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then later, they can see the direction someone else’s imagination took the same story. We’ve gotten through the “Harry Potter” and “Chronicles of Narnia” series like this, and watching the films together is a fun way to spend time as a family. We also think it’s important to always have books around the house. The kids can’t read something new if it’s not available, so between trips to the library and Kevin’s parents sending gifts, there are always lots of books around for them to pick up, explore, or even read to each other. It gives them a
sense of freedom and makes reading feel as natural as turning on the TV.
We try to encourage the children — ages 6, 8, 10, and 12 — by helping everyone find books that interest them. If there’s something they’re curious about, there’s no better way to learn more than by absorbing themselves in the world of a book. We’re also encouraging the older kids to start reading more chapter books by promising to watch the movie adaptation of a novel or series after they’ve read it. The idea is that they get to use their imaginations first through the words on the page, and
We’ve already got readers of all ages under our roof, and this month, we’re adding a new future reader to our family. Hint: They’ll need plenty of bedtime stories. (We’ll introduce you in our next issue!) If you have must- read book recommendations for any of us, feel free to get in touch. We’ll be excited to hear your picks — there are few better ways to learn who someone is than by reading what they read. –Sierra & Kevin Bennett
REFRAMING YOUR LIFE WITH OPTIMISM A GLASS HALF-FULL
We all tell ourselves stories about our own lives — even if we don’t think of them that way. They’re howwe gain our sense of self and decide if we’re lucky or unlucky, smart or dumb, successes or failures. These stories shape how we see the world and determine what we expect from ourselves and others. And which stories we decide to tell ourselves indicates our optimism or pessimism. Though most of us have a natural disposition toward seeing a glass as half-empty or half-full, science proves that optimism is the superior approach. Studies show that optimists are generally happier, healthier, and wealthier. So where does this magic come from — and if you’re a pessimist, how can you harvest it for yourself? Winston Churchill famously said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” These lines of thinking explain why optimists tend to find more success. An optimist who believes they are worthy and able to overcome obstacles — and who is sure it will all turn out okay in the end — is more likely to try new things and persevere in the face of setbacks than a pessimist who assumes the worst outcome.
We can all reframe our lives — even if it’s not easy at first. Start by identifying the negative stories you tell yourself, like “bad things always happen to me” or “I can’t do anything right.” Then, assess whether it’s true. Chances are, it’s not. Consider what a more accurate story would be, and start replacing the old one in your mind. Further, if optimists see the opportunities in difficulties, start looking for opportunities yourself when encountering a new challenge. Even more importantly, stop thinking of your unsuccessful attempts in any endeavor as a failure. You can focus on what you didn’t achieve, or you can focus on what you’ve learned. Using the latter tactic is more likely to make you try again and eventually succeed. If you’re a natural pessimist, the glass may always look half-empty to you. But you can learn to rethink your assumptions, try something new, and challenge yourself every day. Simply reminding yourself of another way of thinking is a great place to start. Once you’ve begun reframing your life, you may wonder how you ever lived any other way.
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