Mom Talk #19: The Power of Whatever

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for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{

Dearest Children of Mine,

Your grandmother could write in shorthand.  She could listen to someone speaking and her hand would race across the page putting down strange symbols almost as fast as the words were spoken.  Then she could read back - word for word - what had been said.  Shorthand makes taking notes quick and easy, and significantly abbreviates the process of writing down every single letter of every word.  At one time, shorthand was a must for secretaries, but it's a dying art anymore - at least the shorthand that's used in the office.

We actually do a kind of short hand in our heads all the time.  Rather than going through an entire thought cycle, we short cut to the end because we know where we're going when the loop begins.  And this is where the magical power of "Whatever" comes in.

"Whatever" can be mental shorthand for "I see a bad situation, but it's not going to get me down."  You can use this mental shorthand to prevent a downward cycle into a sour mood.  Don't pick apart and dwell on the negative details.  Acknowledge them, and determine to move on.

"Whatever" can mean things like:
That person is obviously having a bad day, but it isn't my doing.  Just look at that blue sky!
Oh Darling, you must need that parking place far more than I do, please, go right ahead.
The meeting is starting late again ... awesome, I can work on my report.
The appointment has been cancelled?  Great!  I can finally get to those errands I've been neglecting.  
All the milk is gone?  Bring on the bagels and cream cheese!
That person has 36 items in the 10 or less line ... no worries, I can catch up on People Magazine.

You don't have to use the word "Whatever" - you can have your own word or phrase.  Just make sure that it helps you give the briefest nod to the negative that's beyond your control and jets you along to something better.

Next, let's talk about the right time to clean bugs off the windshield.

for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{

thanks for reading!