Dear Difference Maker,

Let Celebration fill the air and echo all around you …

Today’s greeting features the exquisite musical artistry of Dana Cunningham’s Carol of the Bells from her Silent Night CD.

Turn up your speakers and take a moment to relax into the music as you watch then share with those you think of …

Grab a cup of jo and enJoy your eGreeting Card here.

Reaching out …

Reverse Descriptions & Labels

ON A SHEET OF PAPER MAKE A LIST OF ALL THE messages you remember receiving as a child: Dumb, Stupid, Mr. or Ms. Smarty-pants, Loser, lncompetent, Ugly, Nuisance, Bother, Irresponsible, Undependable, Lazy, Good­-For-Nothing, Bad, Nerd.

Within this list, you will see some of the beliefs you have held about yourself over the years. It usually doesn’t feel good to recall these. However, these messages need to be addressed. If you have some discomfort attached, they are still significant to you today.

Think for a moment how you describe children, adolescents and adults. What messages do you transfer to them with your thoughts, tone and body language?

How much of what you think about other people comes forth in what you actually say, and the manner in which you say it?

Speaking is putting voice to thoughts. Most often, our thoughts are all that need to be addressed.

Try reversing the negative words that were used to describe you. Reverse the words you use to describe people with whom you want a different relationship. This clears the way for productive and meaningful communication.

You will be amazed at the openings that will occur. These are new opportunities for being heard. Make a bunch of new labels and watch what happens!

“How are you able to form these vessels
so that they possess such convincing beauty?”
“Oh,” answers the potter,
“you are looking at the mere outward shape.
What I am forming lies within.
I am interested only in what remains
after the pot has been broken.”
It is not the pots we are forming, but ourselves.
-CENTERING, BY M.C. RICHARDS

Keep It Simple & Straightforward

Not sure how to begin again?

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Get Your Free FlipBook You Are A Success! (SAVE to FAVORITES)

Step 2: Toggle FlipBook to Full Screen (if it doesn’t fill your screen)

Step 3: Get Companion Training

5 FREE “I Make A Difference” Wristbands |9 Weeks to an Inclusive Classroom

Step 4: Connect with the Community

Mary’s Make A Difference Facebook Group | LinkedIn | Mary’s YouTube Channel