No human is perfect--we're all works in progress. It matters, however, that we move towards greater goodness and betterment in our lives. It matters that we own our mistakes and do our best to be good people, and it matters that we surround ourselves with good people. How can we do this?
First, it is important to consider the elements of goodness--we need to consider what it means to be a good person, and set our sights on moving in that direction.
Elements of Goodness
Honesty
Good people tell the truth. They don't lie.
Commitment
Good people demonstrate commitment in their work, living and relationships. It is not always easy to stay committed to family, friends, and partners, but commitment over time really boosts one's ability to live well. Of course, there will be times when commitment is not possible, but, in general, commitment is a prime element of good living. How might you boost your commitments to others?
Kindness and Love
Good people act with kindnes and love. They work to help and care for one another, and work for people's good living. How can you be kinder and more loving in your life?
Positive, Healthy Activity
Good people exemplify positive, healthy activity. They live in ways that make them as healthy and strong as possible. They support policies and actions that elevate individual's and the community's health. How can you elevate positive, healthy activity in your life, the lives of those you love, and in the organizations and communities you belong to?
Focused on Good Values
Good people are focused on good values. They sacrifice self-gratification often in order to live by good values, the kind of values that support positive living for self and others. What are your good values? How are those values exemplified in your daily living?
Empathy
Good people listen to one another. They are able to step into the shoes of others and understand their plight, happiness, needs, and values. Good people use empathy to care for and support one another. How can you elevate empathy in the way you live and work?
Vision and Mission
Good people hold positive vision and mission as their life light--good people work towards good living for themselves and others with a strong sense of vision and mission. What is your vision and mission--how does this exemplify goodness? How are you working towards this positive light in your life?
Healthy Routines
Good people live with healthy routines. How and why is your daily routine healthy?
Self-Discipline
Good people exemplify self-discipline. They don't rant and rave, but instead use words purposefully to educate and inform. They don't tweet incessently throughout the night, but instead work in systematic ways to make change. They act more than they react. How do you act in purposeful, disciplined ways? How do you act rather than react in life?
Children First
Good people are focused on the kind of living that elevates and enriches the lives of children. Good people don't use children, but instead live and act with respect for children first. How do you help to uplift the lives of children in your family and community--what do you do?
Education
Good people value good educations, and continually work to educate themselves in an effort to live as well as possible. What questions are currently leading your own self-education? How are you educating yourself to be better? How are you supporting a quality education for your loved ones and community members?
Generous
Good people are generous of spirit, wealth, and time. They give what they can when they can. In what ways are you generous? How do you make generosity a regular part of your lifestyle?
Self Care
Good people take care of themselves. They know that when they care for themselves, they are better able to care for others. How do you take care of yourself so you are strong and loving for others?
Family First
Good people take care of their families, and do their best to uplift family members' lives. What do you do to strengthen your family members' lives?
Good living matters. It is good to work for betterment and to be your best self for your own welfare and for the welfare of others. America has faced leadership that elevated poor character, corrupt values, and bad living--this leadership led by the Trump team has taken our country down rather than challenged us to be better, stronger, and positive for ourselves and others. We can all work to be better and live well. This is integral for our own lives and the welfare of our communities and nation too.