Becoming

We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.

Anais Nin

Most of us have an image in our mind of the person we'd really like to become.

However, German philosopher and playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote:

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."

How can you actually become the person you want to be?

Don Blohowiak suggests that you read self-help books... imitate the actions of people you admire... seek critical evaluation from those around you...

All such tactics likely will help. But it takes more. For example:

Identify and write down specific behaviors that will commit you to live the life you've declared for yourself.
Remind yourself frequently of your commitment to acting in ways that are consistent with your declared, self-defined identity.
Several times a day, stop yourself and assess your actions:

How consistent are they with the goal toward which you're striving?

What do you need to do so that you are, in fact, acting in accord with your own code of conduct?

Following is his daily meditation...I think it's a good one

99 Words for Every Day

I live today with gratitude, humility, and patience, accountable for:
Serving others;

Building, never destroying;

Sharing my gifts freely and abundantly, needing neither notice nor credit; Treating everyone with compassion, candor, and fairness;

Encouraging others generously;

Honoring others' feelings;

Regarding everyone as peer and teacher;

Appreciating differences while withholding judgments;

Trusting others, assuming only good intentions;

Forgiving quickly when I feel wronged;

Holding my tongue when I want to criticize or condemn;

Complaining only with love;

Being a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy for all I am privileged to meet; Living as I want the world to be.

~~~~~PARTING THOUGHT~~~~~

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

Change is the one thing we can count on....So why not change for the better?

MKC