ALWAYS – ALWAYS – HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO SAY.
Negative is wearing me out.
My favorite magazine, Southern Living, published some great thoughts in the March 2013 edition on this subject in an ariticle entitled: Charm Them With Your Social Graces.
Let these two contributors inspire you to more joyful moments:
ALWAYS – ALWAYS – HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO SAY
Tennessee author Jane Borden spins a few negatives into positives.
Thinking: She’s self-centered.
Say: She’s deeply in touch with her emotions.
Thinking: I can’t believe that’s her fourth husband!
Say: She’s optimistic about marriage.
Thinking: He’s such a know-it-all.
Say: He should be on Jeopardy!
Thinking: She’s loud.
Say: She should be a stage actress; she can really project.
My latest focus is trying not to think the negative in the first place – at least not dwelling on it when it pops in my head.
SAY GOODBYE TO GOSSIP
Instead of whispering through the grapevine, use a strategy from Florida-based business etiquette coach Patricia Rossi.
– Change the subject. “Where did you get those gorgeous shoes?”
– Be direct. “It’s not nice to talk about Alison-she isn’t here to defend herself.”
– Use humor. “Oh, lawd! I have way too much to correct in myself to say a word about Mary Katherine.
One of my favorite turn-a-round methods when I see something I think is ugly – I’m sure glad they like their house painted neon green.
Makes me feel better anyway.
Here are some thoughts from my favorite passage in my favorite Book:
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice!
5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (New Living Translation)
Isn’t that energizing?
Choices matter!
