror: How Sexual Expression Reflects and Shapes Our Inner World

A few weeks ago, I did a series of newsletters on The Mirrors of Human Relationships: Reflections on Growth and Self-Discovery (Read part 1, part 2, part 3 & part 4).

 

It was such a hit, and people loved it. I even noticed another coach using it in their program – Yah, to see the ripple effect of the work that is being shared. (You know who you are – I see you and honour you).

 

On reflection, it sparked the idea of two more to add to the series.

 

Today, let’s talk about how our sexual expressions and relationships also play a significant role in our personal growth and self-discovery.

 

Sexuality, a fundamental aspect of human existence, has the power to illuminate the innermost recesses of our identities. Sexual expression and intimate relationships serve as mirrors, revealing our desires, insecurities, vulnerabilities, and self-acceptance.

 

Let’s go deep. Really deep. Oh yeeaaah….. Hey! Where did your mind go?!?

 

I’m talking about the deep dive into the intricate dynamics of sexual expression and how it reflects and shapes our inner world.

 

Sexuality as a Mirror: Reflecting Desires and Insecurities

Our sexual desires and preferences often mirror our deeper emotional and psychological needs. Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir, who was about feminist empowerment, eloquently observed, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”

 

Our sexuality is not solely an innate aspect but is also shaped by societal norms, personal experiences, and self-identity.

 

We have to work at our sexual expression, and our desires, and speak up. Like a muscle where you go to the gym, sexuality and the expression of it is important.

 

Navigating Sexual Relationships:

Effective communication is paramount in intimate relationships. Open, honest and transparent discussions about desires, boundaries, and consent can lead to more fulfilling sexual dynamics.

 

Sexual intimacy often requires a high degree of vulnerability. Trusting our partners with our deepest desires and insecurities can lead to greater emotional intimacy.

 

And this can be hard. Because after years or even decades, you might realise you like cucumbers but you never did before. And now your dream about the cucumber, you want it, you want it in every way, shredded, sliced, in its raw form… You get my drift.. But how did you have this conversation when your spouse thinks you don’t like cucumbers at all?

We’re allowed to change, hey! That’s a yes.

 

Sexual exploration can be a journey of self-discovery. It allows us to understand our bodies, desires, and preferences, shedding light on our evolving identities.

 

Sexuality as a Shaper: Transforming Self-Appreciation and Identity

On the flip side, sexual experiences have the power to shape our self-identity. They can lead to profound insights into our attitudes toward our bodies, self-worth, and emotional well-being.

 

Social norms play a role in our own perception of ourselves, our bodies and our expression. Here are some ways we can transform our perceptions and find a stronger sense of self in relationships and our sexual expressions.

 

Society often imposes unrealistic beauty standards that can impact our self-image. Exploring our sexuality can challenge these norms, allowing us to embrace and appreciate our bodies as they are.

For some, sexual experiences may involve healing from past traumas or exploring newfound empowerment.

 

QUESTIONS OF GROWTH

What I love about the Demartini Method is that it can be used for so many challenges, including sexual trauma and challenges, dissolving judgement and awakening more sexual expression within ourselves and with our spouse.

 

  1. What is one thing you have never done but wish you had?
  2. How would it benefit you to be able to express this/do this for both yourself and your spouse? Keep asking and answering the question until you feel the shift and feel ready to have a conversation.
  3. The material you have with question 2 you can use as your sales pitch. Go have a conversation. ie. “I asked my partner if they wanted to try a little role-playing. They said, ‘Sure, you can be the doctor and pay off my medical bills.'” Resistance or not getting the reaction you wanted means you haven’t sold it to them yet.

In the realm of sexual expression and relationships, self-awareness and self-appreciation are key. Communication becomes the way to break down barriers and get your needs and desires met.

 

By recognizing the ways in which our sexual desires, experiences, and identities reflect and shape our inner world, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

 

It is through open dialogue, exploration, and self-acceptance that we can harness the transformative power of our sexuality.

 

Ultimately, our sexual expression can be a profound avenue for personal growth.

Feeling adventurous? Are you up for it?

Nothing Is Missing, What Are You Searching For?