for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
Yesterday I gave you some ideas about things to say and not to say. Today, let's talk about your clothes. We won't talk about all your clothes, just your work clothes, because they can make a difference in what people think about you, how people treat you, and how you feel about yourself in the workplace.
As you enter the workplace, note the environment and dress to fit in - if it's a corporate environment, you need to dress like a professional. Dress one step up if you have aspirations to move up on the corporate ladder. This will help others take you seriously, and help them envision you as someone who is promotable.
Not only will wearing professional attire help others take you more seriously, it will help you take yourself more seriously. You know this is true. Think about how you walk when you're wearing your PJs and slippers as opposed to when you're dressed in your very best, right down to the shoes. See what I mean?
Does this go against your free spirit, "I've got to be me" style? It did mine, too. But think of it like this: if you were going to play football with a professional football team, you would suit up with the pads and the uniform, wouldn't you? Business attire is just suiting up - putting on the equipment and uniform appropriate to the game you're playing.
Whether you like it or not, it's a simple truth that we are judged by appearance. The principle of first impressions is real, and you should use it to your advantage, if no where else but the workplace.
Now that we've talked about dressing for work, we'll next talk about getting to work.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
Pop Quiz! What are the three things your Granddaddy recommended for a long and healthy life? If you don't know, read yesterday's post Three Keys to Good Health.
Today I'd like to offer some thoughts on things you should and shouldn't say, particularly if you want to establish yourself as exceptional young people.
Pretty much, you shouldn't mumble anything. But offering a pleasant greeting in the morning - or a pleasant greeting any time of day, for that matter - is a convention that can set you apart, set the tone for your interactions, and set other people up to view you favorably.
It's okay not to know the answer to a question. But if you say only "I don't know", it can be interpreted to mean "I don't care" or "It's not my problem". If someone asks you a question and you don't know the answer, take responsibility for finding it out.
One word answers can come across as cocky, and they're not at all conversational. When you answer a question, answer in a complete sentence, since using more words in your answer invites further conversation. Allow your tone of voice to convey a secondary message of warmth or competence over the rest of the sentence.
If someone tells you something that you know, chances are they're telling you because your behavior indicates that you don't. So, if you do know, let your behavior speak for you, and no one will have to tell you what you already know. Saying "I know" makes you look foolish when someone tells you something you appear to be unaware of ... if you know you shouldn't be spitting over the banister, then why are you doing it? Instead of saying "I know", try "yes, that's right", "I agree", or "that's true". You might even consider a humble "you're right".
Give some thought to your speech patterns and the things you say frequently, and make sure they're setting you apart in a positive way.
Tomorrow, I have some thoughts for you about the clothes you wear.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
Yesterday we covered the importance of choosing your friends wisely. Today, I'd like to share some advice with you that I heard all my life and only took me about 40 years to appreciate. I hope it won't take you quite so long!
The source of this advice is your very own Granddaddy, and you know well that not only did he talk the talk, he - literally and figuratively - walked the walk. My own advice to you is to take care of your body, and start right now. Granddaddy's advice is specific and practical, and it really is just this simple.
Eat right
For Granddaddy, eating right had a lot to do with not "overloading the system", and that basically means don't eat too much. A good meal was a great pleasure to him, but afterward he would ease up on the intake until his digestive system had recovered. He was aware of how food made him feel, and adjusted accordingly.
Get enough rest
This is a no brainer until you realize just how far and frequently we push our bodies into sleep deficit. When you are rested, you think more clearly, have more energy, and your mood is more steady. Know how much sleep you need, and then make sure you get it!
Exercise
Growing up and working on a farm gave your Granddaddy plenty of exercise in his younger years. When he was in the Air Force, the calisthenics program played a big part in resolving chronic back pain. He took up jogging in his mid-life years (complete with 1970's jogging suits), and when jogging was no longer optimal, walking was his thing, even into his 90's.
When you live a long and healthy life of 93 years, you can claim authority on how you made it so far so well. Take your Granddaddy's word for it - "Eat right, get enough rest, and exercise" will keep you healthy and feeling great.
Next up: "Say This, Not That".
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
We've talked about processing your feelings and being your own best friend though journaling. Now I'd like to talk to you about the importance of choosing your real life friends with careful intent.
There are four levels of friends: acquaintances, casual friends, close friends and intimate friends. The deeper the friendship, the more intentional you need to be about the people you pursue to be your friends.
It won't be too difficult to find people with whom you have affinity ... but you also need to consider how wise your intimate friends are. When life throws you hard knocks, your friends will be your closest advisers. Make sure that the people who can make you laugh the hardest can also give you wise counsel when things get serious.
Since guilty by association applies even to friendships, you should seek friends who are making good life choices. Even if you aren't directly involved in bad decisions made by friends, the consequences of their decisions can have significant impact on you. Make sure that your friends are not consistently needing your help to get past stupid decisions or refusing to take responsibility for their own lives.
Eventually, you begin to resemble the people you spend the most time with. Your closest friends are the people who will influence who you are now and more importantly, who you become. Your friends should be people you admire, people who inspire you, and people who encourage you to improve and to grow.
While you're considering the character quality of the people you spend the most time with, you should spend some time considering the quality of your own character. If the best way to make a friend is to be one, the best way to make an excellent friend is to be excellent yourself.
Tomorrow, we'll visit some great advice from your Granddaddy.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
Previously, we talked about how much easier it is to deal with things when they're fresh - the longer you wait, the harder it gets, whether it's a bug on the windshield or something you need to get right with another person. Today, the topic relates to helping yourself sort out matters of the heart.
“There is a basin in the mind where words float around on thought and thought on sound and sight. Then there is a depth of thought untouched by words, and deeper still a gulf of formless feelings untouched by thought.” ― Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God
In my opinion, the very best way to sort through your feelings is to write them out, and it's my strong recommendation that you develop a regular habit of journaling. You can write in a paper journal or keep a digital journal, write free form, use a template or writing prompts. Find what works best for you, and write consistently.
Here are some reasons why journaling can be a great thing in your life:
Process your feelings
Just because your feelings fill up your heart doesn't necessarily mean you know what they are. Writing will help you figure out what you feel and will naturally help you explore why you feel that way.
Find the right words
If you're in a situation that's going to require a difficult conversation, journaling can help you put your feelings into words. It can also help prevent saying hurtful things if you get the ugly words and feelings out privately before you have a discussion. One caveat: you must never leave hurtful words in your journal that you wouldn't someone else to see. After you write the hard stuff out, it must be destroyed, and you may find that knowing the hurtful things you write are to be destroyed will help you be more wholly honest with yourself.
Be heard
We all need to have our say, but sometimes there's no one around to listen, or maybe the people around you won't really understand. The fact is, no one is more interested in what you have to say than you, and no one understands you better :o) You can act as your own best friend in the pages of your own journal.
Find a solution
You'll see that there's a natural turning toward optimism and solving problems when you write long enough. Eventually you'll make the mental shift from talking about what's happening and how you feel about it to what you're going to do about it.
Journaling isn't just for dramatic teenage girls. Keeping a journal can be a fun way to capture snapshots of your life and chronicle your personal life lessons.
Next, a word about the company you keep.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
Yesterday, we talked about the word power of "Whatever", which is best wielded when you have no control over a situation. Today, let's discuss the flip-side - when there's something you can do about your circumstances.
Take, for example, the bug that hits your windshield.
You have two choices: ignore the bug goo and deal with it later, or use the windshield wipers with the washer fluid right away and clean it off. If you ignore the bug, the effort required to clean off the mess is exponentially related to how long you leave it there. This also applies to gunk in the bottom of the refrigerator, tomato sauce on the kitchen floor, and the fossilized cereal bowl under your bed.
You are my children, you live in my house ... you know I can ignore an awful lot. But the older I get, and the more experience I have with ignoring things, the more clearly I see that dealing with things when they're fresh is vastly easier than dealing with them later.
It's no surprise, is it, that the same principle applies relationships? When you have issues or offenses against another person, there are two choices: ignore (avoid, suppress... ) your feelings, or deal with them in short order. It's so much easier to work through a single offense right away, rather than let it build up steam in your heart until you blow like a geyser. Offenses collect other offenses like magnets, and if you let things sit in your heart on a slow boil without letting off the steam, a Big Deal Conflict becomes your solution, whether that's your intent or not ... just like the Big Deal Cleaning is necessary with the bug you left baking on the windshield since last summer.
Do yourself a big favor, make it a habit to take care of both the bugs on the windshield of life and matters of the heart in a timely fashion. You'll be glad you did.
Next up, we'll talk about one way you can sort out matters of the heart.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
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{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
Have you ever tried to thread a needle when someone was watching? It's nearly impossible. Your hands shake, you can't see the eye of the needle, and every pass at it is completely wrong. It's being watched - and not being able to help but think that you're being judged - that makes you self-conscious.
Today, I want to suggest an assumption that can relieve you of significant frustration as you relate to other people. Normally, I'm a big fan of 'trust but verify', and 'assume nothing'. However, I highly recommend this one exception:
Really, you have no idea what's happening in all the arenas of anyone else's life, and you can't know what difficulties they face. Assuming everyone is doing their best moves your heart away from judgment and toward acceptance. It's the opposite of being critical and judgmental. Judgment makes people self-conscious and keeps them bound to failure. Assuming they're doing their best sets them free to do better and sets you free from the exhausting tyranny of judgment. And it lets you move along.
While you're assuming that everyone is doing their best ... don't forget that "everyone" includes yourself, and that may be the best place to start. We all have expectations of ourselves, and often those expectations are straight up perfection. Sometimes you do the best you can, and it isn't perfect. But you've done the best you can, and that's good enough. Training yourself to respond to your own failures with this kind of grace sets you up to extend the same to others.
Choosing to believe everyone is doing their best has its foundation in unconditional love, which offers a firm foundation, and freedom to improve, freedom to change and freedom to do it better next time. It's a safe assumption.
Tomorrow, I will teach you the word that magically fends off getting caught up in the judgment/criticism briarpatch and keeps you in the wide open spaces of grace.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
We talked about fighting fair }here{, and about apologies }here{. Today I'd like to share some thoughts with
you about grace.
More specifically, I'd like to talk with you about who needs
grace the most.
Grace is a lovely word that means lovely things. According
to Webster: elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion or action; a pleasing or
attractive quality of endowment; favor or goodwill; mercy clemency,
pardon.
Theologically speaking, grace is freely given and unmerited
favor and love from God, extended to us.
One of the greatest examples of grace I have ever witnessed
occurred in a very public arena. Someone
spoke - very publicly - mean, hurtful, unkind and ungenerous
words. I was stunned and horrified. I couldn't think how I would handle the
situation had the words been directed at me or my family. And as my ears began ringing with the silence
that fell down heavy upon us, the astounding message of grace was spoken just
as publicly as the unkind words had been. Not from leadership ... but
from the very person who had justifiable
reason to be deeply hurt and offended. The message included an appeal not to judge, an appeal to extend love, an appeal
to let the milk of grace pour deep into the cracks between those involved, and
an appeal to close the episode with finality.
This grace made an appeal to love the unlovely and to forgive the
unforgivable. It was assuredly
undeserved, and assuredly one of the most beautiful things I have ever
seen.
There will be days when you are the recipient of
unkindness. There will be days when,
through no fault of your own, someone else has a terrible day. There will be times when - wrongly - people take out on you their own lacks. People will fail
you, disappoint you, and hurt you deeply.
Always, my first advice to you is to determine not to take
things personally. Develop a thick skin instead of choosing to take offense. But most of all, I
would have you remember this:
the people who deserve it the least are the ones who need grace the most.
That's the nature of grace.
Grace says, "I know the unlovely parts of you, but they are not the whole
of you." Grace says, "I know
what you did, but you're still good with me." Grace says, "I see that ugliness, but I
choose to forgive you anyway."
Don't wait for people to deserve grace ... none of us ever will. Tomorrow, we'll talk about assumptions ... sometimes they can be dangerous, but this one can bring you great freedom.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
When LtDan and I planned a sort of spontaneous trip with dear friends smack dab in the middle of October, I planned to be so ahead of the game that I would compose and schedule posts in advance.
Didn't happen.
No worries, I knew I would be SO on top of things that I would write my posts from the comfort of the hotel.
Also didn't happen.
Thus, this break in blogging is brought to you by great friends, good times and the City of New Orleans.
We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in the French Quarter and it was (no surprise) completely lovely.
The colors were navy blues and burgundies and plum and gold and chocolate browns - my absolute favorites. I really wanted to put the chair from our room into my suitcase and bring it home.
We especially loved the courtyard both day and night, and the Davenport Lounge downstairs. The Davenport was hopping with live jazz music every night.
We were in New Orleans once when the kids were little to over night and go to the New Orleans aquarium (it's fantastic). I was there for an afternoon in my twenties but all I remember is very strong coffee and crowded streets. Both times, New Orleans was on the way to something else, and didn't get the attention it deserves.
Every city has a personality, and New Orleans wins the contest, in my opinion. Everyone is so New Orleans (and Saints!) proud, and with only one kind of funny exception, everyone we encountered was delighted we were there and happy to provide service.
We did the typical tourist walking tour of Bourbon Street. It was everything you've heard about it - very loud and crowded and wild and crazy - and that was on just a normal Saturday night. I know for sure Mardi Gras is not for me. My favorite was Royal Street, which was more laid back with antique shops and restaurants and bars.
We all loved the sea food and ate oysters at every opportunity (and we made sure there were plenty :o) The Chicken Andouille Gumbo at the Gumbo Shop was good enough to make me want to make the 8 hour drive again right this minute. Brandon was our waiter extraordinaire, and we owe him thanks for his expert recommendations.
We took a buggy ride in the early evening through the French Quarter. You can catch a buggy at Jackson Square any time of day. Our driver gave us a great feel for the area and some good historical notes.
Being right on the Mississippi, it seemed appropriate to take a Steamboat Ride, and we spent a couple hours on the Natchez. It was a relaxing afternoon on the riverboat; we went about seven miles down river and back. We saw some huge cargo carriers, lots of barges and where the levy broke during Hurricane Katrina.
Back in the French Quarter, we saw at least three wedding parties, two were dancing down the street complete with umbrellas, hankies and a band, and the grandparents brought up the rear of the wedding party in bicycle rickshaws. So fun!
Everywhere you look there is something interesting to see. There was definitely plenty crazy, some sad, and abundant fun. I loved the street performers and the artwork and the antiques and the architecture.
Our favorite street band was Yes, Ma'am, playing on Royal Street. They play eclectic country/blues, and bill themselves as 1920's rock and roll. Have a listen, I think you'll love them, too!
New Orleans is full of energy. Everyone is cool and on their way to something fun. I really enjoyed the fact that there were lots and lots of older people there ... including a white haired Granny with a walker on Bourbon Street! The city exudes a quiet confidence and understated elegance. You feel the age of the city, and sense the history. The food is wonderful. It's definitely in the top three of my favorite cities.
We had a fabulous weekend with great food and SO MUCH FUN in an amazing city ...
but the company was the best of all.
The other best thing of all?
That we could leave town and not worry once about our kids and
what they might be up to whilst unsupervised at home.
Maybe they have been listening to all those Mom Talks?
Last week, we left off with a talk about effective apologies }here{.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
Yesterday we talked about how to have a fair fight. Today, we'll talk about a critical component
of fair and healthy conflict, and that's the apology. Please remember your goal in an argument
isn't to prove yourself right, it's to gain deeper understanding about the
other person while you resolve the conflict.
Also, you must determine that you will do no further damage to the
relationship because of things you say or do while in the heat of the argument.
There are two sides to an apology - giving and
receiving. We'll talk about giving an
apology first. While no one should be
"grading" your apologies, here are the basic components of the kind
of apology that can do the deepest healing.
Say "I'm sorry"
Just those two words and you're off to a great start.
Acknowledge their feelings
Imagine how the other person must have felt, and empathize
with that. "What I said was
hurtful", "My comment must have been embarrassing to you". This gives assurance to the other person that
you understand the situation and have considered their perspective. Remember, the goal of an argument is greater
intimacy. Learning what is hurtful to
the other person strengthens the foundation of your relationship. In this case, knowledge is power to improve.
Take responsibility
Your actions caused the other person harm, and when you own
that, you convey to the other person that you value them. You can do this by saying "I was
wrong" without offering excuses or defending your actions. Your apology is about them, and about their
feelings, Whether or not your hurtful
actions were intentional, the end result is the same: someone's feeling are hurt, and it's your
responsibility. Take responsibility for
that, and don't make excuses.
Ask forgiveness
This is the most difficult and humbling part of an apology,
because you are completely vulnerable to the other person. But this act of humility conveys trust that
they will respond to your apology with mercy.
It calls both of you to value the relationship over either of your
feelings, and when you both step up to that, it can put you on the fast track
to healing.
Now that we've covered giving an apology, let's consider how
to receive an apology:
Make it safe
Offering an apology is putting yourself at the mercy of the
other person. Honor them and your
relationship by extending grace. And it
will do you good to consider the Golden Rule here ... you will surely be on the
giving side soon enough. Treat the other
person the way you want to be treated.
Furthermore, if you show the other person that you are likely to accept
their apologies graciously, you will build trust, and it will be more likely
that you'll get an apology next time it's your due.
Say thank you
It takes humility to say I'm sorry. Thank the other person for saying it. It means they value you.
Say the words
Listen to the apology, and then say the words: "I forgive you". Don't take another opportunity to tell them
how wrong they were, it's time to let it go.
Say "I forgive you" and then actively practice forgiveness
every single time your heart wants to go over the offense again. Sometimes you have to remind yourself. Say it outloud to yourself in the mirror if
you have to: "I've forgiven them
for that. I'm letting it go and we're
moving on."
Don't grade
A dichotomy exists here.
If you're on the giving end of the apology, read the above and take
those steps. If you're on the receiving
end of an apology, please read on. The
more you practice "good" apologies, the easier it gets. But we all have to start somewhere, and that
means you may or may not be in a relationship with someone fluent in the art of
apologizing. Sometimes, you have to let
people say they're sorry the best way they can.
That may mean accepting a casual "my bad" or a seemingly
unrelated act of kindness in place of steps one through four above. Trust that the other person will become more
adept at apologizing, and accept their apology in whatever form it comes.
To be in a relationship with another human being requires
lots and lots of grace. Next, we'll
talk about who needs that the most.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
Yesterday, we talked about being generous in your relationships. Even in the best and most generous relationships, though, there is the occasional fight. Today I'd like to talk about how to fight fair. Have you ever wondered what's the goal of a fight? The goal of a fight is to win the fight, right? Or maybe to school the other person and teach them a lesson? Actually, there's a better answer. The goal of every argument should be greater intimacy. If done fairly and well, your conflict should help you understand each other better, deepen your relationship and bring you closer together. Here are some rules for having a fair fight.
Time it right
Timing is everything, isn't it? It applies to arguments, too. If the outcome matters - and it should, if you're going to the trouble to argue - it's worth it to make sure your timing is right. Wait until you have complete privacy. And if possible, choose a time to talk when everyone is rested, no one is hungry, and you can give your full attention to the subject at hand as long as you need to.
Seek First to Understand
You may recognize this wisdom from Steven Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Your first task in an argument is to understand the other person's perspective. Empathize - do your best to understand what the other person is feeling and what they're saying. Look for where you are wrong. No one is completely right in an argument ... there is always something you can learn.
Watch your language
Be mindful of the fact that your language will either inflame or calm the argument. Keep yourself from raising your voice. Don't use profanity, and don't use provocative words like "always" and "never". These words put the other person on the defensive and can pull the argument down unproductive rabbit trails.
Stay on topic. And only one topic.
You may be tempted to bring up old offenses, but don't. When you pull in past issues, the argument breaks down rapidly into a negative rehearsal of past hurts. Keep your focus on the present issue.
Don't attack character or name call
Calling names and attacking character damages the relationship. Keep in mind that your goal is to work toward resolution of an issue. Name calling and character attacks don't help.
Honor & affirm the other person, even though you're angry
Give the other person the gift of your confidence and trust. Operating with confidence of unconditional love provides a safe place to be honest, and that brings deeper intimacy.
Never threaten to leave
Never insinuate you'll leave, and don't bring up divorce in an argument with your spouse. Comments about leaving create insecurity, undermine your relationship, and weaken trust, and the necessity to rebuild that trust once the argument is resolved is a difficult task you don't want.
The best thing you can do in an argument is to make sure the fight itself doesn't do more damage to the relationship than the original offense. Follow these rules and you'll not only get through the fight, your relationship will be better on the other side of it. Next, we'll talk about making a good apology.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
Dearest Children of Mine,
We've talked about important qualities to look for in a potential husband or wife }here{ and }here{ and discussed how influential family is }here{. If you're weary of all this love and marriage stuff, just let me get these last few posts about relationships out, and then we'll move on to things like dirty laundry ... won't that be fun?
Today I want to encourage you to be generous in your relationships, especially when you marry.
(image source - a great Entrepreneur article entitled How to Get Ahead by Being Generous)
I have a friend (let's call her Jessie) whose husband (we'll call him Rudy) loved to hunt. Rudy loved to hunt like crazy, all out, loved-to-spend-days-and-days-in-the-woods hunt. Rudy welcomed Jessie on all his hunting trips, but she had no interest. Since she didn't share the same passion for pre-dawn rangings looking for wild animals, not to mention multiple days without a shower, hunting became a very sore subject for these two.
Years later I ran into Jessie and tentatively asked if Rudy was still an avid hunter. He was, in fact, and Jessie seemed quite content with it. "So what turned things around for you?" I asked. "Well," Jessie said, "for a long time I pushed the point and made him feel bad every time he went hunting, and he stopped going as often. But I was making us both miserable keeping him from doing something he loved to do. I finally realized that when he's happy, I'm happy. I decided that if hunting makes him happy, then it should make me happy. Now, when he goes hunting, I plan something fun to do myself instead of stay home and be mad at him for enjoying something I don't like to do. We make an event of it when he comes home, and we tell our adventures to each other. Hunting has actually been very good for our marriage."
The thing about being generous in your marriage - and in any relationship, really - is that the generosity pours into the common pot, and everyone partakes. Jessie's generosity made Rudy happy, and Rudy, being happy, looked for ways to make Jessie happy. That follows the principle of reflection that I talked about }here{. Make it a habit to be generous in your relationships. When generosity begins, a cycle of good will flows that benefits everyone.
Next, we'll talk about fighting done fairly.
for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{
