FLEXIBILITY

The ability to modify, change, or compromise shows flexibility in thinking.  Open your mind and stretch out to experience a variety of opinions.  Decisions made in the past may need some fresh air.  Be flexible.                                                                                                                                               

 

BELIEVERS AND NON-BELIVERS

Many beliefs exist around the world.  Even though there are similarities, each religion thinks it has the truth; however, some people believe in no religion at all.  What you believe often depends on your family, your ethnic makeup, and your birthplace.

Each person has the right to become a believer or a non-believer.  A non-believer usually believes in natural laws, not the supernatural.

   
 

TOUCH

One person to another, skin to skin.  A mother and her baby, a father and his child,  two friends, two relatives, two strangers, two on a date, two lovers, a husband and a wife.  We all need to touch and be touched. A high five, a fist bump, shake hands, an arm around a shoulder, a pat on the back, walk arm in arm, hold hands, dance, hug, kiss, cuddle, embrace, make love.      

                                                                                                                                                                              

 

 

TALK TIME

 What you choose to talk about shows what your mind thinks about.  Consider what you talk about: information about yourself, obtaining information about others, your opinions and beliefs, the situations in your family, local and world events, your past, present, and future.  The list is endless.

Consider what you talk about and why plus what portion of your time is spent on certain topics.  Much talk is about the present and planning for the immediate future.  Think about how often you refer to the past, comparing it to the present.  In a conversation, try to learn about the other person as much as you talk about yourself.  

Talk and listen.  Learn how to help yourself and others through good conversation.       

ENDINGS and BEGINNINGS

 Funerals and weddings, farewells and beginnings, are also times of families together and celebration. As we meet to honor the departed, grandchildren say goodby to grandparents.  Sons and daughters say goodby to parents.  Wives and husbands say goodby to spouses.  While funerals are sad, good memories of a life well-lived are shared.

As couples join together, weddings are happy with families looking forward to years of  creating memories in the future. Two families join together and create mothers- and fathers-in-law, brothers- and sisters-in-law.   Both families look forward to the possibility of the addition of children in the future.

Endings and beginnings create the cycle of life.  

SEEK HELP

 From asking for help to complete a goal to seeking help when we need it most, we have to realize when we can't do it alone.  A family member, a  friend, or a professional may be necessary.  Of course, we want to feel that we are strong, independent, and capable of solving our own problems, but we all need help sometime.  If we continue to struggle on our own, the situation may get worse.  Another person's perspective can make a big difference.

We may tell ourselves: I should be able to do this by myself.  I'm embarrassed to reveal my problem.  I don't want to burden anyone.  Procrastination may make things worse.

Part of love is helping each other, to give and take.  If we ignore our problems or just try to endure the consequences, we are missing the chance to share our lives with others and deepen our relationships. 

ENABLING

From helping someone toward positive behaviors to enabling someone to continue negative behaviors, we have to consider how much responsibility we have towards others.  When a loved one shows signs of needing help, we may be able to influence and guide them toward a better life.  Of course, every adult has the freedom to live their own lives, but if poor choices are having negative consequences, we may need to offer assistance.  If our assistance is refused, we may have to resort to the tough love approach.  If we don't try to help, we will be enabling them to continue their pattern of behavior.

Various messages we give ourselves may delay our decision to help: It's none of my business, They may consider it interference,  Our relationship will suffer.  When we listen to these excuses, time may make the behavior even worse.  

Part of love is wanting a good life for others.  When we see a problem and ignore it, we are missing a chance to show our love.