How to Have an Emotionally Intelligence Valentine's DayWritten by Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach
Every time Valentine’s Day comes along, I think of day before Valentine’s Day a couple of years when, as I was leaving card and gift shop where I’d selected some Valentines, while cursing materialism dictated to us by Madison Avenue that demanded expression of feelings with store-bought cards and boxes of candy, mourned fact that I had no “honey” at time, thought of cards I should and should not have received on past Valentine’s Days, worried if I was spending too much or too little, and wondered if my son would remember to let my grand-daughter pick out a card for me...... shop owner called out, “Be careful driving, Susan. There are a lot of angry lovers out there on road today.” It’s coming again … Valentine’s Day … and with it a lot of emotions. It’s also a day you can organize, if you sit down and think about it, using both your IQ and your EQ. INTENTIONALITY How do you intend your Valentine’s Day to be? Intentionality means saying what you mean and meaning what you say, and it also means being responsible and accountable for your motives as well as your actions. If your intention is to express your love to someone in a meaningful way, this might include thinking about what means love to them. It could be a toaster oven would be greatly appreciated, a poem you’ve written, a kiss on cheek, an addition to their collection, a power tool, something very gushy or not very gushy, a night of dancing, or not spending any money because you’re both over budget. At same time, how to you intend to manage your emotions? If you take an honest look at situation, here are some intentions you might have: ·Do you plan to be upset over what happens? ·If you’re single, do you intend to “let it get to you?” ·Do you intend to be disappointed in what your lover gives you, as nothing is good enough? ·Do you intend to keep your expectations in line with reality-testing? ·Do you intend to express your needs, as no one can read your mind, no matter how much they love you? ·Do you intend to spend more than you can afford to and then feel guilty? ·Do you intend to compare yourself, or gift you receive to others’? ·Do you intend to agree to choose your boss’ gift for his wife even though this causes negative emotions for you? ·Do you intend to let someone else “do” Valentine’s for you, or do you plan to be personally involved in your gift choices? ·Do you intend to be a perfectionist and feel that whatever you buy is wrong, and whatever you do isn’t right?
| | 15-Minute De-Frazzlers Written by Susie Michelle Cortright
We strive to create balance and peace in our families. We strive to live each day in knowledge that our family is a gracious gift; a gift to be treasured and celebrated in every day.We strive to simplify our lives, but our family's competing demands are anything but simple. Sometimes, simplifying means--quite simply--renewing our focus on what's really important in our lives. Sometimes, balancing means--quite simply--surrendering roles that aren't important so we'll have more time to nurture roles that are. That's why I've created *Soul Snacks for Families.* These are creative ways you can focus on your family and create memories with your kids while remaining attentive to your own needs as a parent. All in 15 minutes or less. Here are a week's worth of Family Soul Snacks. They were created, not with expectation that you will do each activity on its designated day, but, rather, to remind you that, every day, you have 15 very special minutes to fill. Fifteen minutes expressly to nurture your children, your spouse, and yourself in a special way. Day One This evening, just before sun goes down, gather your family to watch sunset. The only rule: no one speaks until sun has completely nestled into horizon. Use quiet time to meditate and reflect on importance of slowing down. Day Two Make a loved one's day: Write a note, have kids draw pictures, copy some home videos, or tape record kids singing and laughing. Pack it up and mail it to your oldest relative.
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