How I Broke Myself from Asking “What Are You Thinking?” Written by Tracey Winfrey
It’s only four small words, a seemingly innocuous question. Yet a question, sound of which is worse than ten sets of sharpened nails screeching across a mile-long blackboard – “What are you thinking?” It is a question men loathe and dread, mainly because much like meaning of life and world peace, there is no clear, definitive answer. Often, answer truly is nothing (or nothing of significance). Yet, as women, often question is one we cannot stop from asking, particularly if we are feeling uncertain or apprehensive. Perhaps a woman feels uneasy about status of a relationship and then, out of nowhere, with first pensive glance or scowl to cross her man’s face, question comes out of her mouth, virtually unstoppable. The question takes on a life and mind of its own, leaving us helpless victims compelled to utter question. First, I tried logic to free myself from compulsion. Logic dictates that it’s too broad a question and doesn’t really lend itself for what I want to know. Specificity, yes, that was it exactly (or so I thought). I would force myself to ask clearly and directly what I wanted to know rather than ask dreaded question. But, to no avail, question still popped into my head and straight out of my mouth before I could stop it. I resigned myself to my fate. I would go through life as a victim of my own compulsion. Then it happened. You see, aside from very real possibility that answer is truly nothing, or nothing of value (which is
| | January Soul SnacksWritten by Susie Michelle Cortright
Soul Snacks are spontaneous time-outs: creative ways you can nurture your spirit in 15 minutes or less. Here's a week's worth, specially designed to help you infuse this cold season with joy and warmth. Day One Regardless of how you're doing with your New Year's Resolutions, let us take this day to put a positive spin on things. Ask yourself: In what ways is your life right on track? What do you love about way your life is right now? Record your thoughts and insights in your journal. (An affordable luxury to help you: Jennifer Louden's Inner Organizer for 2004 at http://www.momscape.com/a/comfortqueen.htm ) Day Two Make sure your dollars are doing what you want them to in this world. Check evaluation of your favorite stores' social and environmental performance here: http://www.responsibleshopper.org (For more information, read Eliza Bloom's "How to Make a Difference with Your Dollars": http://www.momscape.com/articles/bloom/dollars.htm ) Day Three Start "Generosity Game" in your neighborhood. It all starts with a card inviting you to do a good turn for someone - anonymously. Then you pass on card, which invites kindness recipient to go perform a random act of kindness for someone else. You can download and print cards at Generosity Game website. The site also provides more information on game and fosters imagination on creative ways to make world a little nicer. http://www.generosity.org
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