I think it is very fitting that the character word for December is generosity. One of the simplest definitions for generosity is the willingness to give or to share; an act of unselfish giving. The Christmas holiday is a time when we witness acts of generosity more than any other time of...
Gratefulness is demonstrating appreciation to others for what I have and how they have helped me. This means recognizing what others have done for you and showing your gratitude. This kind of positive and thankful attitude makes someone pleasant to be with—especially compared to an ungrateful...
Have you ever been the first person in a small group or crowded room to raise your hand to volunteer for something or take the lead on a project? Have you ever been the first person to speak up with a new idea or innovative solution to a problem? If so, you were showing initiative. Initiative is...
I confess I must be careful how I speak about cautiousness. Approached carelessly, I may come across as hypocritical. As a rule, I desire to be quick to act. I prefer to begin every day with a bias for action. Sometimes people confuse a bias for action as the opposite of cautiousness. However,...
Endurance is defined as “the inward strength to withstand stress and do my best.” It’s easy to think of endurance primarily as physical, something needed by long distance runners, basketball, soccer, or other athletes, but endurance is not only important for handling physical stress, but also...
Sincerity is a word that is often used without much thought about its meaning. Most individuals would describe themselves as sincere, but what does it really mean to be sincere? Sincerity is defined as doing what is right with transparent motives. It is the virtue of one who speaks and acts truly...
Disney’s movie “Frozen” has been immensely popular. Even more popular is the hit song “Let It Go” that the Disney character Elsa sings in the movie. It seems that every child in America knows the words to that music and has driven their parents crazy with some rendition of the song. The song...
Character First! defines patience as accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it. Webster’s defines patience as being able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people. Patient people understand, in...
I have four children, a girl and three boys, since before they were born I’ve heard stories about the joys and sorrows of parenting. More experienced parents have given all kinds of encouraging advice. “Just wait till you get to the terrible two’s! It’ll age you 10 years!” one says. Another shakes...
Typically I know right away if I consider the character trait of the month to be a strength that could be improved, or an opportunity to improve a weakness. I like to think I’m diligent, but like most traits there are so many different aspects to diligence. I can see my strengths, but can also...
