You may have heard of SMART goals. Now is the time for SMART praise.
Zero or Hero?
I was a pretty good student. I hated studying and never really figured out how to do it effectively. Still, I got A’s and B’s in most subjects. In the subjects I was poor in – mostly math – I just gritted my teeth and hoped for the best. Which was usually to just barely pass. As a result I now have a hate on for anything to do with numbers which certainly doesn’t serve me. If someone had taken the time to reach out before I got completely discouraged, things may have turned out differently.
Own Your Emotions
Self help is also everywhere in our society. Yes, I admit, I’m part of that genre as well. Often the message of personal growth is misinterpretted. We seem to think that if we’re growing we are somehow “above” emotions, that we are “enlightened” and therefore we always forgive and stay positive. I hate to burst the bubble, but even a monk that’s been sitting on a mountain meditating for 30 years still has emotions, gets depressed or angry and has days of sadness or even moments of negativity. How can those of us who live our hectic regular lives be above that?
Older Really is Better
Kathleen also made the comment, “I’m so much more interesting now.” I agree, in general, older people are more interesting. We’ve had more experience, we’ve developed our opinions and confidence. I know I’m waaaaaaaaaaaaay more interesting than I was 20 years ago.
Lighter or Darker – How About Being What You Are?
I’ve ranted before about how we have the right to look like and be who we are. We are all so amazing in our differences. We are all created perfect as we are. And everywhere we look we are told we need to change. It’s so hard to fight when the messages inundate us in hundreds of ways every day.