I needed a friend to mail me a check. She only lives two blocks away but we don't usually see each other. I pushed a SASE into an envelope addressed to her and dropped it at the post office. I wanted to make it easy for her. It was. 

 

When I spend Monday afternoons with a handful of cute kids I give myself an informal quota. I want to say five positive things to each child over the course of the afternoon. It leaves me on the lookout for an affirmation. I am just waiting for the particulars.

 

"Great job clearing your lunch trash."

 

"Terrific jumping! You remind me of Superman."

 

"Thanks for sharing your crackers! That was friendly."

 

Because I am hunting for good things, I find them. My intention is already addressed and stamped. I just need to compose the words. 

 

I have considered trying this with John. It feels wonderful when we take it on during marriage group, but what if I adopt my own personal quota? I suppose if I want to conduct a bona fide scientific study I could  try it with my twins. Affirm one of them every day and ignore the other. 

 

But I suspect it would leave all three of us in tears. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Jenny Stein

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