Why do we tie strings to our love? And when did we learn to do that? One of the most beautiful things about children is their ability to love. To love their families, to love their neighbors, to love their everyday experiences, to love all walks of life, and to love questioning our world. It’s amazing how we can lose this ability as we grow.
read more >‘Personal Relationship’ Daily Tips:
Tip #45: Be a Friend
July 30th, 2009
Friendship is one of life’s greatest joys. Friends can help you celebrate victories and mourn losses. Friends can ease loneliness and help you to define yourself. In order to have true friends in your life, you must be a good friend first. That means accepting people for who they are, not who you want them to be. True friendship requires that both parties sometimes have to put their own needs on hold to help the other person. Being a friend is the only way to draw friends into your life.
If your life is filled with acquaintances, but few friends, ask yourself if you are a true friend. Do you accept people’s faults, shortcomings, and limitations? Do you give of yourself when others are in need? Without these qualities it will be impossible to cultivate long lasting, true friendship. Without a willingness to extend yourself in friendship, you may never feel the security and happiness of having friends.
Now, think about someone you know that you would like to spend more time with, or that you would like to know more about. How could you deepen your connection to this person? Perhaps you could invite them to lunch? Offer to help them with a small task or job? Maybe you could simply call them and strike up a conversation. Then, extend yourself in friendship. While this may not work every time, think of the benefits you will reap if just one phone call or helping hand develops into a friendship! Decide to become a friend today!
read more >Tip #38: Say Nice Things About Others
July 21st, 2009
Remember that oft-repeated advice you heard from parents and teachers as a kid? “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” This bit of wisdom applies not only through childhood, but well into the adult years. It is not only inherently kind, but also helps to earn the respect and friendship of those around you.
Now, during your next conversation, make it a point to say something complimentary about someone else. Whether you’re heralding their great sense of humor, snappy wardrobe, or strong work ethic, authenticity is key – this exercise is most effective if you take the time to choose a quality that you truly admire.
read more >Tip #24: Document Your Story
July 1st, 2009
How often do you reflect on the ordinary moments that occur during the day? In the past, I rarely thought about these details until something forced me to (ex. an unmet goal – what went wrong?). Reflecting from this negative mindset, I found myself focusing on the holes and mishaps. They become magnified over time. For my sister’s 21st birthday, I created a scrapbook to document our lives together. It was an incredible process that opened my eyes to the power of documenting the ordinary and not-so-ordinary stuff that occurs every single day. I naturally gravitated towards journaling and now do it every night before I go to sleep. Reading through my journal, I am able to read my own story — and realize the true power within every single day. I now see the positives much more so than the holes in my journey. Those holes do exist, but carry little weight when compared to the positive memories.
Now, find a way to document your own story. We all have a story to tell. Remember that your story is just as important as any other individual’s story. Think about activities you enjoy – painting, music, writing, reading – and experiment with ways to document your day to day life. Your imagination can take you anywhere – think outside the box.
read more >Tip #23: Escape Together
June 30th, 2009
With the dozens of tasks and obligations we face each day, it can be all too easy to put our personal relationships at the bottom of the list. After a long day at work, it’s often tough to find the time and energy to re-connect. To recapture that carefree feeling you had when you first met, take a day off work together. You’ll likely find that twelve hours of uninterrupted time is the perfect antidote for a relationship rut.
Now, as long as both of you have the available vacation time, schedule your “escape together day.” Write it on the calendar as you would any task or appointment, and don’t let anything interfere. Don’t worry too much about planning what you’ll do — it should be a relaxed, spontaneous day, free of stress and obligations. The important thing is that you spend it together.
read more >What people are saying
— Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of A Whole New Mind Read moreWith tremendous respect and grace, Carolyn Rubenstein tells the stories of twenty survivors of childhood cancer — in their own words. Through these real-life tales of survival, Perseverance offers not only great hope to those battling illness or caring for a loved one but also profound insight for all of us seeking to lead a meaningful life.”