Positive Qualities – Exact & Delicious

Dear Folks,
Overcome . . .
Evil with Good.
Falsehood with Truth.
Hatred with Love.
Ugliness with Beauty.
Selfishness with Thoughtfulness.
Need with Service. . . .
It may seem a stretch to categorize Delicious as a personal positive quality, but anything that is pleasing to the senses can also be agreeable to the mind and heart.
Having an attitude to live Exactly, to put together all of the components of life with precision will result in a polished finish product.
Peace,
Jim

            EXACT
Definitions: (1) observing strict method, rule, or order; meticulous; careful; (2) precisely thought out or stated; definite; (3) highly polishedSynonym: accurate, actual, adjusted, correct, precise, punctual, true
Familial Quality: conscientious
Saying:
Ad unguem (Latin): “to the fingernail”; “to a nicety”; “exactly” (from the use of the fingernail to test the smoothness of marble)

            DELICIOUS

Definitions: (1) highly pleasing to the senses <chiefly to taste or smell>; (2) very agreeable to the mind; delightful

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Positive Qualities – Ethical & Self-respect

Dear Folks,
The Golden Rule (The Ethic of Reciprocity)
You should love your neighbor as yourself. — Judaism, Leviticus 19.18
You should love your neighbor as yourself. — Christianity, Jesus, Matthew 22:39
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. — Christianity, Matthew 7:12
Ethical Self-respect and principled other-respect are reciprocal. In many branches of Christianity there is the idea of the Trinity. How important is personal relationship? It was the first thing God the Father did when he created God the Son.
Note the word “character” in the derivation of ethical as well as in the definition of self-respect.
Peace,
Jim
            ETHICAL
Definitions: (1) exhibiting or practicing the principles of morality; (2) being in accordance with the rules or standards of right conduct; (3) faithful to the standards of a profession or group; (4) showing good judgmentDerivation: Greek, “character,” “custom”
Note: The inner aspect (character) precedes its outer manifestation (custom).
            SELF‑RESPECT
Definition: a proper respect for oneself or for one’s own character and reputation
Balancing Qualities: humility, willfulness
Note: Lack of, or loss of, self‑respect results in inaction due to the diminution of will.
Advice: Idleness diminishes self‑respect. Therefore, stay busy with something constructive you love to do, or have a duty to do. Then turn the duty into an act of love. Self-respect begins with knowing what is worthy of respect; and is gained by loving and serving that value in others.

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Positive Qualities – Daffy & Flexible

Dear Folks,
Human efforts [are] cumulative, something in every effort [is] preserved and added to the whole. — Fifty Degrees Below Zero, Kim Stanley Robinson (1952-)
To see oneself in a humorous light often times means a Flexible attitude is required. Have a Daffy week!
Peace,
Jim
          DAFFY
Definition: crazy; silly; zany
Too Far: foolish
          FLEXIBLE
Definitions: (1) yielding to influence; tractable; (2) capable of responding or conforming to changing or new situations; (3) adaptable physically, emotionally, or mentally
Synonyms: pliable, pliant, supple
Too Far: wishy‑washy
Quote:
Most moral codes say “either‑or” . . . while the universe itself seems to be filled instead with a whole lot of “maybes.” — David Brin (1950 – ) Earth
Reflection: Flexibility can be experienced on many levels. On the physical, a flexible set of muscles helps in your supple and graceful movement. On the emotional, flexibility is essential for dealing with the variability of life’s situations and interactions with other people. As one acquires a broad and balanced set of positive qualities, flexibility is an inevitable result.
Comments:
• Prisoners of war who survived first decided to survive and then were flexible enough to do and be whatever it took to survive.
• People have an incredible capacity to juxtapose seemingly impossible concepts in their psyche, such as killing for peace or cheating for success. Be aware of these incongruities and inconsistencies. If you find you are justifying a point of view, you could take that as a clue; you may be forcing a fit.

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Positive Qualities – Service Minded & Vigorous

Dear Folks,
Like attracts like: Wherever you’re putting your focus is what you’re going to get more of. What you focus on expands. — Lisa M. Gillespie, Mind & Body Therapist
Even if a person is only concerned with enlightened self interest they need to think of someone other than themself. The highest form of Service Mindedness would contain Vigorous portions of self-forgetfulness and selflessness.
Peace,
Jim
            SERVICE MINDED
Definition: demonstrating helpful, beneficial, or friendly conduct; giving assistance or advantage to an individual or the community; thoughtful
Balancing Qualities: To balance confidence and humility practice giving service.
People Who Exemplify This Quality: Martin Luther King (1929-1968) American Peacemaker
Proverb:
When I do not know who I am I serve you.
When I know who I am I am you. — Indian
Quotes:

Do what needs to be done for yourself as if you were doing it for a dear friend. — Jerry Downs (1949 – ) American Philosopher

I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found out how to serve. — Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Franco-German Theologian

Comment:
Near versus Far
Many think service must be direct and person‑to‑person. Even though this individual support provides an emotional connection to the person served, it is no less valid to serve a wide variety of people, near and far. Entertainers for example distribute their talent for everyone’s enjoyment. Writers serve their readers. If someone makes a tool it is up to the one who uses it to do something with it.
Symbol: the buffalo
            VIGOROUS
Definitions: (1) living or growing with full vital strength; robust; (2) acting with abundant energy and force; powerful
Color: red
Symbol: the hippopotamus (Egyptian)
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Positive Qualities – Rascally & Sapid

Dear Seekers,
You could be better than you are
You could be riding on a star.
— Jimmy Van Heusen (1913-1990) Composer
It is often about degree. We humans are famous for overdoing it. Once we do, it is often an impulse to control our appetites. A little bit of a Rascally attitude will go a long way, and must be opened up only on those occasions, and with those people, who can appreciate it. Add a bit of Sapid thought to your chocolate this week.
Happy Valentines Day,
Jim
            RASCALLY
Definition: a good‑natured mischievous person; a rogue; a scamp <especially as used jokingly and affectionately>
            SAPID
Definitions: (1) agreeable to the mind; interesting; engaging; (2) savory; having a pleasing taste
Derivation: Latin: “to know,” “to taste,” “to perceive”
Mythological Place: Cawther, the lake of paradise, has sweet and cool waters (in the Koran). Anyone who drinks from it will never thirst again.
Consider the Source



Ranking the Colleges Producing the Most Peace Corps Volunteers

For the past decade, the Peace Corps has released an annual ranking of the top large, medium and small schools that graduate students who then serve overseas for a little more than two years. The organization, an independent U.S. government agency that has been around for more than 50 years, has more than 8,000 volunteers in more than 75 countries.
This year, the top schools in each category were in Washington state: the University of Washington on the large-schools list with 107 graduates-turned-volunteers, Western Washington University on the medium-schools list with 73 volunteers, and Gonzaga University in Spokane on the small-schools list with 24.
It’s the first time that one state has swept all three categories, said Carrie Hessler-Radelet, acting director of the Peace Corps. “It just seems to be the kind of state that’s very progressive and shares some of the same values as the Peace Corps,” said Hessler-Radelet, who volunteered in Western Samoa in the early 1980s and is part of a family in which four generations have participated.
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Positive Qualities – Punctilious & Thriving

Dear Folks,
If you only care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it. — William James (1842-1910) Philosopher
One can, and should, be Punctilious without being overly fastidious. There are two important aspects, one is attention to detail and the other is being articulate as well as tactful in what you say.
I’m not sure being punctilious is an essential quality before one can Thrive, but it can’t hurt.
Peace,
Jim
            PUNCTILIOUS
Definitions: (1) careful in the observance of the nicer points of behavior or ceremony; (2) very exact; scrupulous
            THRIVING

Definitions: (1) experiencing increase or success <especially because of good management>; prosperous; (2) flourishing; growing
Quote:

In order that people may be happy in their work, three things are needed: they must be for it, they must not do too much of it, and they must have a sense of success in it. — John Ruskin (1819-1900) English Poet and Artist

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Positive Qualities – Tough & Therapeutic

Dear Folks,
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Author
A balance in seemingly opposite positive qualities is essential, but often easier said than done. In order to survive a difficult time a person may have focused on the hard qualities. In order to nurture a young one a person may have acquired the soft qualities. The combination of Tough yet tender, the desire to be heard but with a willingness to listen, possessing a light sense of humor with an understanding of when to be serious – these are Therapeutic.
Peace,
Jim
            TOUGH
Definitions: (1) strong but pliant; yielding to force without tearing or breaking; flexible; resilient; (2) capable of enduring hardship; sturdy; resistant; (3) strong; robust; hardy; durable; vigorous; (4) resolute; firm; tenacious
Balancing Qualities: gentle, reasonable
Symbol: the sword
            THERAPEUTIC
Definitions: (1) concerned with healing the body, mind, or spirit; (2) calming; relaxing
Derivation: Greek, “to treat,”  “to attend to”
Saying: Cura te ipsum (Latin): “Physician, heal thyself.” Luke 4:23

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Positive Qualities – Watchful & Clement

Dear Folks,
Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup – the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. — Robert Fulghum (1937-) Elementary Solutions
Be Watchful of other peoples motives. Be not quick to judge. It takes a deeper look to see why they think and act the way they do (even those who support the other political party). Once we see another’s point of view (or even give them the benefit of the doubt) we can be Clement.
Peace,
Jim
            WATCHFUL
Definitions: (1) carefully observant; vigilant; attentive <especially with parental care>; cautious; diligent; awake; aware; (2) guarding against danger; (3) alert to opportunity; (4) mentally informed; (4) acting with discretion; self‑observant; self‑restrainedSymbol: eyesMythological Figure: Argus, a Greek mythological giant had a hundred eyes and was ever watchful. After he was killed by Hermes, the god Hera set his eyes into the tail of the peacock.
        CLEMENT
Definitions: (1) mild in temper and disposition; tender; compassionate; (2) inclined to be merciful; kind; (3) able to control oneself when provoked; forbearing

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Positive Qualities – Memorable & Free

Dear Folks,
Lives based on having are less free than lives based either on doing or being. — William James (1842-1910) Philosopher
A Memorable person may have a list of credentials and accomplishments, but the most memorable person is the one who touches our heart with their kindness. A person who Freely shares a passing smile or a lifetime of loyalty is worthy of respect. The good person has a great soul.
Peace,
Jim
            MEMORABLE
Definitions: (1) worthy of being keep in mind; famous; (2) illustrious; celebrated; distinguished; notable; striking
Synonyms: conspicuous, extraordinary, great, prominent, remarkable
Quote:
Teardrops are telescopes for happy ties and microscopes on the memory of joys that are lost. – Michael Hanna, 100 Thought Adjusters
It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others. — John Andrew Holmes
        FREE
Definitions: (1) able to move in any direction; unhindered; (2) able to choose for oneself; not restricted by anything except one’s own limitations or nature; unhampered; (3) spontaneous; (4) not constrained or stilted; smooth, easy, and graceful; (5) possessing a generous spirit; liberal or lavish with goods or time; (6) frank; straightforward; (7) open to all
Balancing Quality: respect
Note: If a person feels freedom without any constraints, they may feel they can do anything. This includes taking what they want even if it belongs to someone else. Adding the quality of respect (for person and property) to freedom infuses dignity to the character.
Compatible Qualities: artistic, expressive
Quote:

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance.
Comments:
• If you are possessed by your possessions, you are not free.
• An individual or a society experiencing fear is usually willing to give up personal freedom in favor of security and protection. Freedom is a given, like gravity, but our choice (which is also a universal principle) restricts our freedom. We restrict ourselves by agreeing to the rules of society, the rubrics of religion, conformity in the workplace, etc.

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