So, how are you today?

One of the benefits of having participated in the Renovation Center is that I have personally learned and been impacted by the other guys. One thing I have learned and use is called SASHET.

I for one, and maybe it's a guy thing, am not the most adroit when it comes to checking in with other about how I am really doing. Maybe it's fear. Maybe it's just not sure how I am doing.

Here is what SASHET stands for:

·         Sad

·         Angry

·         Scared

·         Happy

·         Excited

·         Tender (feelings toward another, perhaps who is struggling)

Here how it works. Each person takes a moment to silently reflect on which of the six SASHET emotions they can identify with and why. Then in 90 seconds or less, each person checks in with the group by sharing the emotion they are feeling and why.

While my boys rolled their eyes the first couple of times we did this as a family, they now have gotten to the point where they actually ask to do it at the dinner table. I have learned things about them that I didn’t know before.

Try it! It will be a good dinner conversation, meeting starter and community builder. And most importantly, you give yourself a chance to authentically connect with others.