{"id":6396,"date":"2015-05-15T06:16:18","date_gmt":"2015-05-15T12:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/?p=6396"},"modified":"2015-05-15T06:16:18","modified_gmt":"2015-05-15T12:16:18","slug":"a-list-worth-printing-posting-remembering-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handsfreemama.com\/2015\/05\/15\/a-list-worth-printing-posting-remembering-living\/","title":{"rendered":"A List Worth Printing, Posting, Remembering, & Living"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"DSC_1017\"<\/a>“Your eyes, they shine so bright<\/em>
\nI wanna save that light.”
\n<\/em>-Imagine Dragons<\/em><\/p>\n

When I began my Hands Free journey<\/a> almost five years ago, I did it to free myself from the external distractions, internal pressures, and unrealistic societal standards that prevented me from truly living. But there was an unexpected result: As my distracted ways lessened, my loving ways increased\u2014tenfold. For the first time in my life I saw a direct correlation between my undivided presence and my ability to love my people in ways that most nurtured them. When I was in their presence, I studied them. I listened to them. I watched their faces when I used certain words and tones. I noted what words brought sighs of relief \u2026 surges of confidence \u2026 and glows of acceptance. I vowed to say those words more. I also noted what words brought shame \u2026 disconnection \u2026 pain \u2026 and silence. I vowed to say those words less. Over time, I collected quite a powerful list of words that helped me love my people in ways that helped them thrive. Like sunlight and water to a plant, these words nourished the deepest parts of their human hearts and fostered growth in all areas of their lives. Hence, I called them Soul-Building Words<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Recently a reader of my blog wrote to me about her 19\u00a0year old daughter. She was facing great challenges in her schooling and the mother wanted to support her in ways that would lift and strengthen her. The mother asked, \u201cDo you have any words I can say to my daughter?\u201d That is when my mental Soul-Building List<\/em> became a physical one. When I shared it on The Hands Free Revolution page<\/a>, many people said they wanted to hang that list on their refrigerator, in their bedroom, in their child\u2019s bedroom, in their classroom, in their office, and even on their foreheads. \u201cPlease make this list a printable!\u201d I heard over and over. The word \u201cprintable\u201d is definitely the opposite of Soul-Building<\/em> to me (quite befuddling, actually), but I knew someone who would not cringe at the sight of that word. My multi-talented, soul-building friend Kristin Shaw<\/a> of Two Cannoli<\/a> graciously made us that beautiful printable for today\u2019s post.<\/p>\n

So here is my list of 20 Soul-Building<\/em> phrases followed by the printable and two extraordinary resources for knowing and loving your people. My friends, thank you for helping me discover what my Soul-Building Words<\/em> are. Whenever you say, \u201cNever stop writing,\u201d my heart beats stronger and my life\u2019s purpose becomes a little more solidified.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_0047\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Soul-Building Words for the Ones You Love:<\/strong><\/p>\n

When they need to know how much you love them: \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

* You make my day better.<\/p>\n

* You make my life better.<\/p>\n

* I love spending time with you.<\/p>\n

* Seeing your face makes me happy.<\/p>\n


\nWhen they need to know you are ALL there:<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

* I\u2019m listening.<\/p>\n

* My time is all yours.<\/p>\n

* How can I be a better _____ (parent, friend, spouse) to you?<\/p>\n

* Nothing is more important than being with you right now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they are stressed or frustrated: <\/em><\/p>\n

* How can I help?<\/p>\n

* Take your time. You don\u2019t have to rush.<\/p>\n

* I think you are doing a tremendous job.<\/p>\n

* Keep going. You got this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they experience failure: <\/em><\/p>\n

* Be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can.<\/p>\n

* Mistakes mean you are bravely learning and growing.<\/p>\n

* It may not be the outcome you hoped for, but I noticed your effort and it was quite remarkable.<\/p>\n

* I believe in you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they face a challenge: <\/em><\/p>\n

* I am amazed at how much you are handling right now.<\/p>\n

* I am learning a lot from you by watching you do something so challenging.<\/p>\n

* This isn\u2019t over\u2014there\u2019s still time to turn this around.<\/p>\n

* You are not alone.<\/p>\n

free printable:<\/em>\"Image\"<\/a>*************************************<\/p>\n

Recommended resources:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n