How To Use This Book

I suggest skimming through and picking one item that jumps out at you. Try focusing on that suggestion for a few weeks, until it becomes a habit. Then try another one.

Just remember that change is never easy. Try this experiment: Cross your arms in front of you (as if you are cold or defensive). Notice which arm is on top. Re-cross your arms with the other arm on top. For most of you this will feel really odd and will also take much more thought than doing it your habitual way – some of you may find that if you don’t pay really close attention, you are doing it the original way without knowing it!!

The point is that any change, no matter how small, is hard and uncomfortable. And it takes more thought and effort than not changing.

So if you try and fail, keep on trying. And remember that we are creatures of habit; once you are used to doing something a new way, it is no longer “new” and becomes a habit, and then you don’t have to work at it anymore.

This booklet is organized into 3 sections:

You can make a difference by….

• Treating Others Well
• Treating Yourself Well
• Treating Your Kids Well

I included the section on “Treating Yourself Well” because unless you are taking care of yourself, it’s pretty hard to treat others well. Remember that when you fly, the flight attendant always tells you that if the oxygen masks drop down in an emergency, you should put your own mask on first and then help others.