Conversation Techniques to Building Deeper Relationships

My dad ordered a book and we received it a week after he passed away. It was called Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being by Dr. Martin Seligman.  FLOURISH - what a perfect word to sum up the life my dad wanted to live. He was all about looking at life through "positive" eyes. And even with all his health issues, he chose to live a life full of joy, full of enjoyment, full of laughter....just full!

I read this book and it was so powerful. Part practical wisdom, part self-help with a lot of scientific studies to back it up. It was slow going for me (felt like I was back in college studying), but I was able to pull out many helpful gems that both reinforced my focus on a joy-filled life and opened my eyes to several new things.

One of the most interesting things I learned was... how we respond in conversations can strengthen or weaken our relationships.

How to deepen a relationship with one Conversation Technique.

When people we care about tell us about a victory, triumph or good thing that happened to them, how we respond can build the relationship or undermine it.

• Active/Constructive  Acknowledge, be excited for them, celebrate with them. Ask questions so they relive the moment with you.
  Non-verbal: Smiling, Enthusiasm.
  
  
• Passive/Constructive  Passively say, 'that's nice'. No further interaction or conversation.
  Non-verbal: Little to no active emotional expression.
  
  
• Active/Destructive  Critical, negative words, pessimistic, find the fault or potential downside in the victory.
  Non-verbal: Display negative emotions, frowning.
  
  
• Passive/Destructive  No acknowledgement of the success/victory, change subject.     
  Non-verbal: no eye contact, leave room, etc.

I've been trying it. Such a great difference.

Have a Joy-filled week!  Love, Steph

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Dirt & Beauty & Rain

I lost my mom a few months ago after a long battle with Alzheimer's. I only got glimpses of her during the last few years, but her optimism and positive spirit continued to reveal itself until the very end.  She liked to encourage everyone she met and you couldn't help but feel better after you spoke with her. 

Losing her left a space in my heart that no one else can fill. She was my biggest cheerleader—always believing in me, even when I couldn’t see my own potential. Her words of encouragement echo in my mind during the toughest days, reminding me to keep going, to trust myself, and to be kind. She had this way of making me feel like I could do anything, and even now, I find strength in her unwavering faith in me.

She always loved that I created my art to help encourage others. And though it's been very tough these past months, I know she's up in heaven now, completely cured and spreading joy to everyone she meets.  

I finally felt inspired again and have been in the studio painting like crazy. I miss her deeply, but I carry her love and support with me always. Thanks mom for continuing to encourage me.