Connect
Is it too late to improve my character?
How is your character doing?
Many years ago I heard an interview of Katherine Hepburn in which she said she was "working on improving my character before it's too late."
Her statement stuck with me for 50 years, and I think the time has come to put it to use.
I remember my grandfather in his 70s, a very grumpy, unhappy old man, and lately I've thought I might be becoming an old grump myself. If I were someone else, would I enjoy talking with the person I am? That's not an easy thought.
So, it's time to work on my character.
Have you noticed that whatever you think tends to repeat itself? I mean that one critical thought will tend to lead to more critical thoughts, which lead to more critical thoughts, and next thing you know...you're my grandfather. Or I am.
But it works the other way, too. An appreciative thought leads to more appreciative thoughts, maybe to a smile, until the world becomes, if not perfect, pretty good much of the time. I can even enjoy myself, which is where those old dramas really live. I can have new dramas, good ones!
So, maybe it's not too late to improve my character.
Thanks, Kate!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.
Connect
@captboat perhaps, just perhaps, at your lowest time of cancer treatment, someone prayed for your change to salvation and healing being filled with the Holy Spirit praying for your forgiveness, in Him 🙏🏻Amen and now you have this Spirit of Kindness.
We should all, whether you know them or not, have prayer for each other.
@captboat
And seek after each of them.
When we are young, there can be vast improvement in our character before we become solidified in our older "glory".
When older, the steps become as our physical steps, smaller. We can still change our actions, our habits and our character but the steps are necessarily smaller. After all, it is the little things which mark us, the daily interactions, our words and our kindness.
Let me not grow up to be a grumpy old man!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@slarson14
How about calling it acting after self reflection rather than soft soaping?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@rollingf
I don’t think that I can change my innate character very easily. But I can change my actions. I can choose my actions with the dog. The good news is that if I change my actions, I start to become those actions. If I choose to act in a brave, honest or kind fashion, I start being brave, honest or kind.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsCharles Dickens told the story well ~~ even old Scrooge finally realized the benefits of simple kindness ~ toward others, and to himself. Happy Holidays from Oregon.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsJust the fact that you are thinking about your character tells me you are already on your way to becoming that person you want to be. Personally, I find your post incredibly inspiring 🙂 and thank you.
Have an incredible New Year my friend 🙂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@gravity3 Yes, I could. Soft soaping sounds negative, doesn't it?
@slarson14 The challenge is in being kind & compassionate without being phony. It takes awareness, practice, & a willingness to be a bit uncomfortable as the new pattern gains a foothold. Being blunt and being straightforward are similar and yet worlds apart. It sounds as if you care, are more aware than in the past, willing to readjust your responses, and yet not ashamed. You’re in a good place & I admire your honesty.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYes it is and because kind and compassionate are subjective it is even harder.