It still happens -- even with adults. I know. I was the culprit this time.
The glass "just appeared." My arm hit that crazy glass of of water. Almost instantly the water was...
On the table. On the floor. "Messy."
But you know what? The rest of the family didn't think it was a very big thing :)
"Water? What's a little water?"
AND I THOUGHT...
"That's kinda neat! Even big kids (like me) can feel okay when they spill their drinks!"
Why did I feel this way? I'll tell you: because for about thirty years we practiced saying something over and over again.
A COMMON PHASE
We had a common phrase we used around our house when one of the children spilled a drink at the table -- which, I'm convinced, must be in the genes of *every* child: "You shall spill liquids. It's not only your birth right, it is your responsibility."
Back to the phrase.
The phrase was simple: "That's okay. Everyone spills." Sometimes the child might also hear words to this effect: "That's okay. Daddy help."
Then we'd just clean up and go on with the meal. No big deal.
AND THE OPERATIVE WORDS WERE...
"That's okay!"
I mean, why make a "little person" feel bad because she made a common mistake? It is a part of the growing up process!!
And besides...
*People are more important than "process" -- right? *Everyone makes mistakes -- right? *It is good for the family to help -- right?
RIGHT
Yes, I repeated the word "right" for a purpose. It is a good practice to:
*Affirm people
*Keep the "minor" mistakes of people just that: minor
*Quickly help people instead of quickly criticizing or condemning them
These simple "people affirming practices" are "right"...
At my home In my office On my assembly line During my classes As a part of my business Anywhere
"THAT'S OKAY"
You could have an opportunity to use that phrase this week.
Try it. The people who hear you say it may like it!
Why? Because...
*People need to be affirmed. *People need to be assured that we all make mistakes. *People need to be helped.
SAID IN ANOTHER WAY
If you...
Are determined to build people up instead of tearing them down,
Place a high value on relationships with others,
Are realistic in the assessment of your own failures and successes,
Work hard at being more helpful than you are demanding,
And continually strive to bring out the best in people,
You will be motivated to maintain a "That's okay" style of of life when it comes to interacting with your family, friends, co-workers and everyday acquaintances.
IT SURE AIN'T EASY
No, it's not. We fail. We don't always affirm, put things in perspective or help.
But if we value the things I just mentioned, we remind *ourselves* of the same two word philosophy, apply it to the person we see in the mirror each day, and try to get it right the next time!
Yours for a day filled with beautiful moments in time,
Lee
------------------------------- Lee is a seminary administrator, has a part-time business at home, and writes two motivational ezines: "A Beautiful Moment In Time" and "Hope For Daily Living." Permission is given to distribute article. This paragraph must be included. Email: Lee@searichs.net Link: http://www.motivation-for-daily-living.net
