“By the aid of millions of bricks a city is built; by the aid of millions of thoughts a character, a mind, is built”–James Allen.
James Allen (As A Man Thinketh) is my go-to for inspiration, particularly about how my thoughts guide my actions. For so many reasons, my thoughts have gone to the subject of character and integrity. The above quote is well in line with the admonishment to: be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Sometimes, I imagine this quote as a construction crew trying to outpace a demolition crew. Our day can (and should) begin with intentional positive thoughts. Unfortunately, it often doesn’t take much interaction with the world to see those positive “brick” be torn down. This is my morning on an almost daily basis.
The idea of the Emotional dimension as the “keystone” dimension of well-centered fitness fits this analogy. We must build a solid foundation of the Spiritual (being other-centered) and the Physical (with regular physical exercise and healthy habits) if we are to have any power over the destructive forces in our days. As well, our Intellectual habits provide essential bricks. What information with which we feed the mind will have great impact on how we see the world. Sadly, many of us (often intentionally) allow ourselves to be fed with bias information and misinformation. Often we consume a very selective diet of information. On top of all this rests the Social dimension–our relationships with others.
Our mind and character are shaped as we allow them. It is easy to be a victim of circumstance, but we are the product of our choices. Every time we respond to someone or something (e.g., a comment on social media), we are choosing our words and our tone. We are either constructive or destructive—to others, as well as ourselves. Unfortunately, many allow themselves to be reflexive (fragile and easily offended) and oppositional (“us” v. “them”). These responses can only take on the life of a snowball rolling downhill (headed to hell, like the classic country song). It is all about choices.
Character is “one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual” (Merriam-Webster). Thus, it includes others’ perception of us. It also runs the spectrum from bad to good (to exceptional). Typically, one perceives our character as one’s degree of moral excellence and firmness—as a measure of integrity. We build our character by our choices. It may be challenged, but when the bricks are formed of moral thoughts and actions, it cannot be easily destroyed.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!