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Time for a timeout

April 21st, 2008, 06:32 pm

My brother and sister in-law have an interesting view on timeouts that I’ve never heard before. Timeout isn’t a punishment for their kids. It’s a time where the child gets a chance to calm down and center himself or herself.

What they do is when they can see Sam, their two year old son, is starting to get frustrated or not acting like his normal self they put him in timeout. This gives him a chance to recenter himself. They say that the most successful timeouts are the ones when Sam blows up, screaming and yelling. After he blows up, he goes back to his normal self. He is able to get out all of his negative emotions in a controlled and safe environment where he can’t hurt himself or others.

Timeouts can be used by adults as well. For instance, your spouse is doing something to upset you. Instead of screaming out your spouse you can put yourself into timeout and later come back to have a constructive discussion.

Just like Sam you can get all of your negative emotions out in controlled and safe environment. You don’t have to worry about hurting yourself or someone else. How you get your emotions out is up to you as long as you get your emotions out (don’t bottle them up) or hurt yourself (cutting is a no no).

If you do try this, hopefully whoever you are mad at will let you go have your timeout. I didn’t realize it at the time but I would try to put myself in timeout when I’d get in a fight with an ex. She wanted to duke it out when I wanted to go calm down. This frustrated me even more and we would yell back and forth hurting each other verbally. It didn’t help out at all. Also, giving you a chance to think you might realize your getting upset over nothing or that you were wrong.

Posted in Family, People, Personal, Relationships • No Comments »

Dear Wes

March 5th, 2008, 12:58 am

Since I’m terrible with words and speaking, here is what I really wanted to say tonight.

Thanks Wes. I really appreciate everything you’ve done. You’ve always been there and I know I can count on you for anything. You were always very helpful and patient with everyone and rarely did you ever ask for anything in return. You gave willingly.

Thank you for always being my friend. Thank you for always including me. It’s hard for me to make myself part of the group but you were always able to make me feel like I was wanted. We’ve known each other for many many years and I don’t think there has been a falling out between us. I hope we will continue to have years and years of friendship.

I am happy and excited for you to go on a mission. I know you will have an awesome time and grow. I know you are ready to go. I can tell by what you say and how you act. I really appreciate hearing your testimony tonight. To hear those things coming from you meant a lot. It’s no surprise that lately I’ve been wondering from the trail I’ve always followed. I’ve always known the church was true and it meant a lot to me to hear you say that.

Wes, I look up to you. You are one of my role models. You are an amazing and awesome person.

I know you will do a good job. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Have fun while you are out there. I will miss you. I love you man.

Your good friend,
Eric

Posted in People, Personal • No Comments »

Neighbors

March 2nd, 2008, 12:50 pm

Whoever is above me recently decided to walk a lot. Especially at two in the morning. So loud and annoying. All l day and night they walk and walk and walk. It’s starting to drive me nuts.

Edit: I hear a baby! That explains the pacing at weird hours of the night. Now I feel like a jerk…

Posted in Apartment, People, Personal, Rants • 1 Comment »

Dear Her,

February 20th, 2008, 03:55 pm

I really don’t like you right now. Please leave me alone or at least act like you want me to trust you again. You screwed up royally and this isn’t something that’s just going to blow over. It’s going to take work on your part.

Please quit getting mad at me if I’m giving you attitude. You’re lucky I still talk to you. I’m not letting you get away with this one.