Ever have one of those days when it’s just not going your way? Sure, everyone does from time to time. What’s important is how, and for how long, it affects you.
In our family, whenever someone is struggling through one these off days, we have something we call, “three things I love about you.”
This exercise I’m about to share with you is something that we started one day when all five of us were heading out in the car. I looked in the rear view mirror and noticed our middle son Ben clearly wearing his bad day on his face.
I said, “what’s up, Ben?” He said solemnly, “I’m just not having a very good day.” “Well that’s a bummer, so sorry to hear that buddy,” I said. Naturally I then probed for reasons, but didn’t get anywhere. Apparently he just didn’t want to talk about it.
“Hey fammo, sounds like somebody could use a little love from the people that matter in his life,” I said in a solid 80’s sitcom dad voice :-D. So, I suggested we take turns telling Ben 3 things we love about him.
It totally worked. Ben beamed as we showered him with our verbal love, and when finished Ben said, “thanks guys, I needed that,” now overflowing with love.
He felt better. We all felt better.
Now when we do “three things I love about you,” when asked who wants to go first, everyone eagerly shouts, “me!” to try and be first. It’s just another way we show extra love to the person that needs it the most at that moment.
Verbal praise might not be your primary love language but it certainly can’t hurt to have the people in your life that matter the most shower you with loving compliments and admiration. And that’s the whole point of this exercise – to remind us who and what really matter in life. Family.
The world can be cruel and uncaring, but our family is and will always be a safe place. All of our children know this.
We do not tolerate name calling, judging, or making others feel stupid for anything they do or say. They’ll get enough of that in their lives, but they’ll always know home is where they’re celebrated. Home is a safe place to be yourself and build your confidence. Home is a place with a bunch of other weirdos just like you.
If you like this exercise, feel free to adopt it in your life – I hope you will.
And if you’re having one of those days today, let me be the first to tell you 3 things I love about you!
I love that you’re smiling right now. I love that you’re on my blog reading this right now! That says to me you’re the kind of person that is into personal development, building a better life for yourself and your loved ones, and/or just inspiring things that warms your soul. That makes you awesome – another thing I love about you!
P.S. I’ll love you even more if you share this or comment below. Thank you!
