The Incredible Value of Purpose
Growing up I was told that having a purpose was vital. Having a reason to get out of bed in the morning, no matter how small the reason, was essential to being happy and contented. That advice was one of the most important things I could have learned. Continue reading “The Incredible Value of Purpose”
It’s funny, we’re eager to compliment others, but when they compliment us, sometimes we feel embarrassed and brush aside their praise, as if we’re not worthy of it. Of course, one doesn’t want to be egotistical, but why do we do this? Aren’t we all entitled to some positive self-praise now and then?
We’ve all heard the expression “do good for the sake of doing good.” I believe that what this adage is teaching us, is that we shouldn’t expect a reward of any kind, but should do good deeds and be kind, simply because it’s the right thing to do. So should we be kind, good and generous, just for the sake of it?
A common question heard asked these days is “what has happened to civility?” Indeed, what has happened to it? Where is the courtesy and respect we once afforded to friends and stranger alike? Is it now lost forever, only to be replaced with open hostility? Is a state of agitation our new normal?
Most of us are acutely aware of the old expression “a Wolf in Sheep’s clothing.” The gist of that adage is that there are those among us who will seem like Sheep, but inwardly, are actually ravenous and dangerous Wolves. The Bible covers this caution in significant detail.
In the movie Wall Street, Michael Douglas’s character makes a speech in which he says “greed is good…greed works.” His premise being that he is greedy and that it’s okay to be greedy for more…more money, power and fame. Of course, he is categorically incorrect, as most of us already know.
It’s the dawn of a new year and that means wonderful new possibilities and a fresh start to make our dreams come true. Many of us have one common hope for the new year — to be happy. You might have noted I didn’t say to “find” happiness, but to “be” happy and that’s because there is a huge difference.
Being a positive and optimistic person — someone who focuses on the good and puts hope and possibilities first, is really an art-form. To a great extent, positivity is a skill, as much as it’s a personal trait. And as personal trait’s go, positive thinking is one of the most valuable and powerful ones that we can possess.
Hope is something we all cling to and rightfully so, because as the saying goes, “hope springs eternal.” Hope is an awesome and very potent life force that inspires, empowers and enables us to face life’s challenges. After all, without hope, what would man’s future look like?
I doubt there is anyone out there who isn’t feeling the stress of daily life on some level. When we’re all feeling anxious and a bit worn out, its easy to forget to be nice — to be tolerant and compassionate. We are after all, only human. But remembering to be kind is just what we need to do.