Old and New Words of Wisdom

[nandm]

Plan weekly family time. Schedule at least one morning, afternoon, evening, or day every week that provides an opportunity for all family members to have fun together. Take turns making suggestions about what to do next.

[nandm]

Don't blame work if you're unhappy. Studies have shown that men and women alike attribute their emotional state (whether they're happy or depressed) to relationships within the family. If you are unhappy, look at your relationship to the rest of your family. What isn't working for you? What is within your power to change? Express your feelings in a nonaggressive way with a statement that focuses on those feelings. Example: "I feel that you don't appreciate the time I spend cooking meals" versus "You never thank me for making a nice dinner.

[nandm]

Make conscious choices about gadgets. Take a look at the nuber of gadgets and appliances in your kitchen---everyting from electric can openers to microwaves. Think about the pros and cons of each and then determine if you really need those items. For example, an electric mixer may be easier to use than a wooden spoon, but the spoon is easier to wash. An electric can opener is certainly a convience, but no use whatsoever in the event of a power outage.

[nandm]

Conduct an experiment with your telivision. Put your telivision in a storage closet or unplug it for one full week. At the end of the week, assess the impact of television on your life. What did you miss? What did you do with the time you would have spent watching television?