Emotional what??

In this Issue:

Inspiring People.
For a chuckle!
On the Nightstand
Where in the world is Steph?
In case you missed how to have a more interesting life, it's here.
Tool of the Week
Inspiring People

This is my friend Shiela, she has sooo many gifts and talents that if I didn't love her I'd think I'd be so envious of her.

When she heard of my Scrabble Board quandry she jumped in to help. You see 50-odd years ago my Mom saved up cereal box tops and sent away for this beautiful Scrabble Board. When my Mom passed, this was one of the items that was very special to me and I wanted to save it in a way that sort of immortalized her and keep the board intact and usable.

Shiela (and her small army of Scrabble letter scavengers) created this timeless heirloom with my Mom's first and last name and all of my kids and grandkids names (with room to add more - just sayin').

Her gift brought me to tears and I will use it with love and treasure it always.

How are you using your gifts?

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For a chuckle!

Just for a chuckle, check out the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards finalists.

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On the Nightstand

Seeing in the Dark - Myths and Stories to Reclaim the Buried, Knowing Woman by Clarissa Pinkola Estes - This short (2.5 hours), thought-provoking book begs you to listen closely and savour her words. I highly recommend the audio version of this book.

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Where in the world is Steph?

Just home from Arizona and here are three things I try to do when I am away for work.

Use the hotel gym and/or pool. Even if it's for a short time. Whether I'm on this coast, that coast or somewhere in the middle, it's typically empty, or nearly empty, whenever I go. Bonus points for the hot tub!

Have (at least) one 'experience' beyond my job. Hiking, sightseeing, a museum, a special restaurant experience, you get the idea. I keep looking at the spa's but I haven't done that yet; maybe one day I'll treat myself!

I contact someone. If I'm lucky enough to have a friend in the area, great if not, maybe I'lll reach out to a friend of a friend, or to my professional association to see if I can meet someone or attend a Rotary or Toastmasters meeting as a guest (if I'm very lucky, someone in the audience wants to be my new friend!); it always adds a new dimension to the trip.

Typically, if possible, I try to tack on one extra day to a work trip for fun. This increases my fun factor and makes my life more interesting. If you missed tthe blog post on creating an interesting life, you can find it here.

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Tool of the Week

Emotional Granularity—the ability to identify and name emotions with precision.

Do you say things like:

I feel sad.

I am happy.

I am mad.

Tools like The Feelings Wheel (developed by Dr. Gloria Willcox) can help you dig deeper and pinpoint exactly what you’re feeling. By naming your emotions clearly, you gain a greater sense of connection, empowerment, and control.

Contrast:

I feel sad with - I feel inadequate.

I am happy with - I am fascinated.

I am mad with - I am hurt.

The more you can zero in precisely how you really feel, the better you can communicate with others, the more others can help you and the easier it will be get your needs meet!

Remember: Name it to tame it!

Till next time, I'm feeling...content, Steph