What about our relationships with our mothers is so important that you had to write My Mother, My Friend? One of my favorite songwriters, Joni Mitchell sang it best, "You don't know what
you've got 'til it's gone." The way we think about and talk with our mothers impacts
every aspect of our lives - our sense of self, our health and relationships, the way we
face crisis and opportunity, and ultimately the results we get in life. What are the ten most important things I should talk about with my mother? The top ten topics are: health, money, self-image, men and intimacy, resolving
conflict, family secrets, aging, spirituality, death and dying, and appreciation. If
you're not sure which topic to address first, ask yourself where your point of crisis or
interest is, or which topic you're most avoiding. Each topic is a chapter in the book and
has communication suggestions throughout and questions at the end of that chapter to guide
you through your conversation. What are three tips from My Mother, My Friend to help make it easier to talk with my mom? 1) Reframe the way you think about your mother. Treat her with as much care and attention as you would your best friend. Instead of thinking of her as difficult, shift to thinking of her as a friend in a difficult situation. You'll respond with more compassion and she'll be more open to your ideas. 2) Start off every conversation by stating a positive intention such as, "I really appreciate when you tell me what's going on for you. It makes it easier for me to be honest with you." 3) Pause a few seconds longer than normal before jumping in with another response when
she's answering your questions. You'll be amazed at how much more information she'll give
you when you slow down your automatic thoughts. What's one of your favorite stories in My Mother, My Friend? They all are! Two of my favorites today are "I Never Thought You Needed Me,"
on page 115 because it reminds me that painful relationships can change for the better
when we compassionately speak our truth, and "That Toilet Paper Thing You Do With
Your Hair" on page 81, because it still makes me laugh twenty years after it
happened! What's one of the most important things you've learned from writing My Mother, My Friend? How important it is to do whatever you can to discover the hidden treasure chest in
your relationship with your mother. I am astonished by what I've gained as a result of
exploring uncharted emotional territory with my mom, both before and after her death. When
I chose to go beyond superficial conversation and embrace my mother's gifts instead of
ignoring or resisting them, I found what I'd been yearning for -- more love,
self-confidence, synchronicity, miracles, and joy in my life. MARY MARCDANTE is a communication and stress management expert, and an award-winning international speaker, whose high-energy, heart-warming, idea-packed programs inspire people at events and meetings around the world. She is the author of My Mother, My Friend, and Living with Enthusiasm and a contributing author to five best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul books and A Woman's Way to Success in Business. She has been interviewed on NBC, ABC, Fox News, Oxygen, and in The Wall Street Journal, Glamour, and AARP Magazine. She is a national spokesperson for the prevention of cervical cancer, of which she is a grateful, healthy 12-year survivor. She is a grand prize winner in Self-Magazine/Lady Footlocker’s “Realize the Dream” contest for her work in helping women realize their potential. Read more... To schedule an interview, call (858) 702-6786 or email.
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