Feisty women,
Have you ever said, “listen and silent are spelled with the same letters”? I had this poster in my former classroom and often reminded students about how to really listen, silently. Most of the adults that I know need a gentle reminder, from time to time, to do the same. So, feisty women, really listen as you are being silent. You will hear so much more when you do.
Just Ask Elizabeth - Putting Children's Needs First
Dear Elizabeth,
Please remind people about the importance of children and always honoring their needs. Some parents get wrapped up in their own needs but sometimes forget what their children really need.
Signed,
Child advocate in CA
Dear Child advocate in CA,
I believe, that the needs of children always need to be first in all our lives. The kids do not usually need many material things; they need your time, attention, and love. If we all remembered this and acted in this way, we would have much happier children. Always Put the Children FIRST!
Not Having The Need To Be In Charge
Feisty women,
Have you ever said, “I’m not in charge!”? I said this as a teacher a lot when people asked me to change things that I was not in charge of doing. I was happy to help, in projects I was leading, but not in someone else’s project. The best advice is to make a change only when you can, only in projects, that you are in charge of doing. I today am only in charge of projects that I want to be doing, feisty women. It’s a great feeling!
Just Ask Elizabeth - Needing "Me" Time
Dear Elizabeth,
I am a very busy lady. Between work and family obligations, there seems to be little time to have time for “me.” Am I being selfish for wanting some “me” time in my life?
Signed,
Needing “me” time in Maine
Dear Needing “me” time in Maine.
Of course, you are not being selfish! A better and happy “you” helps you be better for yourself and for others. Start small and set aside short breaks in your day for “me” time. You could take a tea or coffee break, read a few chapters in a book, or just have some time with a hobby. My writing offers great “me” time for me. One friend meditates, another writes poetry and another bakes.
You deserve “me” time, so go for it. Maybe everyone else in your family needs their own “me” time, too!
On Thanking People and Showing Kindness
Feisty women, have you ever said, “Always say thank you or you’re welcome when giving or receiving a compliment.”? It was a rule when I was a teacher and I still do that today. I always thank people for their compliments, good deeds, and kindness, and they respond with words of thanks, often with encouragement from me. We should all do this every day. Those words always bring a smile to the person who receives that compliment. People need to be appreciated and treated kindly every day, So, always use your manners, even if someone else does not. Show them that good manners really do matter always.
Just Ask Elizabeth - Computer Glitches
Dear Elizabeth,
I have a lot of “glitches” when trying to post from my computer. Any suggestions?
Signed,
Technology challenged in NY
Dear Technology challenged in NY,
I also have these issues from time to time and I wonder what to do! On NCIS, Leroy Jethro Gibbs had a rather “interesting” solution to computer problems, but I still would need to use my computer! Rather than doing what he did, I had one savvy computer user give me the best suggestion of all: just shut it down and try it again later. Yes, that did work, so I am sharing that tidbit with you. Good luck with your computer!
Manners Are Not Optional
Feisty women,
Have you ever said, “Manners are not optional, they are required?” When I was a teacher, students and adults in my classroom were all required to speak with good manners and supportive words. The rule was “to speak kindly or to remain quiet.” I even had a sign that said,” be nice or leave.” Since manners are so lacking in our world today, I suggest that all people learn to follow these rules about “speaking kind words or remaining quiet.” Our world needs a lot more good manners and kindness in our words today for certain. Be the change the world needs.
Just Ask Elizabeth - Understanding Stroke Patients
Dear Elizabeth,
I have heard many comments lately about stroke patients. Because someone experiencing a stroke was taken to the hospital ASAP, their recovery will be a good one. Why are there so many comments by people who know nothing about stroke patients?
Signed,
Fed Up with the Comments in NY
Dear Fed Up with the Comments in NY,
I COMPLETELY agree with you! Have these people ever even talked to a recovering stroke patient or been around someone recovering from a stroke? I have. A stroke patient may struggle a bit with words or coordination at first but believe it or not, your brain does “rewire” itself so that you can function, in some ways even better, than you did before the stroke. Your body adjusts and a good therapist will help with those issues. My friend’s doctor told her to do whatever she felt comfortable doing! Live your life and make a difference in the world, she said. So, offer support and encouragement to stroke patients everywhere. They can make a difference in the world if you just let them!