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Why compliments count
“I can live for two months on a good compliment.” ~Mark Twain We all know a few people who rarely pay a compliment. They might be worried about appearing insincere, or maybe they’re a little envious of others. But there’s science to prove that flattery will get you everywhere. As reported in Medical Economics, researchers confirmed that people respond positively to flattery — even when they know the flatterer has an ulterior motive. Better yet, compliments can motivate us. When a supervisor praises our efforts at work, for instance, statistics show we’re likely to experience higher job satisfaction and stay in the position longer. In social situations, we’re inclined to…
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What do you take for granted?
“We never know the worth of water until the well is dry.” ~Thomas Fuller, English historian, 1608 – 1661 The opposite of feeling grateful is taking someone or something for granted. Anything worth keeping needs our time, care, and attention — because nothing we have is truly guaranteed. You might want to try an exercise I’ve used in my journaling classes: Make a list of everything and everyone you value and would hate to lose. For instance, do you maintain and appreciate the items you own at home and rely on daily? Are you grateful to have a job or are you just putting in your time? Do you assume…
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Confiding
“But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one’s deepest as well as one’s most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely.” ~Dinah Craik, British novelist It’s always wise to weigh our words carefully before we speak. We don’t want to spread harmful gossip or betray a confidence. We don’t want hurt or offend anyone. And given today’s volatile political climate, most of us avoid discussing hot-button topics — especially if we’re unsure of someone else’s viewpoints. Today I’m feeling especially grateful for the trusted friends with whom I can “speak fearlessly on any subject.” As today’s…
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Living off-line
“When I grow up, I’m gonna look up from my phone and see my life.” ~Phoebe Bridgers I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day holiday. Three sunny months of summer stretch ahead of us, giving us the perfect opportunity to set aside our phones and laptops while we gather with friends and experience the beauty of the world outside. A growing body of research shows that being more connected online is actually making us lonelier — despite all those Facebook friends and Instagram followers. For instance, the American Medical Association examined several studies on internet use and psychological well-being. Overall, increased internet use was associated with “a decline…
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“Object Lessons” Writing Workshop
“A photograph is an honest shortcut to remembering who we were.” – Julian Pope If you’re ready to begin writing your memoir or family history, you won’t want to miss my free community workshop at Clawson’s Blair Memorial Library in June. “Object Lessons” will help you craft a short essay or chapter for your memoir using a favorite family photo, souvenir, or a small heirloom as inspiration. I promise you’ll enjoy the process, meet new friends, and be inspired to keep writing after the workshop ends. This is a two-night program — so please plan to attend both sessions. Our first night of “Object Lessons” will cover the basics of good writing and…
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