One Of The Most Magical Words

Have you ever been given a compliment only to have it negated with the word but?

For example: dinner was delicious, but I didn't really care for the potatoes.

If you are like the rest of the humans, the whole part about dinner being delicious goes out the window and you perseverate about what was wrong with the potatoes.

Am I right?

Our brain's main job is to protect us... so it focuses on problems.

It is not trying to be a pessimistic jerk, it is just looking out for you.

Thanks brain!

I want to share one of my favorite life hacks with you.

A tiny little tweak.

I love to replace the word BUT with the magical word AND.

Instead of saying thanks for doing the dishes, but I still need you to wipe down the counter try…thanks for doing the dishes and would you please wipe the counter.

Another example: we have a great family but my husband doesn’t go to church.

Get rid of your but.

We have a great family and my husband doesn’t go to church.

It helps my brain to see that two things can exist at the same time, they are not mutually exclusive.

I love you, but I don’t like the language you are using.

It can be softened to I love you AND I don't like the language you are using.

Give it a try.