Mark Westcott’s Post

Happy Monday!!😀 DO YOU S**K AT SMALL TALK!!😳🥺 Author | C. Knighten Celebrated from November 24th - 30th, BETTER CONVERSATIONS WEEK could not come at a better time......the week of Thanksgiving🦃🦃. Whether we are gathering with family or celebrating a 'Friendsgiving", many people experience anxiety around family, new family members and strangers. This week is focused on helping those individuals overcome their fear and have more lively and meaningful conversations! This week focuses on ways to overcome awkward silences, odd transitions, and how to create topic starters. Being in the middle of either a small or large group can prove tricky when you want to join the conversation. Here are some ideas to help!😊 5 GREAT TIPS TO FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE: 👂 First, Listen! Taking the time to truly listen before joining a conversation will allow you to speak intelligently about the topic. If you have heard this story before.....hold your comments so others can enjoy it. 🙂Open the Conversation! Often there are new people at a gathering. To start the conversation ask an open ended question.. Something that requires more than a "Yes" or "No' answer. Ask about a recipe you loved, or how Aunt Mary makes such creamy mashed potatoes? 🤓Elaborate more! If someone asks you a question, take a moment to consider it and then give them an answer that is at least two lines......not one or two-words. Expanding your answer may lead to other topics and a more in depth conversation! 👩🦰Offer Help! No matter where you are, offer to assist...from helping in the kitchen to setting the table there are many ways you can open doors to easier conversations just by being helpful! 🧔♂️Share something new! From a work achievement to adopting a new pet, most people have exciting changes in their lives they can share. From recent travel, to a new hobby you have taken up......these are great topics for conversation! Employing these tips will work just as well whether you are with family or at a company training or mixer. As with all things, practice will increase your confidence over time and help you conquer your anxiety! Take a deep breath, relax and have a great day!!😀 #thelawofficeofjwesleyatkinsonpc #realestateclosings #wills #businessforms #legaldocuments #decatur #madison #huntsville

This week, I learned goodbyes can be a superpower! My elder daughter, after a glorious 7 years by my side 24/7, took on her first big adventure – a holiday with her grandparents. We've never been apart for this long. There were sniffles, last-minute hugs, and probably enough "I love yous" to power a small city. But you know what?  She braved the farewell like a champ, and guess what?  She's having a blast with her grandparents! Pictures are flooding in of her beaming face, surrounded by adventures and treats. My heart swells with pride (and a touch of longing) seeing her so happy. Meanwhile, back at "home base," it's a different story. My younger daughter and I are navigating this strange, quiet territory.  We miss our firecracker of a big sister, but it's also a chance to explore a new kind of dynamic. We're having movie marathons, building epic forts with magnetic tiles, and rediscovering the joy of bedtime stories (without any sneaky interruptions!). This experience has made me realize that just like in blogging, sometimes taking a break from the usual routine can be creatively inspiring. It allows you to explore new avenues and strengthen different aspects of your craft. Who knows, maybe by the time my elder one returns, we'll have a whole new chapter written in our family story – one filled with laughter, newfound connections, and maybe even a few more "I love yous" for good measure. P.S. Sending virtual hugs to all the parents out there navigating empty nests, big or small! 🫂 #aboowrites #lettinggo #parenting #newbeginnings #linkedinforcreators

While I was exploring the community and watching some videos on digital marketing strategies, I decided to search for “mom wins,” and I saw so many inspiring stories. But one that caught my attention was this one… As moms, we often carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, trying to balance the demands of work, family, and the deep desire to be there for our kids. It can feel overwhelming, leaving us with anxiety, guilt, and stress. Alana, a single mom, shared how her life has completely transformed. Just over the weekend, she earned almost $500. But what’s even more powerful is the impact it’s had on her and her family. Before finding this program, her days were filled with anxiety, depression, and the constant struggle of trying to make ends meet. Like many of us, she felt the weight of guilt, worrying that she wasn’t able to spend enough time with her kids because of financial pressures. But now, with God’s help and the support of this warm, supportive community, she’s been able to turn things around, not just financially but emotionally and spiritually as well. I love how everyone inside the community comes together to celebrate and uplift each other, making this journey even more meaningful. Sometimes, we just need to surrender our worries to God and take action. When we do that, amazing things can happen. Keep the faith, hope, and love. #WorkFromHomeMoms #PassiveIncomeJourney #MompreneurLife #DigitalMarketingSuccess #OnlineBusinessTips #Inspiringmomstories #legacybuildersprogram #digitalgrowthcommunity

As summer begins, you might be wondering about free or cost-effective activities to enjoy. At Save First, we have some fun suggestions for you and your family. Please share in the comments below your favorite summer activities. Do you have any recommendations for those looking to make the most of the sunny days? We’d love to hear from you! Don't forget to follow us and share! #SaveFirstLiveWell #SaveFirstFinancial #SummerFun

Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to appreciate the little things that make us smile. Taking a moment to appreciate #UnderratedLuxuries is a great way to remind ourselves of the good in life. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of coffee or tea in the morning, a quiet walk in the park or a good book at the end of the day. #AppreciateTheSmallThings #stopandsmelltheroses #tuesdaythoughts #tuesdayvibes #linkedincreator #linkedincreators #linkedinconnection #linkedinconnections #enjoythegoodlife

What’s far better than a card for Father’s Day? A meaningful conversation. Supporting an aging parent will require, at the very least, that you know the parent’s legal plan, financial picture, and important contacts. Some parents are less comfortable than others discussing these topics. Maybe start like this. ✅ Get out your phone and ask Dad if you can record an interview with him. Tell him that his great-great-grandchildren will love to hear his voice and his stories. ✅ Ask Dad for details about his childhood. Ask for the details you’ve never heard before. ✅ Ask Dad about the turning points, the events (good or bad) when he learned something important. ✅ Ask him what he looks forward to, and what he fears, about the years ahead. What’s behind the answers? Why does he feel that way? ✅ Most important, if Dad ten years from now would be really happy that today’s Dad took 3 specific actions, what would those actions be in light of his hopes and fears? May Father’s Day be a time of celebration and gratitude, but also a time to consider meaningful ways to support Dad in his later years of life.

Making small talk with parents in the office this morning? Want to ask about half-term? Try questions like: How was half-term? How was your week? What did you do for half-term? Do not, under any circumstances, ask: Did you have a nice half-term? How was your week off? WORDS MATTER.

I knew this wasn’t good. It was too quiet. When I looked around the table, everyone was reading. My fault. As an adult, I rebelled against the ‘no reading at the dinner table’ rule from my childhood. It was hard for me because I love reading. I remember trying to sneak a book under the table, hoping my mother would let it slide. She didn’t. I finally understood why. Family time around the table is precious. It’s time to: Connect. Talk. Share. Laugh. So, I made a no-reading-when-others-are-at-the-table rule. (One day, they’ll probably pass on the same rule, G-d willing, when they have their own family.) But let’s be real: getting kids to talk can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. Here are 3 things I do to make it more interesting: 1. Ask fun, unexpected questions. 'What was the funniest thing that happened today?'      2. Share stories. My kids love hearing funny memories about when I was their age. 3. Play a family trivia game. "Who in our family is most likely to stay up late?" "What is___’s favorite food?" Family time around the table becomes meaningful when we make it meaningful. (And yes, I still read at the table—but not to myself. Sometimes, I’ll read an article for us to discuss or a story with an interesting lesson.) How do you make family dinners more engaging? Share your tips in the comments below! #parenting  #relationships #emotionalintelligence Like this message? Follow me at https://lnkd.in/gbUGUFra and click the yellow bell. Need help connecting with your teen? Check out my Temper Tamer course.

15 Conversation Starters for a Fun Family Dinner Is your family truly connecting around the dinner table? You only have a handful of years to create those deep bonds with your children, so why not make each meal count? With a little intention, you can turn every dinner into a time of laughter, meaningful conversations, and lasting memories. Try these fun conversation starters that will spark lively discussions and bring your family closer together! https://lnkd.in/gvn858pg #glitteringminds #familydinner #familyconnection