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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!
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@wdytys: It made me happy to see your recent message touting the wisdom found in Buddhism. I found these teachings many years ago and it has improved my life, as I am sure yours too! Life has its challenges, as I have faced terminal cancer diagnosis, I researched, found and completed a blow to cancer tumors through risky cancer treatments. Life is a series of ups and downs, but the only thing we have control of is how we choose to react to changes. Best to you! Bette. dbamos1945
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5 ReactionsHello @edsutton,
Delightful posting and it appears you have found and are addressing the disadvantages of a grumpy disposition. I have to address it every, hour of every day. I am 80 so far, and if I don't place a kinf thought in my head each and every morning, look out world. My wife constantly suports and initiative I put forth to be a more sensitive person.
I presume that As I aged, I knew more things and therefore could offer comments and advice to assist other folks on their journeies. What happened in my life experiences, changed me; I believe all experiences do effect every individual in different ways, and I am finally learning that it is my reaction to the world and it's challenges can be more fully understood with patience, tolerance of anything or anyone different than ourselves,
It is so easy to critize everything but the rewards of adjusting my attitude helps improve my overall perception regarding anything. I've learned that being kind and sensitive most times is just by keeping quiet and also, keeping your comments in a happy range for discourse. Thanks for your writing: Know one is ever to old or advanced to change their attitude toward a more gentle and caring lane in life.
Best to you and yours in these holoday seasons.
Jofee
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12 Reactions@dbamos1945
Good morning Ms. Bette,
It is always so refreshing when I discover anyone expressing a faith in something beyond their understading: actually any form of a spiritual religious practice, especially Buddhism, is not only elightening, but life changing in so many different ways. Non-theistic faiths promote self awareness and builds tolerances and patience to help anyone to improve their life. Fore, only we can improve our selves by recognizing our own deficiencies. And, by thinking and meditating on any issue, always opens more pathways in acceptance of the myriad things that know one can really change.
Buddhism! Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts. The best to you Ms. Bette in these holidays and each and every day thereafter. I love what you project in your writing.
Jofree
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5 ReactionsIt sounds as though you might enjoy the book The Law of Attraction by William Walker Atkinson. It is an early foundation texts and millions have read this book and it changed their life for the better. I routinely hear people say, “ I’m a believer in te laws of attraction “ which started with this book.
May different books on this topic have been written. If you prefer a more recent one, try Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain: A guide to using imagination for manifestation. I haven’t read this one but it’s on my list.
The core of these books include:
Focus & Belief: Believing something is possible attracts it into your life.
Visualization: Creating mental images of your goals.
Gratitude: Being thankful for what you have to attract more.
Positive Affirmations: Using positive statements to reprogram your mind.
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5 Reactions“I’m not as good as I’m gonna get, but I’m better than I used to be!”
Chris Seamon
East Texas
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12 ReactionsThere are so many wonderful posts in this thread, and I find them very helpful to me in my daily work to improve and maintain my attitudes.
We all need to find the ideas that can lift our energies and support us in appreciating and forgiving other folks and ourselves.
As we realize our days will come to an end, every loved moment sparkles.
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15 ReactionsYep, we all have the power to make an attitude adjustment, for the better. Just have to make up your mind and do it. Yes it starts with appreciating all that people do for us and all the beauty around us.
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10 ReactionsWe're never too old to change things we don't like about ourselves.
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8 Reactions@maryje
Good reminders!
Happy New Year!
PML
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2 Reactions@laura1970
Good morning Ms. Laura,
Thank you for your reading referrals: As I read your contribution, I was remined that all personal reading efforts are most valuable to the reader. Whenever I am feeling a bit unfocused, I pick up an adventure series book, there exsit myriads of them in libraries and online, just be careful on line if you order anything or subscribe; I nejoy the adventures series by Wilbur Smith, now deceased, however an excellent writer and constantly follows several families and surrounding characters, and his style of writing is very peaceful and most folks can walk away feeling better about their lives.
Thanks for remining me regarding reading; a pathway to appreciating ourselves and a look into other imaginary lives in all his writings.
Have a great New Year...
Jofree
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3 Reactions