Frank’s advice Part 1

Affirmation Card:  Choose your words carefully

Sometimes you need to pause, think and pause again.

Who’s Frank? Well for those that don’t know me, Frank is my dad. Frank grew up in Connersville, Pennsylvania with 2 brothers and his mother and father. He grew up poor but with a lot of love.  In 5th grade, his family bought their first toilet. Frank is old school. He is tough and gritty and leads a very simple life.

When I told my dad about my idea to publish affirmation decks he chuckled. He proceeded to bring out a deck of regular playing cards and spread them out in his hands. “Lisa, pick a card and save the $25 dollars and I will speak your affirmation.”

My dad’s generation didn’t really deal with problems. There wasn’t much communication, therapists, medication or extra money to buy affirmation decks. What my dad didn't understand was there are a lot of people struggling with mental health and looking for ways to create healthier ways of living especially during the pandemic. I said to my dad, “I don't care if I make one penny, my goal is to spread happiness.” Well guess what? Frank now pulls a daily affirmation card and calls me to remind me to pull mine. 

Frank inspired me to write the affirmation card, “Choose your words carefully.” My dad explained it was the one thing his parents taught him and the one thing he wished everyone did, especially his children. “It’s simple” he stated but somehow it is so hard for our family to do. I have been working on my words and how I respond to situations. You can never take your words back and there were many things I have said that were unkind and hurtful. Everyday I try to work on myself to become a better person and choose my words carefully.  Some days I just bite my tongue.