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Virtues Reflection Card courtesy of The Virtues Project™
Virtues in Action
Kate & Scott I dedicate this issue of A Virtues Moment to my daughter Kate and her husband Scott, who have been using Perseverance and Courage since their twin boys were born very prematurely. They have spent the last 78 days in the hospital as the boys continue to grow and develop into healthy boys.
Sometimes I wonder about the Abundance theories, positive thinking and claims that happiness is ours just for the asking. What about suffering? Is suffering also a part of the human condition? How can we appreciate joy if we haven't experienced sorrow? How can we appreciate abundance if we haven't had periods of financial worry. How do we get through periods of unexpected difficulties, when we are exhausted or under extreme stress? Philosophers, psychologists, religious leaders and deep thinkers have written about this with more wisdom than I, but since it is in my life experience, I wonder how my virtues are developing and growing and needed during these periods of time.
Whenever I pick the virtue of Perseverance, Fortitude, or Endurance, I think "Oh, boy. What's coming?" Or if I'm in the middle of a stressful time, I think, "Yes, this is a confirmation that I am practicing that virtue and that I need to continue keeping on.
When I get the virtue of gentleness, compassion or kindness, I am reminded to take care of myself, as well as others. Then it gets down to the practical and the nitty gritty. How can I be gentle with myself when there are so many demands on my time and energy. Gentleness is a virtue too.
Linda Kavelin Popov has often said that Moderation is the pearl in the chain of virtues. If we don't use Moderation we can overdo in a virtue. We can have so much perseverance that we burn out, lose our health or become resentful. If we have too much gentleness with ourselves maybe we aren't of service to those who need us. Moderation isn't easy, but it seems necessary.
Being aware of our virtues on a daily basis allows us to grow and to find the balance in our lives to live a purposeful and meaningful life. We are constantly questioning, "What virtue will be helpful for me now? How can I use Moderation to meet my own needs and the needs of others?" " What does Detachment look like in this situation?" " How will I persevere and what support do I need." "What are my balancing virtues?"
I'm grateful for all of the virtues. They help me to live a meaningful life.
When I get the virtue of gentleness, compassion or kindness, I am reminded to take care of myself, as well as others. Then it gets down to the practical and the nitty gritty. How can I be gentle with myself when there are so many demands on my time and energy. Gentleness is a virtue too.
Linda Kavelin Popov has often said that Moderation is the pearl in the chain of virtues. If we don't use Moderation we can overdo in a virtue. We can have so much perseverance that we burn out, lose our health or become resentful. If we have too much gentleness with ourselves maybe we aren't of service to those who need us. Moderation isn't easy, but it seems necessary.
Being aware of our virtues on a daily basis allows us to grow and to find the balance in our lives to live a purposeful and meaningful life. We are constantly questioning, "What virtue will be helpful for me now? How can I use Moderation to meet my own needs and the needs of others?" " What does Detachment look like in this situation?" " How will I persevere and what support do I need." "What are my balancing virtues?"
I'm grateful for all of the virtues. They help me to live a meaningful life.
For a Free List of 100 Virtues, E-mail me at betsy@virtuestraining.com today.
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