Your rough weather plan

We all experience rough patches – unpleasant developments we didn’t figure on or make a plan for. If we were to find ourselves in the path of a hurricane, we would never lie there waiting for the waves to overtake us. Neither must we be overwhelmed by the life challenges we will all face at one time or another.

What do you carry in your stormy weather response kit?

Mine includes…

People who support me even when I’m not at my best
Ways to access the best resources for my particular challenge
Lots of extra rest and sleep
Permission to stop doing when doing becomes a struggle
Simple pleasures and treats
An awareness of fairer skies ahead

A stormy weather kit will help you face anything that comes your way. Start personalizing yours today!

With love,
Mary Lou

Mars and Venus

Last week I wrote about reframing how I’ve been thinking about my teen’s “acting out” behavior. As I try to maintain an open mind about his choices, I received the valuable reminder from a counselor that the functioning of his teen brain won’t much resemble the functioning of my adult brain until he’s well into his 20s… So, in truth, there isn’t alot that I believe, do, or say that really makes much sense to him right now.

How can communications gaps like this be bridged, so we can get closer to those we care about or, for that matter, anyone we share space with for a time? A few things come to mind….
1) Take the first step
2) Listen to what the other person says and observe what they do.
3) Learn their “language.” Ask questions. How do they go about making decisions? What are their likes and dislikes? Their values and priorities?
4) Use their language, not yours, as the basis of your communication with them.
5) Help them to understand how things may look different from your perspective.
6) Fill in persistent gaps with universal languages such as music, nature, art, love.

Hope you have a wonderful week…
Mary Lou