Summer Virtues
Assertiveness July 4 to 10
Love July 11 to 17
Detachment July 18 to 24
Compassion July 25 to 31
Diligence August 1 to 7
Assertiveness
What Is Assertiveness?
Being assertive means being positive and confident. It begins by being aware that you are a worthy person with your own special gifts. When you are assertive you think for yourself and ask for what you need. You have the self-confidence to tell the truth about what is just.
Why Practice It?
Without assertiveness, we would be passive, allowing others to bully us or lead us into trouble. We would have a hard time saying no. We would be afraid to tell if someone is hurting us. Without assertiveness, we might be too aggressive, bullying, fighting or trying to control others. When we are assertive, others respect us and we respect others. We stand up for what is right.
How Do You Practice It?
When you are assertive, you are your own leader. You stand up and speak out. You don't accept unfair or hurtful treatment. You set boundaries about what you will and will not do, and get help when you need it. You share your true feelings tactfully. You express your one-of-a-kind ideas, opinions and talents. You make a difference in the world in your own special way.
I am practicing assertiveness when I...
- Think for myself
- Share my own ideas and feelings with others
- Tactfully tell people what I really think
- Choose not to allow others to lead me into trouble
- Expect respect at all times
- Tactfully ask for what I want
- Keep myself from being too bossy
Affirmation
I am assertive. I think for myself and do what I feel is right. I am my own leader. I expect respect at all times. I freely express my own ideas.
Visit the Virtues Project.
Sources
Popov, Linda Kavelin. The Virtues Project Educator's Guide. Austin: Pro-Ed, 2000, p. 135.
"I am practicing" from Virtues Reflection Cards available at http://store.virtuesshop.com/cards.html.
Love
What Is Love?
Love is a special feeling that fills your heart. You show love in a smile, a pleasant way of speaking, a thoughtful act or a hug. Love is treating people and things with special care and kindness because they mean so much to you. Love is treating other people just as you would like them to treat you with care and respect.
Why Practice It?
Without love, people feel alone. When they don't feel they matter to anyone, they become unhappy. Sometimes they act angry and don't let others get close. Everyone wants to be liked. Everyone likes to be loved. When you are being loving, you help others to feel important. They become gentler and kinder. Love is contagious. It keeps spreading.
How Do You Practice It?
Love is putting yourself in someone else's shoes and caring about what they feel. It is accepting them, loving them just as they are. You can even be loving to people you don't know, just by caring about what happens to them and sending loving thoughts. Sharing is a way to show love. Share your belongings, your time and yourself. Love is thinking about how you want to be treated and treating others the same way.
I am practicing love when...
- I allow myself to connect deeply.
- I commit myself wholeheartedly.
- I show love through acts of kindness.
- I accept and appreciate the ones I love.
- I do the work on myself that love requires.
- I cherish the loves of my life.
Affirmation
I am a loving person. I show my love with thoughtful acts, kind words and affection. I treat others the way I want to be treated.
Visit the Virtues Project.
Sources
Popov, Linda Kavelin. The Virtues Project Educator's Guide. Austin: Pro-Ed, 2000, p. 195.
"I am practicing" from Virtues Reflection Cards available at http://store.virtuesshop.com/cards.html.
Detachment
What Is Detachment?
Detachment is experiencing your feelings without allowing your feelings to control you. It is choosing how you will act in a situation rather than just reacting. With detachment you are free to do only what you choose to do. Detachment is using thinking and feeling together, so you can make smart choices.
Why Practice It?
People never know what to expect from someone who is not detached. Without detachment, you just react and let your feelings control you. Anger can pop out without warning. With detachment you don't have to react. You can decide what you are going to do. Detachment brings self-confidence. It helps you to be moderate. It helps you to be your best self
How Do You Practice It?
Detachment helps you to decide how you are going to act, even when you have very strong feelings. It is like going to a calm, peaceful place within your mind and looking at what is happening without getting swept away. Whenever you have a strong feeling about something or someone, stop and ask yourself "What am I feeling?" and "What do I really want to do?" Take time out when you need it. Look. Choose. Act.
I am practicing detachment when...
- I recognize my feelings without letting them control me.
- I resis interfering with other' spiritual lessons.
- I choose to act instead of react.
- I free myself from impulses and cravings. (except for chocolate)
- I listen in order to understand.
- I have the humility to amend my mistakes.
- I lead my life as my soul chooses.
Affirmation
I am detached. I am aware of my feelings and choose my actions with detachment. I do what is right for me. I choose to be my best self no matter what happens.
Visit the Virtues Project.
Sources
Popov, Linda Kavelin. The Virtues Project Educator's Guide. Austin: Pro-Ed, 2000, p. 157.
"I am practicing" from Virtues Reflection Cards available at http://store.virtuesshop.com/cards.html.
Compassion
What Is Compassion?
Compassion is having kind feelings toward someone who is hurt or troubled. It is caring deeply and wanting to help, even if you don't know them. It is being kind and forgiving to someone who has hurt you.
Why Practice It?
When people feel hurt or in trouble, they often feel alone. Feeling alone can make things even worse. Without compassion the world is a hard and lonely place. Being compassionate helps us to feel less alone. Compassion helps us to be understanding of others and ourselves.
How Do You Practice It?
Compassion begins by noticing when someone seems sad or troubled. Put yourself in their place and ask how you would feel if it were happening to you. Think about how you can help. Take time to listen, and then say kind things like "What are you sad about?" and "How can I help?" Be forgiving when others make mistakes. Be a friend when someone needs a friend.
Signs of Success
I am practicing compassion when...
- I notice when someone is hurt or needs a friend.
- I feel empathy for the pain of others.
- I take time to reach out to those who need help.
- I care for others by listening deeply.
- I refrain from judging.
- I have compassion for myself.
Affirmation
I have compassion. I notice when someone is hurt or needs my help. I take the time to show that I care.
Visit the Virtues Project.
Sources
Popov, Linda Kavelin. The Virtues Project Educator's Guide. Austin: Pro-Ed, 2000, p. 143.
"I am practicing" from Virtues Reflection Cards available at http://store.virtuesshop.com/cards.html.
Diligence
What Is Diligence?
Diligence is working hard and doing the best job you possibly can. When you are diligent, you take special care to do things step by step. You think and move carefully to make sure things will turn out right. Being diligent is being industrious, giving all you have to give to whatever you do.
Why Practice It?
Without diligence, people act lazy and don't get much done. They act as if what they do doesn't count, rush through it or just do the least amount possible. Diligence helps you to get things done with excellence and enthusiasm. Diligence leads to success. When you are diligent about the things you do, people rely on you and trust you to give your best effort.
How Do You Practice It?
You practice diligence by deciding what you can do and then giving it all you have to give. You treat each action as important and do things carefully, one step at a time. You don't rush through things. You give them your full attention. Diligence takes patience. When you work hard, you can accomplish wonderful things.
I am practicing diligence when...
- I give 100% to the work I do.
- I strive for excellence.
- I pay full attention to whatever I'm doing.
- I am conscientious and careful.
- I work with love.
- I give my best to my relationships.
Affirmation
I am diligent. I work hard. I work carefully. I give my best to whatever I do.
Visit the Virtues Project.
Sources
Popov, Linda Kavelin. The Virtues Project Educator's Guide. Austin: Pro-Ed, 2000, p. 161.
"I am practicing" from Virtues Reflection Cards available at http://store.virtuesshop.com/cards.html.