VALUES: 2 Lessons

We did two new chapters in the Values Development book and workbook. With all the rain and mom's tooth, delays and woes this past week we were getting a little discouraged and snarly.  It's easy to start adding up all the things that are getting us down from customs trouble, clutter, broken teeth, rainy days.

Topic ONE:  Snowball Effect of Your Thinking
When you get in a bad mood and things start going wrong it's easy to get caught up in thinking things are terrible and letting more bad thoughts in and roll with those.  Instead recognize when you are stuck in that negative thinking and plant positive thoughts instead. Whatever thoughts you plant in your head are the ones that will grow!  You may be stressed but dwelling on it makes it worse. It's hard to feel good, peaceful when you let your head get filled with worries and complaints.  Retrain your brain!

Topic TWO:  Develop Your Compassion
Benny has been an amazing model of this for us as a family.  He is the most compassionate person we know besides Manny and we talk all the time about how important it is to put yourself in other people's shoes and show empathy for what other's are going through.  The biggest piece of this is to remember: EVERYONE's Pain is real and their hardships are just as real for them as ours are for us.  Don't compete with other's for whose pain is more or harder. Instead practice compassion for others.  Like my cousin Tori who is always quick to offer help before it's asked for or is always excited for other people's vacations or adventures instead of being jealous.  We should celebrate the good things in other's lives as much as our own.

Compassion can be practiced like an instrument.  Instead of being wrapped up in your own life and your own struggles, frustrations or even busy lives... try doing these instead.   Ask how others are, listen and find places to show excitement or support.  Offer help or do a random act of kindness today without needing credit.  Smile at someone, open a door or compliment them.  Forgive someone for a long time grudge or ask for forgiveness for a regret.


INTENTION and ACTION.  My mom has always said intentions are great but it's actions that people see.  Intention is opening your heart and action is what you do about it.    Mother Teresa said, "We cannot do great things on this earth.  We can only do small things with great love."

I'm not going to be grouchy today or argue!  That's my goal.  What's yours?

Happy Trails,
Jack

Thank you to everyone who has emailed and taken time form your busy days to comment.  It helped withthe homesickness