The page above includes some criteria that my family and I try to use when we are talking with each other. They’re called “wise” or “ethical” speech… ideas that are from the Buddhist tradition…and they’ve been so helpful in our home.
Initially, I wanted to try to have other family members try to keep these principles in mind…I thought I was positive and considerate in how I talked, but that the other family members were not doing so great at these qualities. We (I) taped this page up on a kitchen cupboard door…as a reminder.
What I found out was a bit of a surprise! I wasn’t as innocent a communicator as I had thought…using a lot more than my own share of low key “bickering” and negativity. Now THAT was not a pleasant surprise. Well, I shifted and so did the others… a very welcome shift.
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This page has been on our kitchen cupboard door for several years…
a positive inspiration leading to very positive changes.
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Another, simpler version of this reminder…one I used with children I taught
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Pocket cards: I often put little “pocket reminder cards” in my pocket each morning. Here’s one that I find helpful….
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Choosing how we talk… keeping those criteria in mind….leading to positive changes
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Pocket Perspectives 
I should have read this prior to making phone calls this morning to straighten out some problems with our insurance. The problems were a result of mistakes made by others, but I could have been nicer, especially since I’m far from perfect. Not that I was terribly mean (I’m not good at being mean). Reading your post, I realized that I was “using a lot more than my own share of low key “bickering” and negativity.”
I recently read about a challenge to spend the day without resistance by gently disengaging from the need to argue or sway someone or defend your point of view. I think today would be a good day for me to practice that. 🙂
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Today is a good day for me to practice this, too…lots of days seem to present opportunities….
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Very wise advice that I try to live up to every day. Love Jenna
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I think they are such positive “ideas”… I think they can make a big difference in people’s lives….
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These thoughts are really helpful, Kathy. I think it’s always a challenge to keep communication “agenda free” and these cards, as reminders, would really be helpful! I’m going to carry this with me as the focus and direction for my own communication, Kathy. The timing is really helpful to me…thank you!
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The cards have been a helful reminder for me…I hope others give the idea a try. I hope they’re helpful…….
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Very good reminder. Funny how we often overlook our own human frailties. Along with nurturing ourselves, we need to give ourselves a little scolding now and then. hugs for sharing…
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Yes….a little “scolding” along with the nurturing…well put…
Sent from my iPhone
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hugs…
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Love this.. inspiring words..and I like the simplicity.
Beautiful..love the pocket cards :).
Laurie
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Happy they might be helpful… they sure have made a big difference in my life!
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You work is inspiring. Truly. I am working on printing some of my little posts up too.
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thank you, Laurie…. there are lots of “pocket cards” in the headline area, along the top of the page. (all linked in this: https://pocketperspectives.wordpress.com/card-sets/pocket-reminder-cards-set-6/ ) I do choose a few cards each morning to put in my pocket…setting intention to live those particular ideas. I’ve been doing that for many years and it helps to remind myself of ideas I’m learning to use. I really recommend printing up your own little posts to keep handy for reminders.
btw… This morning, I added some “newer” pages in the upper “page” area… ideas I’ve been using for the past week…and finding them helpful…. you might find some ideas in there https://pocketperspectives.wordpress.com/plant-flowers/offering-nurturing-and-encouragement-to-oneself-a-few-ideas/
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Thanks for the inspiration!!♡
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