What kind of living example are you?
I’ve been pondering something, mainly trying to, because pondering and thinking and questioning during troubled times is better than getting all tensed up when you can’t forgive or forget what’s going on around you.
I’ve been thinking that if every adult on this planet made it their sole business to be a living example of goodness in all their affairs, enough so to inspire others, then maybe we can still save ourselves.
One way to look at this is through these few words from the author Norman Cousins about the Reverend Albert Schweitzer:
“It’s not so much what he’s done for others, but what others have done because of him and the power of his example. This is the measure of the man. What’s come out of his life and thought is the kind of inspiration that can animate a generation.”
Most people aren’t thinking about being influential other than for personal gain. I’d like to think of myself as mirroring qualities I admire in others and would like to see in many more others. That way, I can feel blessed by being on the receiving end of more positive reflections--and having influenced some myself.
If you have time to comment, just wondering what sort of things you do to be a living example to others.
Bootstrap
I try to look people in the eye and say hey. I call or stop by to check on the older friends and family to see if they need something or just want to chat. They usually mention it to others, and I like to think that makes its way around.
Evangel
Whenever possible, I show up for people. I think that's important to do though they may not show up for me. I'm tenacious, too, and believe that if something is worth doing, you should do it. If someone fears failure, I encourage them to try anyhow, reminding them personal growth and success are offsprings of giving it your best. I am faithful to who I am. I have courage enough to reveal my ongoing escapades with guidance, hoping it interests others enough to learn more, but knowing they may not believe a word I say.
Slipstream
I give compliments to strangers I see in the market. I stay in touch with people; little notes out of the blue. I help when I see it's needed. I find common ground so no arguments start or feelings get hurt. I tell people I love that I love them.
Thank you; I appreciate your invitation to share.
Present Valley
This was a brilliant invitation! I did need to ponder it. Thank you.
My intention is to do my best to keep my heart open and my mind curious in my interactions with people.
I want to be a role model by being humble, vulnerable, kind, supportive, loving, accountable and generous. My goal is to live as authentically as I can and when and where I can invest my time and effort and presence in making the world a better place.
Well Street
One of the reasons I have many long-standing clients is that when they veer off track from their health and fitness goals, which is part of the human experience, they never feel judged by me; instead, they know they'll continue to receive my support, wherever they may be in their journey.
I also make an effort to be present and supportive to family and loved ones in whatever ways they may need me.
Wilsons Grave
Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. They were not surprising since I feel like I've gotten to know you through your past comments and posts, but I was surprised by your willingness to share something so personal. I'd like to sum up here all the living qualities you exemplify. May I add that you all are leaving traces of your goodness and beauty upon this earth like little seeds that will sprout in others through your example. You are blessed, so keep at it. I will do the same. I add my bit at the end.
1. Looking people in the eye makes for a more genuine and deeper connection.
2. Checking in or showing up for others helps people thrive and get beyond their troubles
3. Being tenacious may look foolish, but it's given us everything new in the world we live in.
4. Encouraging others helps them believe in themselves and move forward when they doubt themselves.
5. Being genuine and faithful to yourself makes the world more diverse, colorful and interesting--it's that light of god shining outward through us.
6. Complimenting others opens the recipients eyes to who they really are instead of the lowlife they think they are.
7. Finding common ground with others will heal the damned divide we all sunk ourselves into.
8. Being supportive, kind and generous helps everyone, especially when the recipients pay it forward.
9. Being humble and vulnerable with others lets others know they can settle down, too, and show their truest self.
10. Being accountable to others releases you from future bad karma. It cleanses the soul as you wobble through the rough patches in life.
11. Being present and willing to meet the needs of others is about being "selfless" a quality we all need to dig deep for like rare earth minerals.
12. To all this, I try to just listen and let others be heard because most people don't listen to anyone anymore unless they are some celebrity newscaster, preacher, or influencer. People are starving to be heard just for being their lowly self.