He traveled (alone) from out of state to be with extended family and attend his grandmother's funeral. His relationship with some family members was strained. It seemed he was a young boy trapped in a man’s body. 

He stood 6'7" tall and was 41 years old. His behavior was more like a 10-year-old than a married man with five children. He was loud and obnoxious. It would have been comical if the family hadn't been grieving the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother. 

He was out of control and seeking attention in the worst way, but he was much too big to discipline. 

The desire to want to get attention from people in your life is natural. We need human connection in order to survive. When those needs go unmet—or feel unsafe to express—they can come out sideways.

There are healthy and unhealthy ways to receive validation and attention.

Seeking unhealthy attention from others can damage relationships, because the person needing attention often comes across as insincere.

There are different ways that someone seeking attention can present themselves. They can be blatant—such as being confrontational—or they can be more reserved—such as fishing for compliments.

Other examples of needing attention would be making comments that make people feel uncomfortable; bragging about personal wealth, successes or physical appearance; wanting to be the center of attention; excessive posting on social media; and, being dramatic about everything that happens to them. 

Here are some causes behind the need for attention: 

·      Social anxiety

·      Loneliness

·      Low self-esteem

·      Childhood neglect, abuse or trauma

·      Jealousy

·      Personality disorder(s) or other mental illnesses

I feel sad that I looked at my family member's need for attention in a negative light. I now realize that I was focused on his behavior, instead of what was motivating it—which was most likely a call for help.

Or maybe he was dealing with a mental health issue.

Because of my grief, I chose to take his behavior personally. I wish I would have reached out to him with love and compassion in that moment. I don’t know if it would have helped him want to change his behavior, but at least he would have felt some love. 

If there have been times in your life when you have felt a need to seek attention in unhealthy ways, I know how you feel—I’ve been there, and each time, I felt so ashamed that I punished myself for days.

That self-punishment isn’t necessary. Doses of Enlightenment have helped me get past the unhealthy need for attention.

However, if I do happen to seek that kind of attention, on occasion, Doses of Enlightenment also help me to forgive myself quickly.

You can receive that same type of healing energy. 

If you recognize an unhealthy need for attention in yourself—or the shame that follows—there’s a Dose of Enlightenment below to help you clear that pattern and extend compassion to yourself.

With love,

Jeri

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Since we promised to treat you to an extra dose of light in your inbox, we include a Dose of Enlightenment for you at the end of each newsletter. We value your agency, so it’s up to you whether or not you receive it!

This Dose of Enlightenment is a frequency equation meant to clear a hidden and trapped emotion that you’ve been holding onto. 

If today's emotion is one that we have already cleared, know that we are addressing a different layer or situation this time.

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Today’s emotion is: need for attention 

How does this emotion apply to you? For best results, ponder this question and identify how need for attention applies to you.

Dose of Enlightenment: 120 + 880 = E

Say it out loud with intent: "one-twenty plus eight-eighty equals enlightenment.”

Breathe. Let it go. Feel the shift. Allow your body to be filled with light.

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For access to all of our past newsletters, see our blog: https://www.enso-ia.com/blogs

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The Doses of Enlightenment come from the M: Collaborations with the Divine Doctor book by Jaclyn Taylor. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet and want to learn more about how this works, you can get one here: 

https://intrinsicallyawaken.com

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Feel free to send us a message at hello@enso-ia.com. We would love to hear from you!

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​Every decision you make brings you closer to—or farther away from—the Light. We will meet you at the Light!