Weekend Kindness
Reaching Others Through Kindness

Here’s a simple idea for building relationships: say ‘yes’ as much as is realistically possible.

Sometimes I automatically say no to requests without even considering whether I might instead be able to say yes. I hadn’t realized just how much I do this until my friend Frank posted on this topic at his blog, The New Parent.? I started listening to myself and realized that I say ‘no’ or ‘not right now’ way too often.

“Read us a story, Mommy?”? “Can we go play outside?”? “Can I help you make that?” “Why don’t you come sit with me, Honey?”

Those are some of the questions that earned my negative response this past week.? Upon reflection, I have come to realize that my negative responses are often driven by selfish reasons:

• Sometimes I am fully immersed in the task at hand and do not want to stop.
• Sometimes I am too worried about the inevitable mess that will result from my girls’ “help.”
• Sometimes I honestly feel like I have too much to do to assent to the request.

Those reasons may be valid, but they revolve around me.? I am determined to say ‘yes’ more often.? “Yes, I will read to you.”? “Yes, I think that going outside is a great idea.”? “Yes, you may help me make supper.”? “Yes, Honey, I would love to sit with you.”

Take note of your responses to requests this week.? Do you say ‘no’ more than you should?? Together, let’s work on being a little less selfish in our responses and make the time to say ‘yes’ to our loved ones’ requests instead.

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