Recipe for Enchantment - A recipe for a new year
by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

New Year is a time of Resolutions. Here is a RECIPE FOR ENCHANTMENT that involves a simple resolution:

• I resolve to focus positive intention on others when they call upon me.
• I will retract attention from myself and/or attention I might divert to only half listen.
• I will give the other person the gift of truly making room for her in my mind and spirit.

Resolutions sound so wonderful! Ah, but they are so hard to keep! How can we try to keep the above 'Recipe'?

Here is one idea: Imagine that you are the last person that this other person will get to talk to before she has to do something that is really hard or scary. Perhaps, she is on her way to get the results of a medical exam that she has worried about, or to finally try to speak up about an issue that has worried her at work for months. No, of course, you wouldn't in those cases be abrupt or indifferent or breaking eye contact as you thought about your calories for the day. Of course, you would give her full attention and support.

Just remember, we never do know what is really going on inside of someone else. So, step out of yourself! Give that other wonderful person the benefit of the doubt! Make eye contact, smile and really listen.

This is a RECIPE that never spoils, boils over, or is wasted! Happy New Year and Happy Resolutions!

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, a positive psychologist, teaches people how to enhance their lives--and consequently live lives of meaning and joy--by reclaiming what is positive about themselves. This is different from the traditional psychotherapeutic model because it is a paradigm shift designed to help us focus on our strengths rather than our disabilities and our weaknesses. The treatment model teaches both the clinician and the client how to look for purpose and a sense of well-being in daily living. She calls this process The Enchanted Self, A State of Well Being, Joy, and Happiness. Visit her website at http://www.enchantedself.com. To join The Enchanted Self E-group, click here. To subscribe to The Enchanted Self Monthly E-newsletter, click here.

THE ENCHANTED SELF® is a registered trademark of Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein.

Copyright (c) 2003 Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein