Theme: Be Mindful of Others.

Do to others as thou wouldst they should do to thee, and

Do to none other but thou wouldst be done to.

~Golden Rule; attributed to Socrates by Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers, in Dictes and Sayengis of the philosophres, 1477

"Treat others as you would like to be treated" is often referred to as the Golden Rule. How many of you believe in this moral/value and exercise it on a daily basis? How many of you occasionally execute this belief?

As we are partaking in the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes forget this Golden Rule. We forget how important it is to treat people the way we would like to be treated and then wonder why someone may have not treated us not so well. Could it be that we were not treating that individual as good as we should have been? And therefore, that individual decided to treat us bad.

Here are some important tips to help you exercise the Golden Rule more effectively and more often:

1. Put yourself in someone else's shoes.

2. Say to your self, Is this how I would like to be treated?

3. Think to your self, How would I feel if this was happening to me?

4. Empathize with others.

5. Think before you speak.

6. Be reasonable and show love in everything that you do.

7. Be kind to others.

If we practice these tips more often and implement the Golden Rule, then our world will be more kinder and gentler. If you need help or you know someone who does with this Golden Rule, please contact our professional therapists at 954-800-0108.

Theme: Be true to yourself.

One of the most important aspects in life is to "be true to yourself, " hence the theme for the week. An individual can become so consumed with the day to day activities such as working, household chores, being a husband/wife, taking care of the children, and squeezing in exercising that he/she forgets the most important person in the world, him/her self. Individuals often lose track of the things that are important to him/her and makes him/her happy. Here are some tips for people to focus on "being true to yourself:"

1. Take time for yourself. Do something you enjoy.
2. Always keep your word even if its something small. This will make you feel good about yourself.
3. Focus on things that will make you a happy, positive, and productive person.
4. Treat people the way you would like to be treated.
5. Create goals that you can accomplish.
6. Celebrate all success and victories.
7. Put yourself first.

Please call one of our Licensed Clinical Social Workers at 954-800-0108, if you feel like you need assistance with this component of your life.

Get rid of your Listening Deficit Disorder

The second most vital aspect of communication is Listening.

According to dictionary.com, there are four definitions that define the term listen: 1. to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear. 2. to pay attention; heed; obey. 3. to wait attentively for a sound. 4. to convey a particular impression to the hearer. Therefore, one can see the most common thread associated with these definitions are "the ear."

An individuals ear is not the only component that incorporates listening. Body language, posture, and eye contact are just as important.

Harriet Lerner, PH.D., the author for Marriage Rules (2012), offers some useful guidelines for listening: 1. An individual must quiet his/her mind. 2. It is important to have an open heart. 3. Ask questions to better understand what an individual is saying. 4. Do not interrupt others and say things that causes for the other individual feeling unheard or cut short.

Improving one's listening skills will help with resolving conflict and improve the chances that people will listen more openly to what one is saying.

Need help with improving your Listening skills, please call one of our expert counselors at 954-800-0108.

What's communication got to do with it?

But communication is two-sided - vital and profound communication makes demands also on those who are to receive it... demands in the sense of concentration, of genuine effort to receive what is being communicated. ~Roger Sessions.

In every type of relationship, business, partner, or friend, communication is an integral part. Just like the beginning of the quote posted, communication is two-sided. One, there is a sender. And two, a receiver. Both of these parts are equally important when communicating. Sending a message to a person can take the form of many communication styles.

Today, the focus is on assertive communication. Assertive communication is the most healthiest communication style. Here are some examples of assertive communication statements: " I would like to know when it would be a good time to discuss the finances. I am a little concerned." "I thought you were brilliant tonight." "I know you like fish, but I prefer steak tonight for dinner." I hope you noticed the sentences began with "I." These are known as I-statements. I statements allow for an individual to express their beliefs and feelings without being judged or attacked. The I-statement is about "you" not the person you are speaking to. I-statements are most effective when being with "I" because it allows for ownership. Here are some more examples: "I feel..." "I want..." "I think..."

Changing the grammatical structure of your sentence is equally as important as your tone of voice. Be careful that your tone is not reactive or intense, because this could come across as "blaming" and can "undo" your I-statement. If you need help with learning more about communicating with others, please contact our Licensed Clinical Social Workers at 954-800-0108.

Next week, the second part of communication will be addressed, listening. (I'm sorry speak up I didn't hear you. )