I wrote this post several years ago.
Throughout life, our character is constantly being molded and shaped.
The stronger our character, the better we can handle life and the realities of life.
Simply stated, character is the ability to handle the demands of reality without compromising our core values/principles.
I don’t know about you, but it seems as though the world is lacking in character these days. I chuckle at the number of “reality” T.V. shows there are because they are so unlike reality.
Life is what you choose to do with reality; the more effectively you handle reality by doing the next right thing, the stronger your character will become, and the more peace you will have while living life on life’s terms.
For years my character was relatively weak, and it was illustrated through my fruitless attempts to create my own reality so I could run away from what was actually happening.
I spent years battling a “pity pot” mentality because life “wasn’t fair.”
Whether I was drugging, drinking, gossiping, criticizing, blaming, or being irresponsible, I was deflecting reality and creating my own little sick “reality” T.V. show that just missed having a tragic ending.
Back to the opening quote–during my drug years, my life path looked like a giant corn maze with no way out.
In my sobriety, one day at a time, I’ve worked on various character traits to be the best I can be for my Creator.
I have found the more I stay in reality and strive always to do the next right thing, the better able I am to avoid the “crooked paths” of the world, and in turn, I have peace no matter how crazy life is.
For me, this is an ongoing, daily process.
Here are a few character-building affirmations I refer to in my head as I walk through a day.
Character Builders:
-I will place God at the top of my priority list and ask him to guide me in all I do and give me the desire to lead my life as His Sons did.
-I will place my spouse directly under God on my priority list and live my life representative of that fact.
-I will place my children directly under my spouse on my priority list and live my life representative of that fact.
-I will prioritize my life and have a daily plan to achieve God’s purpose for me.
-I will always give my first fruits to God.
-I will do my best with what I have and quit worrying about what I don’t have.
-I will keep the promises I make to myself and others.
-I will accept the fact life is not always fair.
-I will quit comparing myself to others.
-I will quit blaming other people, places, and things for my circumstances.
-I will quit needing other people, places, and things to make me happy.
-I will face my problems head-on and responsibly deal with them.
-I will be just as excited about the success of others as I am for myself.
-I will seek first to understand others, then to be understood.
-I will not gossip or criticize others.
-I will forgive those I once thought were unforgivable.
-I will own up to situations where I have been wrong in my behavior.
-I will try to find good in all situations.
-I will quit looking for the “speck” in my brother’s or sister’s eye.
-I will quit “assuming.”
-I will quit taking things personally.
-I will be impeccably honest with my word.
-I will always give my best in all I do.
-I will not buy anything unless I have the money to buy it.
-I will give without anyone knowing.
-I will treat my body like a temple by eating, sleeping, and exercising right.
-I will expand my wisdom and knowledge by learning about new things.
-I will love my neighbor as myself.
-I will be the change I want to see in the world.
-I will make the most of my life just as it is, living one day at a time and accepting life on life’s terms.
I haven’t arrived yet, but I’m still walking in the right direction, and my path is much straighter than it used to be.
How about you?
1 Samuel 16:7, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”Â
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
AFFIRM YOUR P.E.A.C.E.
Plan – A dream/goal remains a dream until it is put into writing. Putting your dream or goal in writing is the first step in creating a PLAN to achieve it. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Effort – Turning your dream/goal into reality requires a commitment to putting forth consistent and focused EFFORT toward the execution of your plan. Nothing great in life happens without working hard.
Attitude – Your chances of achieving your dream are exponentially increased if you believe you will achieve it. Always remember that your ATTITUDE determines your altitude in life.
Community – Nothing great in life happens by doing it alone. The chances of achieving your dream expand as your COMMUNITY of positive mentors and coaches expand. You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with…and yes, spending time with “people” through books and instructional videos factors into your average.
Energy – Chasing and achieving your dream requires optimal levels of mental, physical, and spiritual ENERGY. Put your dream in God’s hands and nurture your mental and physical being.
