Making Those Important Life “Deposits”

Dear Reader:

I have often thought that there ought to be more templates available for different deposit slips that have nothing to do with money or finance…instead they are deposit slips that can be used each time we do something to make someone else’s life just a little bit better.

Just like in the real world of banking deposits and withdrawals we need to remind ourselves each morning…that before the day is over we should have made at least one “deposit” into brightening up another’s life. It can be something as simple as a “smile” deposit…a “joke” of laughter deposit, a special “treat” deposit, a “surprise” deposit….a “happiness” deposit…as you can see “giving” deposits could go on and on.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful (if by the end of each month)…we all realize that we need to “re-order” more “life deposit” slips?

I found an article excerpt taken from “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families” (Stephen Covey) which dealt with family/particularly children’s emotional deposits from parents.

Ideas for making deposits in your child’s emotional bank account

  • Apologize when you make a mistake
  • Really listen- no interrupting or looking at your phone
  • Spend time with them- play a game or cook with them
  • Greet them as they come home
  • Notice what they are doing
  • Attend their activities
  • Be kind and patient
  • When children make a mistake, be compassionate and help them to solve their own problem
  • Laugh with them
  • Spend one on one time with them
  • Keep your promises
  • Relationships take time and lots of love.

We must remember, however, that in banking, as in life, we also make withdrawals and when dealing with family, friends…even strangers emotional withdrawals can take a toll…leaving us feeling depleted with an empty life account.

Some examples of these kind of ‘withdrawal’ mistakes are:

What are common withdrawals?

  • Checking your phone when your child is speaking to you
  • Nagging
  • Yelling or screaming at your child
  • Criticizing them
  • Being sarcastic
  • Talking about them negatively to others
  • Interrupting them when they are speaking to you

When we realize that we are making these withdrawals, we need to quickly apologize and stop making these withdrawals. We need to replace the withdrawals with deposits.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Personally to me…memory deposits are some of the most precious kinds of deposits. As a grandmother…this is very important to me…what will the grandchildren remember we did together that was fun or a great memory they can keep forever? These are the kinds of  Boo Boo experiences I want them to have!

Hopefully now that my strength is returning…we can do more fun things together again!

And speaking of memories…I think Walsh deposited a good one yesterday with Rutledge and Lachlan. Not only did they have fun running through the tunnel out on the Clemson football field and posing with the Clemson Tiger, watching a partial scrimmage but what about that basketball game between Clemson and Florida State? Clemson won at the last second by 1 point! 70 to 69! Walsh knows how to pick’em!

Clemson men upset No. 6 Florida State 70-69

 

So until tomorrow…Let’s all keep making those deposits that make us better people for being there for others…adding to another’s happiness account makes our own grow exponentially!

(The famous March Hare!)

Today is the first day of March…doesn’t that sound so encouraging…spring and March just seem to go together even though it is still a little chilly around here…especially when the wind blows…(which is all the time!)

March 1- SAY  “RABBIT…RABBIT”  first thing today and have an amazing month with more deposits than withdrawals!

***A special shout-out to Harriett Edwards…a fellow “little c” sister…who, also, continues to fight the good fight and is amazing in her hope, perseverance and tenacity. Have a special day today my dear friend…you deserve all the gifts, kisses, and hugs you can get…mine are on the way! 🙂 What wonderful children, grandchildren and family you have ….they love you so! (Also Happy Birthday!)

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”
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3 Responses to Making Those Important Life “Deposits”

  1. Agree totally…with our grands we tend to do more events than gifts…Ellie is here this weekend for her weekend by herself…best of times. Rabbit!

    • Becky Dingle says:

      How special ….you have your little “Ellie Belly” to play with…rabbit rabbit back…already a great way to start the day and month with your little granddaughter and her special time with you. Have fun!

  2. Rachel Edwards says:

    Thanks for my sweet card. If I get through testing could you do lunch on Tuesday around 12:30? I will let you know definitely by tomorrow afternoon once we know if we are needed for makeups.

    On Sun, Mar 1, 2020, 6:01 AM Chapel of Hope Stories wrote:

    > Becky Dingle posted: ” Dear Reader: I have often thought that there ought > to be more templates available for different deposit slips that have > nothing to do with money or finance…instead they are deposit slips that > can be used each time we do something to make someone ” >

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