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G'day from Australia Reader,

Over the past week I've visited the Wheel of Brisbane, watched my first Wallabies rugby match, tried Vegemite (it’s a pass for me), and learned enough Australian phrases to get myself into trouble.

Travel has a way of reminding you that people can sound completely different while struggling with many of the same things. Different words and accents, yet the same need to feel heard, be respected, and maintain self-control.

That's what this week's newsletter is about. Let’s jump in.

#1. From My Inbox: “I was crossing traffic when a driver illegally accelerated through the light and managed to stop just before hitting me. I was quick to point at her and show my displeasure. I don’t like responding in this manner. How can I have self-control when it’s a snap of the moment, unexpected incident?” - Harry

Give your brain a pocket line it can rehearse to prepare for these unexpected moments. “Choose calm.” Or, “I can be mad and be measured.” Take a breath, quietly use your pocket line, then walk away. Practice the same phrase on small annoyances so it’s ready when it counts.

#2. A Communication Tip: Choose to Give Grace

Whether you’re the driver that mistakenly ran the red light or Harry expressing his anger, we all need grace. You can’t control the input of what comes to you, but you can control the output of how you respond. When you choose grace over anger, you start to see what the other person is feeling. You can take a step back and ask questions like, “Are you okay?” And that can change everything.

#3. Something I’m Currently Loving: Our Matic Robot​

Recently the kids decorated our Matic vacuum with stickers, so now it’s basically part of the family. His name is Doc. :)

I’ve always thought our Matic was cool, but when one of our kids had the idea to practice catching airborne cheeseballs with their mouths, my gratitude peaked. Each time they missed, Doc was already making its rounds cleaning up the missed throw before anyone stepped on a loose cheeseball.

I was throwing the cheeseballs, the kids were trying to catch them, Sierra was laughing - and, no one was cleaning! Being in the moment. For us, that was a win. I'm betting you'll love Matic as much as we do.

Glad you're here,

J