I have a conscience and it speaks to me loud and clear on a regular basis. It is why I drive the speed limit, do not turn on to Lime Kiln Lane from the shoulder, tell servers when I have been under (and over) charged, return incorrect change, do not tell lies and pay attention to what I watch on TV, read and say.
But, I have the urge to practice selective integrity at times too. If I justify using a stamp the company has paid for to mail my personal letters, make long distance calls from the work line or surf the Internet when I am supposed to be working...what differentiates me from an embezzler, thief or robber. Morality has changed over time and I can be influenced to think those activities are OK or that I deserve them because of some real or imagined slight at work (I don't get paid what I am worth, so-and-so has this or that perk, etc.). BUT...that is a false morality and to call myself a Christian and practice that level of immorality is a lie to myself.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
10-Integrity
I had intended for this week's challenge to be on a different topic but reality has stepped up and slapped me in the face. I have been accused and I (pray) I am guilty as charged!
I have recently been accused of being too honest(Is there such a thing?). Accused, like it was a bad thing!
I am not talking about the kind of honesty that is a result of telling a person who could stand to lose a few lbs that they are fat, or that dress you're wearing really does make your butt look big...NOT that kind of "too honest". But the kind of honesty we all (should) aspire to-the return the change when the cashier makes a mistake in your favor honesty, the admitting you were speeding when being stopped by an office of the law honesty or the telling the auditor the truth honesty! Honesty that matters, integrity, character!
Never in my life have I had my integrity labeled as a liability and I am shocked, saddened and a bit angry. I'll use that "righteous indignation" to examine all aspect of integrity in my life this week.
I have recently been accused of being too honest(Is there such a thing?). Accused, like it was a bad thing!
I am not talking about the kind of honesty that is a result of telling a person who could stand to lose a few lbs that they are fat, or that dress you're wearing really does make your butt look big...NOT that kind of "too honest". But the kind of honesty we all (should) aspire to-the return the change when the cashier makes a mistake in your favor honesty, the admitting you were speeding when being stopped by an office of the law honesty or the telling the auditor the truth honesty! Honesty that matters, integrity, character!
Never in my life have I had my integrity labeled as a liability and I am shocked, saddened and a bit angry. I'll use that "righteous indignation" to examine all aspect of integrity in my life this week.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Generosity
It was great fun being generous. Thankfully, being frugal for 12 months allowed me to say yes to any and all reasonable requests while we were on our little trip. Being generous is a lot more fun than pinching pennies. I am a penny pincher by nature...so this was a good departure for me. I suggest you SAVE UP then go HOG WILD! It's a blast (for all involved)! Just ask the kids...!
Friday, June 4, 2010
9-Generosity
Manicures and Pedicures $150
Ice cream at Ben and Jerry's: $20
Reservations at the Inn at Christmas Place: $433
Outlet mall shipping: ???
Notice I scheduled my opportunity to practice generosity when we were already slated to spend money at our annual trek to Pigeon Forge and the outlet malls. The girls have been saving their money and I plan to supplement it by giving them each a wad of cold hard cash and then allowing them to make additional (Back-to-school) purchases on me! We'll visit the Titanic exhibit, eat Ben and Jerry's (the most expensive ice-cream on the planet), lounge at the pool and eat out for 3 days and nights. Trying to extend the SAYING YES to also parting with my hard earned money!
Ice cream at Ben and Jerry's: $20
Reservations at the Inn at Christmas Place: $433
Outlet mall shipping: ???
Notice I scheduled my opportunity to practice generosity when we were already slated to spend money at our annual trek to Pigeon Forge and the outlet malls. The girls have been saving their money and I plan to supplement it by giving them each a wad of cold hard cash and then allowing them to make additional (Back-to-school) purchases on me! We'll visit the Titanic exhibit, eat Ben and Jerry's (the most expensive ice-cream on the planet), lounge at the pool and eat out for 3 days and nights. Trying to extend the SAYING YES to also parting with my hard earned money!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
What I've learned so far--52 minus 8 weeks
It's hard to believe that 8 weeks have already passed in my quest to a better Diana. The days are long but the years are short. Time Flies.
"All good is gained by those whose thought and life are kept pointed close to one main thing, not scattered abroad upon a thousand"--Stephen McKenna
These past 8 weeks have kept me focused in thought and deed. And, while I am focusing on a different task weekly, I am ONLY focusing on ONE thing each week. Success comes from FOCUS.
8 weekly challenges have met with varying degrees of success:
1-The Power to Choose
I feel as if I have been set free. Choosing not to embrace a negative emotion has greatly impacted my happiness. I continue to practice this daily and my mantra has become "Let it go".
2-Blessing
Recognizing the blessings that surround me has been, well, a blessing! I am surrounded by good things, great and small, and will continue to notice them in a more deliberate way. It really is the little things that matter!
3-Listen Up
I need continued work in this area but am more aware when I drift away or am not focused on verbal conversations. I am trying to appreciate silence more too.
4-Excesses
Still practicing excess but more aware of the opportunities to indulge and trying to steer clear of them. Some days and situations (like scrap booking and yarn stores) make it easier than others. Tithing and savings first out of a paycheck are now a common occurrence.
5-A Week without Whine
Still going without wine on many days and sleeping better as a result of it. And, while I am not an expert, I believe I am whining less too. Working on both of these on a daily basis. Awareness is a good thing.
6-More Strokes, less Pokes.
I think I am hardwired to be a poker...I am going to visit this in a more deliberate way in future weeks by incorporating things like compliments, holding my tongue and giving hugs.
7-One Less Thing
Successfully doing inconsequential things more efficiently and on occasional days experience less stress as a result. I have to break a 52 year cycle of being an over achiever and multi-tasker. Needs continued work.
8-Say Yes
My rigid nature makes this one a challenge but I am working on saying yes when it doesn't impact life altering events.
I believe the last 8 weeks have been a positive experience and I am a better person for it. It has given me a self awareness that I would not have had otherwise. Setting small goals on a weekly basis has enabled me to make necessary adjustments and keep my commitment to the task at hand.
Week 1 (Power to Choose) has impacted my life (and probably the lives of countless others) the most significantly.
Next on the agenda
Generosity, Eliminate self depreciating remarks, Embrace Fun and Worship through service!
"All good is gained by those whose thought and life are kept pointed close to one main thing, not scattered abroad upon a thousand"--Stephen McKenna
These past 8 weeks have kept me focused in thought and deed. And, while I am focusing on a different task weekly, I am ONLY focusing on ONE thing each week. Success comes from FOCUS.
8 weekly challenges have met with varying degrees of success:
1-The Power to Choose
I feel as if I have been set free. Choosing not to embrace a negative emotion has greatly impacted my happiness. I continue to practice this daily and my mantra has become "Let it go".
2-Blessing
Recognizing the blessings that surround me has been, well, a blessing! I am surrounded by good things, great and small, and will continue to notice them in a more deliberate way. It really is the little things that matter!
3-Listen Up
I need continued work in this area but am more aware when I drift away or am not focused on verbal conversations. I am trying to appreciate silence more too.
4-Excesses
Still practicing excess but more aware of the opportunities to indulge and trying to steer clear of them. Some days and situations (like scrap booking and yarn stores) make it easier than others. Tithing and savings first out of a paycheck are now a common occurrence.
5-A Week without Whine
Still going without wine on many days and sleeping better as a result of it. And, while I am not an expert, I believe I am whining less too. Working on both of these on a daily basis. Awareness is a good thing.
6-More Strokes, less Pokes.
I think I am hardwired to be a poker...I am going to visit this in a more deliberate way in future weeks by incorporating things like compliments, holding my tongue and giving hugs.
7-One Less Thing
Successfully doing inconsequential things more efficiently and on occasional days experience less stress as a result. I have to break a 52 year cycle of being an over achiever and multi-tasker. Needs continued work.
8-Say Yes
My rigid nature makes this one a challenge but I am working on saying yes when it doesn't impact life altering events.
I believe the last 8 weeks have been a positive experience and I am a better person for it. It has given me a self awareness that I would not have had otherwise. Setting small goals on a weekly basis has enabled me to make necessary adjustments and keep my commitment to the task at hand.
Week 1 (Power to Choose) has impacted my life (and probably the lives of countless others) the most significantly.
Next on the agenda
Generosity, Eliminate self depreciating remarks, Embrace Fun and Worship through service!
Saying Yes-Thursday
I haven't had much of an opportunity to say yes because there haven't been many requests
DD asked again for ice-cream at the Dairy Queen after dinner Tuesday night (but it was too late so had to say no) and asked for Chinese takeout last night (again, too late and had to say no)
I am more open to saying yes t the things that are not dangerous, illegal/illicit or interfere with my bedtime (ha)
DD asked again for ice-cream at the Dairy Queen after dinner Tuesday night (but it was too late so had to say no) and asked for Chinese takeout last night (again, too late and had to say no)
I am more open to saying yes t the things that are not dangerous, illegal/illicit or interfere with my bedtime (ha)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Saying Yes-Tuesday
Saying yes was a little easier because I had made the commitment to it. It is a little inconvenient at times...but it feels good. I said yes to a sleepover, ice cream after dinner and manicures and pedicures. Can't wait to see what opportunities the rest of the week offers.
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