In the news there was a story about Ebola. Then at the bottom was an invitation to Share it on Facebook. It seemed ironic, that the description of a condition as contagious and deadly as this disease should be accompanied by a directive to pass it on. One of the wild cards in containing it is the tendency of family members to set their sick
loved ones "free" from isolation centers.
In my vacillating relationship with social media I notice the over abundance of negative comments. It can feel like a sticky web, waiting to catch me in its tangle. The other day I blocked someone whose pejorative tendencies had gotten to be too hot to handle. Freedom of the press is written in the Constitution but I can live without a daily supply of pessimism.
There is a woman I love and respect
who does not gossip. For a long time I could not articulate what it was about her, but conversations simply did not include tidbits about other people, unless it was something she would have been willing to say with them in the room. It is as if the infectious tendency to blab stops with her. I find that knowing her has helped me to aspire to clean speak too.
The other weekend John was gone for a barbershop concert, and I noticed that I began storing up complaints
for him when he returned. Really? Of all the things I could hand him when he walked through the door, I was prepped to offer whining? Fortunately I mentally deleted them.
Life affords us opportunities to share, or keep things to ourselves. One of the suggestions we include in our marriage groups is to brag about your partner. In the hearing of other couples, it is sweet to describe noble efforts.
"He gave me the more comfortable car
for my trip, even though it gets lower gas mileage."
"She made our son's birthday memorable. All I did was show up and smile."
"He goes to work even when it is stressful. He is a good provider."
I wonder what kind of spate we could start in the name of affirmation.
