Character Building

 Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?

I can seethe in resentment. I can stay stuck in the repetitive thoughts of the unfairness of it all. The results can be manifested in emotional, spiritual, and physical maladies. My body and soul want joy! But how do I find that joy, that serenity, if my anger and resentment are burning me up inside?

I don’t mean to be simplistic here - there certainly is unfairness in this physical reality. The challenge lies in finding peace within. I’ve never faced some of the challenges people in the world continue to face; I tend to dramatically make the things that ignite the pilot light of my own resentment into the only heat I feel.

I’m learning to stop fanning those flames. I’m seeing that I’m the one who lights the fire and provides the kindling by my focus. I’m finding that some fires will always be ignited in a moment of carelessness. I look at my scars and see an experience I’ve successfully gone through. Those scars are, for me, the signs of having built some character. What did I learn? What will I do differently when I feel the burn next time? 

Character building is compassion in action. I’m learning to see how my way of thinking is what ultimately hurt me. If I recognize that pain in others, I can have compassion for them. I can take the next indicated action to see them - and myself - through the ease of forgiveness.

Experience - Learn - Change - Grow. Repeat daily.