By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times
This message is very fitting for this time of year and one that should be practiced every single day. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a fulfilling life, doesn’t it?
If we have good thoughts, they will form into good words, which can be put into motion as good deeds. Sound easy? It’s not. It takes a conscience effort. If we view it and practice it as a mantra then, “good thoughts, good words, good deeds” can move us towards a contented, peaceful life.
As we unfold these three concepts, understand that each practice applies, not only with how we interact with others but even more importantly, how we interact with ourselves, which is where it starts, really.
- Good thoughts. Two words with the power to uplift. Thoughts also have the power to tear down. I don’t think any of us need help with those kinds of thoughts. We might look at our current circumstance as a negative. We might think of ourselves unfavorably in how we look and what we think people say about us. The mind is a complex ocean of thoughts and we have to find the power within us to elevate how we think about ourselves and love who we are. We need to remind ourselves that there is no one else in the world like us. Our spirit within is uniquely ours and only ours to cherish and respect. What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. Buddha
- Good words. If we’re thinking something loving and positive, don’t keep it to yourself. Instead, it is imperative to translate those thoughts into words. Words spoken with care and sincerity can alter the mood and outlook of the person receiving the message, and for that matter; it makes us feel better, too, knowing that we’re giving a gift of kind, encouraging and inspiring words. Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. Mother Teresa
- Good deeds. No matter how big, no matter how small, an act of kindness can change someone’s life without us even being aware of the impact it has had on them. When we can, as much as we can, we must put our thoughts and words into action. Imagine what life would be like if we each did that? Something as seemingly small as a smile can mean everything to someone. None of us knows what other people are going through, which is why we should treat each other with compassion. Good deeds create harmony among living things and the universe. The reward of a good deed is in having done it. Elbert Hubbard
As we enter the holiday season, honor and celebrate, with gratitude, the reason why we gather together with our family and friends, acknowledging our love and appreciation for each other by creating new memories.
At a time when it seems hard to find good thoughts, good words and good deeds in the world, be a beacon of light that shines bright enough to light the way for those whose paths cross ours, whether they are people we know or whether they are people we randomly come in contact with.
Foreseeing the hustle and bustle that’s ahead of us, find time, frequently, between now and the New Year, to take several ten second pauses, as often as needed, to inhale and exhale slowly to calm the hectic pace. When we hurry, we’re not living in the moment, which means we’re missing out on the tiny miracles that are happening right in front of us. Doing this all year would improve our own outlook exponentially.
Wishing you a blessed holiday season. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2023!
