EH: No Joke

When I hear negativity in my brain I try to stop and feel something positive about the situation. Last night while working on "important" church stuff Jason kept interrupting with goofy jokes. i was getting annoyed when suddenly my 5:1 list popped in my head. Number 7 = tell jokes. I immediately shut the computer, got a blanket and sat on the couch to listen with a giggle ready to rumble from my belly. He was showing me love and i wasn't about to waste another minute of that precious moment!!

EH: Service brings love

(EH = Emotional Health Entry)

Service brings love. Yea, Yea, heard it all before. but yesterday i took the time to be aware of its reality. in the midst of some anger and bitter feelings expressed in the family i got a voicemail reminding me the missionaries were coming for dinner. suddenly there was a purpose for the afternoon. we planned dinner, the kids helped clean up the front room/set the table and while we ate dinner we enjoyed pleasant conversation. then jeremy cleared the dishes and got dessert ready. jeremy was able to take a friend to the fireside which helped him look outside himself to make sure his friend felt welcome. making someone else more comfortable, welcoming them into your home, putting a smile on their face... these things say, "I can make a difference! I can make someone happy! I feel good about what i've done!"

Growin

The chickens are getting so big!! Only 2 more months until we get some eggs. Jeremy named this one Omlet. or was it Drumstick? i can't remember!

mental health journal- 5:1

you've heard it right? you should give 5 positives for each negative. now it's time to live it! i always thought the 5 things had to be words... you are great, good job, you are doing so good. blah blah. some much felt pushed and fake. then a friend gave me this list. doing anything on this list is considered a positive communication. what an eye opener!! gave a quick shoulder rub (#2), asked about school (#1), said thank you for taking out the trash (#4), folded the clothes left in the dryer (#3). um okay so i didn't make it to all 5 things but i did pretty good!

1. show interest

2. be affectionate

3. acts of love

4. appreciation

5. show concern

6. show empathy

7. tell jokes

8. share joy

9. show pride

10. be accepting