This has to stop! I'm making a New Year's Resolution: no more going to sleep at dusk and I'm done goofing off. Seriously, I'm determined to tone my flabby upperarms. I can always wear a swimsuit skirt to cover the flabby thighs, but those arms of mine, well let's just say cellulite and low muscle tone are not a pretty sight. I have a few hours left to get serious, until New Year's Day. I am going to dust off my hand weights and polish off the rest of the cookies. THEN, I'm getting serious.
I had a story published in Chicken Soup, My Resolution in 2008. I resolved to substitute one word in my vocabulary. I vowed to try to use the word "AND" everytime I was tempted to use the word "BUT". Instead of, "You made a nice drawing BUT left your paper scraps," I rephrased, "You made a nice drawing AND I know you'll remember to take care of your scraps."
Are you willing to give it a try? This simple change works to gain cooperation, makes you sound like less of a nag AND increases the peace. It is difficult to change speech patterns that you've used for years, and it is not always easy to remember. I encourage you to catch yourself before you say the word that makes my preschoolers, giggle. And, let me know if it worked for you.
13 comments:
You are funny. Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. sandie
Glad to see you are still kicking. Great idea on the resolution. Know how the cookies feel too!!!
I really disagree. This post made me very angry. I don't see anything wrong with my butt. Yes, it's wide and yes, it's flat. And of course, it's cottage-cheesy, too. All in all, however, it's a serviceable butt. I can sit on it. I can veg out on it. I can stick it into the aisle when I get out of my airplane seat. So why all this prodding to get rid of my butt?
Oh, you mean "but." Never mind...
Wait! WAIT! You mean you're supposed to say two GOOD things and connect them with and? It seems I have applying this concept in a faulty manner.
I'm going to guess FIVE boys contorted on the sofa. Because I count four sets of legs, and four heads, AND I suspect a trick.
I loved this post, AND I needed it! I think lifting cookies repeatedly is sort of like lifting weights. Handsome kids - the whole tangled bunch!
Wait a minute, Linda ... you mean there are swim skirts that hide the lumps and bumps?
Seriously, I like the idea of substituting the word, "and" for "but" ... I like it a lot. Fingers crossed that my tongue will remember!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!
I'm getting five on the sofa AND you can check me up on that.
Hi Linda. Yep, boys will certainly be boys, won't they?! Love that old resolution of yours, replacing but with AND. What a great idea, and I shall certainly be trying that in the new year! Yes, I think my hand weights will be in much use from here on in! Wishing you and yours a very happy, healthy and blessed new year.
Happy New Year my dear!
Hi Linda....I could identify with your post today 100 percent. Especially hardly having time to spend on my blog and reading other blogs-----and that, of course, is part of the joy of blogging.
The munch, munch, bite, bite, sip, sip of the holidays WILL stop. I'm yearning for salads, carrots and celery WITHOUT dip! ha ha ha
Take care and have a blessed new year! Susan
I plan to send out more submissions in 2013 AND I will make the time to do so.
Pat
Critter Alley
P.S. Please supply a swift kick to my "but" as often as necessary.
I like your idea. It would take some practice for me to be able to do it. :-)
I'm not sure how many are on the couch, but I'm guessing six.
Great post AND I like the photo. I can only see 4, but like everyone else, I suspect there is 5.
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