Quotes about mothers

I thought I'd have a post each week until Mother's Day with some of my favorite quotes about mothers. Here are a few from famous political leaders.

My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw.
All I am I owe to my mother.
I attribute all my success in life to the
mortal, intellectual and physical education I received from her.
-George Washington


I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me.
They have clung to me all my life.
-Abraham Lincoln


Let France have good mothers,
and she will have good sons.
-Napoleon Bonaparte

The Happiness Project

I've had an article from Woman's Day Magazine sitting on my desk for over a month now. The article was about the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben. She basically realized that she wasn't as happy as she could be. Here's how she explains it:

"I always figured I'd eventually stop twisting my hair and wearing running shoes all the time. I'd remember my friends' birthdays. I wouldn't let my daughter watch TV during breakfast. I'd spend more time laughing and having fun. I'd be more polite. Then, one April day, on a morning just like every other morning, I had a sudden realization: I was in danger of wasting my life. It was that the years were slipping by. 'What do I want from life, anyway?' I asked myself. 'Well...I want to be happy.' But I'd never thought about what made me happy or how I might be happier."

She went on to design a yearlong plan to accomplish her goal of becoming happier. Each month she had a different focus. Here are the areas she chose to focus on each month.

• January—Energy
Sleep more, exercise better, and clean out the closets
• February—Love
Work on marriage, nag less, fight right
• March—Aim Higher
She launched what became a highly successful blog [www.happiness-project.com]
• April—Lighten Up
Enjoy parenthood’s “fog happiness” – “the kind of happiness you get from activities that, closely examined, don’t really seem to bring much happiness at all – yet somehow they do.”
• May—Be Serious About Play
Learn to have more fun
• June—Friends
Nurture friendships new and old
• July—Buy Some Happiness
Money spent wisely can buy a little happiness after all.
• August—Spiritual
Contemplate deeper meaning of life.
• September—Pursue a Passion
She wrote a whole novel. Do something you've always wanted to do.
• October—Pay Attention (mindfulness)
Meditate, yoga
• November—Attitude
She adjusts her attitude to laugh more (small children laugh 400 times per day, but adults just 17 times).
• December—Boot Camp Perfect
All the changes may seem overwhelming but just take one step at a time.

Check out this site with great site with overview of the book. I haven't read the book yet, but I enjoyed the article summarizing it and I may just have to check out the book when I'm at the library next.

March Must Read: Standing for Something

The "Must Read" I've chosen for March is Standing for Something by Gordon B. Hinckley. This is a wonderful book that highlights ten virtues that can heal this troubled world we are living in. We are a nation in crisis and the solution to our problems lies within our families and faith. Whatever you faith, these are solid principles to build your life upon.
The Ten Virtues
Love: The Lodestar of Life

"Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness."

Where There Is Honesty, Other Virtues Will Follow

"In our day, those found in dishonesty aren't put to death, but something within them dies. Conscience chokes, character withers, self-respect vanishes, integrity dies. How cheaply some men and women sell their good names!"

Making a Case for Morality

"Both experience and divine wisdom dictate that moral virtue and cleanliness pave the way that leads to strength of character, peace of mind and heart, and happiness in life."

Our Fading Civility

"Civility carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness, and consideration of others. All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they are accompanied by marks of gentility, of respect for others, of going the extra mile."

Learning: 'With All Thy Getting Get Understanding'

"No matter how old we become, we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it. We can grow and progress and improve — and, in the process, strengthen the lives of those within our circle of influence."

The Twin Virtues of Forgiveness and Mercy

"Hatred always fails and bitterness always destroys. Are there virtues more in need of application in our day, a time marked by litigious proceedings and heated exchanges, than those of forgiving, forgetting, and extending mercy to those who may have wronged us or let us down?"

Thrift and Industry: Getting Our Houses in Order

"I commend to all the virtues of industry and thrift, which I believe go hand in hand. The labor and thrift of the people make a nation, a community, or a family strong. Work and thrift make the family independent."

Gratitude: A Sign of Maturity

"Gratitude is the beginning of civility, of decency and goodness, of a recognition that we cannot afford to be arrogant. We should walk with the knowledge that we will need help every step of the way."

Optimism in the Face of Cynicism

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."

Faith: Our Only Hope

"Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. Faith has always been, and always must be, at the root of any meaningful practice and endeavor."

Finding your core "color"

Many of you probably have taken the Color Code Personality Test by Dr. Taylor Hartman. He divides personalities into four colors: red, blue, white, and yellow. Many of us have a little of each “color” in us but usually one dominant color. Dr. Hartman believes we are born with an innate core color that can’t be changed; we can only change our characteristics. So take a minute and take the test. This “free” version of the test will only tell you your main "core" color. Below is an outline of the characteristics of each color. Don't peek below until after you take the test! My mom did a training on this recently and found t-shirts that sum up each color. I’ve listed those in the quotation marks under each color heading.
Red
“I'll try to be NICER, if you'll try to be SMARTER!”
Motivated by power
Strengths - Focused, practical, leaders, assertive, want to look good and be respected, visionary, proactive, capable, movers and shakers
Weaknesses – impatient, insensitive, think they know everything (usually they do), selfish nature

Blue
“MY CONSCIENCE WORRIES ABOUT MY SUBCONSCIOUS…In other words: my inner sense of complex ethical/moral principles worries about my personal mental processes of which I am unaware.”
Motivated by intimacy
Strengths – stable, nurturing, punctual, obedient, loyal, loves routine, want to please others, want security
Weaknesses – Too serious, demanding, unforgiving, judgmental, critical of others, self-doubting, worrisome, not the best team players (they can do the job better themselves)


White
“If I pretend to agree, will you GO AWAY?”
Motivated by peaceful tranquility
Strengths – quiet, agreeable, passive, patient, typically shy, receptive of all personalities, please themselves and then others
Weaknesses – uninvolved, silently stubborn, unmotivated, they can lie to your face to avoid conflict, boring (not bored), want freedom to move at their own pace

Yellow
“Shiny objects distract me.”
Motivated by fun
Strengths – creative, embrace life, optimistic, spontaneous, forgive easily, charming, curious, like new people and new experiences, great verbal communicators
Weaknesses – disorganized, struggle with commitment, unreliable, sloppy, irresponsible, often take the easy road, want to hide insecurities

In dealing with others, it is good to know our strengths and weaknesses and then observe their personality styles. We can use our knowledge of others strengths and weaknesses to effectively work and communicate with them.

For instance, my core color is red. My husband’s core color is blue. I have a very direct communication style and I have to work on saying things in a way that a “blue” personality won’t take offense at what I am saying. I may say something like, “you didn’t get all the food off this dish you washed” and that is all I mean. I am just pointing out a fact – something that person didn’t realize. However, “blue” personalities may view my comment as a lack of appreciation for them and they may feel I don’t think they do a good job helping with the dishes.

I also know that “blues” love to talk about their interests, stories, plans, etc. I love to get right to the point when I talk to someone and I don't understand why some people like to spend a half hour talking about something that could be discussed in 5 minutes. However, I know that it is important for “blues” to have in-depth talks so I have worked on becoming a better listener.

I am interested to hear what your core personality colors are. Leave a comment and let me know! It is a great way to recognize your strengths and your weaknesses. We can then work on changing our weaknesses in order to become a better person, spouse, friend, parent, employee, etc. For more information on this subject, check out Dr. Hartman's Book The Color Code.

Finding your love language

With Valentine’s Day coming up this Saturday, most of us have our loved ones on our minds. I thought it would be fun to look at the different ways people feel they are loved. Dr. Gary Chapman categorizes love into the following five categories in his book The Five Love Languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.
Before deciding what to do for your loved one for Valentine’s Day, click here to determine which love language he/she speaks so you can give the perfect gift.

I’ve briefly outlined each of the love languages below and gave Valentine’s Day ideas for each love language. For more detailed info, click here.

Words of affirmation
If this is your loved one’s love language, give him/her verbal compliments and words of encouragement often. Why not write them a heart-felt note for Valentine’s Day?

Quality time
If this is your loved one’s love language, make time each day to have a quality conversation where he/she has your undivided attention. Find time to spend quality time together doing an activity you both enjoy, even if it is just watching a favorite tv show. For Valentine’s Day, plan a date that will allow you to spend some quality time together doing something you both enjoy.

Receiving Gifts
For those who speak this love language, gifts are visual symbols that show them they are loved. The gifts don’t need to cost a lot of money, but will show that you care. Flowers, cards, chocolate, etc. would be a great Valentine’s Day gifts.

Acts of Service
If this is your loved one’s love language, simple household chores are a great way to show him/her your love. Find out what act of service he/she appreciates and do them as often as possible. For Valentine’s Day, why not offer to cook dinner and wash the dishes?

Physical Touch
Hugging, holding hands, massages, etc. are great ways to show your love to those whose primary love language is physical touch. All of the previously stated would be a great ideas for Valentine’s Day.

What is your love language? I’d love to hear.

February Book Pick: The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands

Since February is the “month of love,” I thought it would be appropriate to have the book of the month be focused on improving our relationships with our significant others. This book is targeted to married women, so the guys reading this will have to read another book. This is good advice, so even those single gals should enjoy this read.

The book this month is titled, The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger. I know Dr. Laura can be controversial, but this book had some excellent advice which is worth reading. After reading it I felt inspired to be a better wife.
One thing I have noticed in life is people tend to treat the people they love the most the worst. Why is it that we can be so friendly to the UPS man who comes to our door and then so impatient with our family members? I know I definitely have room to improve on being a better wife…here are some great suggestions you’ll find in this book.

• Prioritize your relationship. As women we often take a lot upon ourselves that really isn’t necessary. We have kids to take care of, a house to clean, some of us work, church commitments, hobbies, home projects, laundry, meals to prepare, PTA, social engagements…and the list goes on and on. In order to have a good relationship, we need to take the time to nourish it. We need a weekly date or at least some alone time. We need to create a welcoming atmosphere when our husbands get home. Who doesn’t appreciate coming home to a nice dinner after a long day at work? It sends the message to our husbands that we care.

• Don’t nag. This is something I didn’t think I did until I read the book and realized myself in some of the examples. When our husbands help with the dishes, do we criticize how they did them? Does that make them want to help again? We can state our concerns/problems, but in a kind way that isn’t complaining.

• Clearly state your wants. Often, as women we hint to our husband’s what we want but don’t say it directly and then we are upset that our husbands didn’t know. If you want to go out to a movie for your date night, tell him rather than hinting around.

• Respect. Our society believes men and women should be the same, but there are inherent differences that make each gender unique and special. In a marriage, men and women have different traits and talents to offer. We need to respect the wonderful roles we have as wives and/or mothers and respect the different roles husbands hold.

• Women hold the power. The mood of the home is set by the woman. We really do hold the power to our relationships. We can choose to see the flaws in our spouse and our circumstances or we can choose to see all the good.

This was a quick read that I really thought had some good advice on improving our relationships with our husbands. If you really don’t like Dr. Laura, there are plenty of other good relationship books that you can read this month.

Did any of you get the chance to read January’s book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society? What did you think?