Mind & Character

Do not go gentle into that good night,

old age should burn and rave at close of day.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas poem for his father

As we age we come to accept those things that we might lose, our physical strengths for instance. Of course we should all take care with our physical health, working to stay vital with exercise, diet and sleep. But what of our inner qualities? It’s no coincidence that the people we admire most tend to have an interior beauty and a deeply human character.

Here are ten behaviours worth noticing, worth developing for a better mind and a stronger character.

1. Be Honest. Tell the truth; be sincere; be prepared to be vulnerable; don't mislead or withhold key information in relationships of trust.

2. Demonstrate integrity. Stand up for your beliefs about right and wrong; be your best self; resist social pressure to be otherwise. 

3. Keep promises. Keep your word and honor your commitments; show that you care by caring about others time.

4. Be loyal. Stand by family, friends, community and country; don't talk about people behind their backs; only talk as if they were present; pay compliments.

5. Be responsible. Think before you act; consider consequences; be accountable and "take your own medicine." 

6. Pursue excellence. Do your best with what you have; don't quit easily. 

7. Be kind and caring. Show you care through generosity and compassion; don't be selfish or mean. 

8. Treat all people with respect. Be courteous and polite; judge all people on their merits; be tolerant, appreciative and accepting of individual differences. 

9. Be fair. Treat all people fairly; be open-minded; listen to others and try to understand what they are saying and feeling. 

10. Be a good citizen. Obey the law and respect authority; vote, volunteer your efforts; protect the environment.

So, at the dying of the light, we can leave an indelible impression on those we leave behind.