Peace and Goodwill

From our Motiv8ing Ideas Archive

Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can.

In this the season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and send greetings to family and friends around the globe, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on our personal contribution to making “Peace and Goodwill to all mankind” a reality in our corner of this changing world.

With the ongoing war-mongering rhetoric being used by our leaders, with frequent militant action in public service organizations causing disruption and danger to lives, education, and support services in our communities, with the high levels of crime and violence that exist in many neighbourhoods, and with excessive media focus on bad news, it is so easy to get caught up in a tide of blame, criticism and negativity.

Instead, and though it’s often tough to do, it is more helpful to shut off these negative influences and endeavour to manage our own attitudes and actions so that as individuals we are doing our utmost to spread peace and goodwill, not just at this time of year but at all times. And always our hopes and prayers should be that our personal individual contributions will snowball to have a really positive impact on world peace and goodwill.

So, in what ways can our personal attitudes and actions contribute to increased peace and goodwill? For starters, here are 10 ideas that we could personally choose to implement:

I will never have “road rage” or be an aggressive driver;  instead I will treat all fellow road-users with courtesy and patience.

I will never talk bad about people behind their back.

I will never be a rumour-monger or spread gossip.

I will communicate to other people using language that is always polite, gentle, and friendly.

I will contribute more of my time to help improve the lives of those who are less fortunate in my community.

I will contribute a larger percentage of my earnings to help others who are in genuine need of help.

I will not take avoiding action the next time I see a “Big Issue” seller; instead I will stop and talk with the person.

I will not watch violence on television; instead I will switch off and will constructively protest to the appropriate authorities.

I will not support acts of militancy, revenge, war, aggression or violence by my words or my actions.

I will constructively and peaceably protest to the appropriate authorities against any words or actions that threaten peace in this world in which I live.

Which ones have you chosen to do?

With best wishes from motiv8ing.com for a peaceful Christmas season, filled with joy and acts of goodwill to fellow mankind.

HAPPINESS:
Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry.
Live simply, expect little, give much.
Fill your life with love.
Scatter sunshine.
Forget self, think of others.
Do as you would be done by.
Try this for a week and you will be surprised.
(Norman Vincent Peale)