I've started reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. And although I haven't finished it yet, it has inspired me to make my own list. If you haven't read her book yet, it is basically a year in her life in which every month she makes a list of goals for herself to follow - and then tries to continue each month's goals throughout her year. The goals are to help her be happier. She doesn't admit to being depressed {so far}, as much as she claims she could use a little more happy in their lives. And I agree - who wouldn't want more happiness!
Early on in The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin mentions the 7 Deadly Sins and how they're the gateway sins to worse sins. I hadn't really considered it that way before, but thought if the 7 Deadly Sins would lead me down a path to worse things, then what if I followed 7 ideals opposite of the sins... would that lead me to happiness?
I didn't know that there were already 7 opposites known as the 7 Heavenly Virtues. And although they're perfectly wonderful virtues, they don't all fit well with my life. Can I pick and choose my virtues? I don't know - but I did! I've created the below list of my Seven Personal Virtues that I plan to read and journal on everyday, and remind myself of the kind of life I hope to leave.
Seven Personal Virtues
{corresponding Deadly Sin}
Purity {lust} - Cultivate good health and hygiene. Flossing, exercise, whole foods. Meditate to achieve purity of thought.
Self Control {gluttony} - Refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption. Specifically for me - practice moderation with addictions such as sugar, caffeine and nicotine.
Generosity {greed} - Practice unlimited loving kindness towards all others. Give from the heart. Be generous with affection.
Energy {sloth} - Do not give up. Guard against laziness. Act as I want to feel. Move. Create.
Ahimsa {wrath} - Do No Harm. Be conscious of my deeds, words and thoughts - not only the act of inflicting a physical injury, but also mental states like evil thoughts and hatred, unkind behavior such as harsh words, dishonesty and lying.
Kindness {envy} - Love unselfishly. Trust without resentment or prejudice. Create peaceful stability and community.
Humility {pride} - Be modest. Be faithful to promises. Give credit. Self-examine.
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Have you read The Happiness Project? What did you think? Have you made changes to your own life based on the experience?
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