Magic Words: 101 Ways to Talk Your Way Through Life's Challenges

by Howard Kaminsky and Alexandra Penney
Broadway Books, 2002

From the book jacket: "A comprehensive collection of powerful phrases to help you face a variety of awkward, intimidating, confusing, or otherwise challenging moments."

A wonderful little handbook for anyone who has to deal with people! The book is broken into three types of magic words: those that you say to yourself, those that you say to others, and words that have universal application. Examples include, "I'll sing for my supper, but I won't audition", "When you draw the line, do it in cement", "Why are you asking?", "I need your help", "There's only one condition for friendship", and "When you get in a downward spiral, hit the ground running". You'll have to read the book to find out what those signify. Believe me, you won't be sorry you did.

A Complaint-Free World (Audio Book)

How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted
by Will Bowen
Random House Audio Book, 2007

I don't normally listen to audio books, especially nonfiction ones that might require a great deal of focus in order to retain and apply the information contained in them, but I thought I'd give it a try after reading that author Debbie Macomber frequently listens to motivational CDs. Since I spend a fair amount of time with folks who complain, gossip, and criticize, this title seemed a natural choice. Oh, and I probably complain, gossip, and criticize more than I should, too.

In A Complaint Free World, Bowen explains the problem with complaining, gossiping and criticizing, and shares a 21 day plan for reducing these negative habits. He also explains the benefits gained by living a life free of these. As a result of listening to this CD, my daughter, husband, and I are all trying to achieve 21 consecutive days complaint free to see how this might transform our home and our experience of the world.

While I found the author's soft voice somewhat annoying as I listened (I suppose that's a complaint!), and reject his New Age theology, there is definitely something to be said for his thesis. When the Bible says, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:7-9), it in effect advises us not to complain!