Quote of the Month
“Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold.”
~ Zelda Fitzgerald
Warmth is a universal balm that has the remarkable ability to thaw the coldest of moments (and months). This month, let’s double down on creating warm and nourishing relationships!
There is compelling scientific research that gives us tools to be better partners, leaders, and community members. The Gottman Institute provides a wealth of resources of action-based solutions for singles, couples, and professionals.
Here are a few useful takeaways in marriages, relationships, and at work.
- The magic 5 to 1 relationship ratio.
- “For every negative interaction during conflict, a stable and happy marriage has five (or more) positive interactions.” When not in conflict, the ratio is 20 to 1. That number may feel steep and unachievable… start somewhere!
- Pay attention to bids at home.
- Bids are attempts to connect emotionally. They can be quite simple, like “Do you want to try a new restaurant this weekend?” How we respond to bids matters.
- Bids in the workplace.
- When employees reach out with a question or desire to connect, put down your phone and listen. It sounds easy, but in our fast paced world it’s not always the case.
For more from John and Julie Gottman, listen to this recent podcast.
Some Things I’m Loving This Month
If you look closely, love really is all around. Here are a few things giving me the warm and fuzzies lately.
1) The TV show Heartstopper. This coming-of-age Netflix series is so precious, as it highlights young love and friendship during tumultuous teen years.
2) Kindness Kookies. The founder, Ashley, distributed cookies at her gym to make new friends. Her kindness is contagious, and her kookies are delicious!
3) This video about otters. I learned that otters hold hands when they sleep to prevent from drifting apart from their loved ones! Wow. These furry little friends can teach us a thing or two.
In Case You Missed It
In honor of my 60th birthday this year, I’m offering 60 hours of free coaching to raise money for charitable organizations, including the You Matter Marathon. Learn more here.
My book is now an audiobook! Download it on Audible, Apple, Audiobooks, and Google Play.
If you enjoyed the book, tell me or leave a review.
