When you were little, I’m sure at some point you were instructed by your parent to be “good”. 

But what did that mean?  Don’t act up? Sit quietly and be on your best behavior?  Don’t talk back?  Be the best on your soccer team?  We refer to food as a “good” meal, or perhaps a piece of clothing feels “good” against our skin.  How often have you referred to someone being a “good” person?  The Greek word is agathosune – uprightness of heart and life, from the base root which can, among other things, translated as agreeable, joyful, excellent, distinguished.

Are you “good” with your life right now?  Feeling joyful?  Are you living up to your own personal excellence?  How can you integrate actions into your everyday life this week that would help you bear the fruit of goodness? 

When I think of a good person, I think of someone who cares for others unselfishly.  A person who smiles, thinks about others and shows that thoughtfulness in small acts of kindness and love.  So for me, I could emulate what they do, modeling it in my own activities.  From making a phone call to say hello to acts of kindness (as we discussed in our blog on kindness). 

Another perspective of goodness is in taking care of ourselves.  Be good to yourself as well – nurture what is important to you, take care of your physical body with “good” foods (aka healthy) and exercise, creating “good” habits that help you live a more positive and productive life.  There was an old coffee commercial that said their coffee was “good to the last drop.”  It was consistent; you could depend on every sip being just as tasty as the previous sip.  Steady, daily strides towards any goal bring you closer day by day.  And good habits are built just that way – today, tomorrow, the day after that, and the day after that!  

Mindfully and intentionally meditate on what goodness means to you, and how that translates into outward manifestations on a consistent basis.  Then each day, practice those ideas and actions.  Be sure to visit us on Facebook to find more good ideas!  Have a good day! 

Got it?  GOOD!