There are many qualities I admire, appreciate and respect in others, and aspire to embody.
One core quality is that of a ‘compassionate mess’, in spite of and in the face of it all
From that level of humility, and a radical acceptance of self, other, the way things are, is a way of being in the world I am drawn to in myself and others. Iris Murdoch refers to humility as a ‘selfless respect for reality’. I guess humility is high on my list too.
Yes, there are people that I admire and I attempt to emulate some of there qualities. And I find it helpful to have examples in the world. The qualities are always kindness, helpfulness, compassion, thoughtfulness, and self awareness.
Ethical integrity pulls me deeply today. Even when I disagree politically with certain people, I am transformed when they speak truth to power with the courage of their convictions.. This has happened at the January 6 committee hearings and it lifted my heart into a place of deep respect.
There are qualities in all that I admire. However, I would say if I could, I would like to embody the qualities of my grandmother and others a like. My grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer 4 years ago and there has not been a single day that I have heard her complain about this diagnosis. Whenever I am in her presence you can feel the light that radiates from her, and her words are only of gratitude and kindness. I admire her strength and I am growing everyday to become a more kinder soul–like my grandmother and many others like her.
I think I am as I am and what I am because god wants me to be as I am. Mind always wants to be something better, wiser, greater, humbler and so on…. Does that mean the mind knows how everything is supposed to be and God made a lot of mistakes? On the other hand it seems that evolution is part of being. Here are and have been so many saintly beings with qualities I can only dream of. Like unshakeable inner peace, love , forgiveness, wisdom and knowledge of the self
I think an unfortunate by-product of this question is to massage the feet of the “I”. But of course, it isn’t about me, so I cannot answer. “The obstacle in your path, is your path”.
I admire my daughter & her ability/quality to go after what she wants. She is very clear in her intentions & her determination. She knows what she wants & goes & gets it. She pursues her “goals” I might add with love, love in her heart. She seems to be fearless. I wish I could have some of her fearlessness & determination. I have been trying to get out of a bad relationship for quite some time. I wish I was without fear.
Look for Joy today. ❤️🌼✨
You too. I see now I made a mistake in my post. I fixed it. Hope you knew what I meant. There days I can edit something five times and find a new error each time and still miss something.
I would like to add all of you to the list of people with qualities I admire. I have been reading your reflections for over a year now without having the courage to add my own voice. You are courageous when giving voice to your thoughts and struggles. I also admire the humble honesty, the desires to continue to grow more compassionate, empathetic, and accepting of reality. I admire the encouragement you give each other in your replies. You are a blessing and wonderful example of humanity’s capacity for admirable qualities to more people than you know.
Claudia, this is beautiful. I am sure everyone thanks you. Do you remember when you were a kid and other kids used to say, “It takes one to know one?” They probably meant it in a not so kind way but I use it here in a kind way. You have the traits you praise or you would not have written this. Please post more.
My dear friend Sandy who has suffered from severe Rheumatoid arthritis since she was 18 years old and is now in her 70’s. She has spent her whole life helping others. I first met her when she was in her early 40’s and leading retreat groups for her church. As the years went by she started volunteering for a hospice organization. Then she took on a summer camp for children with cancer. She lived in constant pain. I’ve seen her barely able to walk. When ask what someone should do when life presents challenges, she would say, “Leave them at the foot of the cross.” She still inspires others in her mid-70’s. The strength of her faith and self disipline inspire me to do my best. She makes me think of Mother Teresa.
Jane Goodall has many qualities I admire. I would like to be as caring, passionate and courageous as she is and work for positive change without being attached to the outcome and discouraged by obstacles.
As someone who strives toward Christian ideals, Jesus comes to mind – indeed the Christian faith reinforces embodying Jesus’s values through the Holy Spirit – most defined by commitment toward what is right and good with compassion for others, above all else.
I like what I’ve been blessed with, and I practice to strengthen and appreciate those qualities, such as perseverance, patience and respect.
To try to embody someone else’s qualities triggers my perfectionist streak, making me feel as though I’m not enough.
But there’s also the school of thought that we admire certain traits in others because we already have those traits. Like attracts like. Perhaps I already embody some of those qualities I notice in others but don’t believe that I possess.
I sometimes think God puts someone in my path so I can see myself. I have always thought of it as something that I needed to change to be better. I like your twist on it too put never thought of it that way. Thanks for the idea.
I love your answer,
dear Laura,
and I agree…
the question made me too,
‘feel as though I’m not enough.’
But there is someone I admire
who has traits I long for as well…
either way,
I am good enough,
but would like to be stronger in some ways.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. ♥
The person that I want to be. I admire qualities like patience, kindness, joyfulness, gratefulness, persistence, attention to detail, and intelligence. I like the qualities of keeping a good perspective, staying in the moment, and having confidence. Specifically I admire Robin the librarian who makes everyone who comes in the door feel like family and Lori a previous neighbor. Both of them embody all the qualities I mentioned.
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
There are many qualities I admire, appreciate and respect in others, and aspire to embody.
One core quality is that of a ‘compassionate mess’, in spite of and in the face of it all
From that level of humility, and a radical acceptance of self, other, the way things are, is a way of being in the world I am drawn to in myself and others. Iris Murdoch refers to humility as a ‘selfless respect for reality’. I guess humility is high on my list too.
Apologies for the long- winded answer.
Yes, there are people that I admire and I attempt to emulate some of there qualities. And I find it helpful to have examples in the world. The qualities are always kindness, helpfulness, compassion, thoughtfulness, and self awareness.
Ethical integrity pulls me deeply today. Even when I disagree politically with certain people, I am transformed when they speak truth to power with the courage of their convictions.. This has happened at the January 6 committee hearings and it lifted my heart into a place of deep respect.
There are qualities in all that I admire. However, I would say if I could, I would like to embody the qualities of my grandmother and others a like. My grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer 4 years ago and there has not been a single day that I have heard her complain about this diagnosis. Whenever I am in her presence you can feel the light that radiates from her, and her words are only of gratitude and kindness. I admire her strength and I am growing everyday to become a more kinder soul–like my grandmother and many others like her.
Dalai Lama’s kindness
I think I am as I am and what I am because god wants me to be as I am. Mind always wants to be something better, wiser, greater, humbler and so on…. Does that mean the mind knows how everything is supposed to be and God made a lot of mistakes? On the other hand it seems that evolution is part of being. Here are and have been so many saintly beings with qualities I can only dream of. Like unshakeable inner peace, love , forgiveness, wisdom and knowledge of the self
and want this
I think an unfortunate by-product of this question is to massage the feet of the “I”. But of course, it isn’t about me, so I cannot answer. “The obstacle in your path, is your path”.
I get this
I admire my daughter & her ability/quality to go after what she wants. She is very clear in her intentions & her determination. She knows what she wants & goes & gets it. She pursues her “goals” I might add with love, love in her heart. She seems to be fearless. I wish I could have some of her fearlessness & determination. I have been trying to get out of a bad relationship for quite some time. I wish I was without fear.
Look for Joy today. ❤️🌼✨
Maybe you could a little deeper inside. I bet you taught her some of that fearlessness. Did she ever tell you where she thinks she learned it?
Thank you Rabbit. Have a beautiful, joy filled Saturday.
You too. I see now I made a mistake in my post. I fixed it. Hope you knew what I meant. There days I can edit something five times and find a new error each time and still miss something.
I would like to add all of you to the list of people with qualities I admire. I have been reading your reflections for over a year now without having the courage to add my own voice. You are courageous when giving voice to your thoughts and struggles. I also admire the humble honesty, the desires to continue to grow more compassionate, empathetic, and accepting of reality. I admire the encouragement you give each other in your replies. You are a blessing and wonderful example of humanity’s capacity for admirable qualities to more people than you know.
I am glad that you have found this space,
dear Claudia…
we are all on this journey together
with love…
sparrow ♥
Welcome Claudia! Your reflection made me smile as it’s heart warming to read when someone has courage and did it!
Welcome, Claudia, and hugs to you {{{{Claudia}}}} 🙂
So glad you’re here! I also read and enjoyed the posts for months before jumping in. Hope you can stick around.
Claudia, this is beautiful. I am sure everyone thanks you. Do you remember when you were a kid and other kids used to say, “It takes one to know one?” They probably meant it in a not so kind way but I use it here in a kind way. You have the traits you praise or you would not have written this. Please post more.
My dear friend Sandy who has suffered from severe Rheumatoid arthritis since she was 18 years old and is now in her 70’s. She has spent her whole life helping others. I first met her when she was in her early 40’s and leading retreat groups for her church. As the years went by she started volunteering for a hospice organization. Then she took on a summer camp for children with cancer. She lived in constant pain. I’ve seen her barely able to walk. When ask what someone should do when life presents challenges, she would say, “Leave them at the foot of the cross.” She still inspires others in her mid-70’s. The strength of her faith and self disipline inspire me to do my best. She makes me think of Mother Teresa.
Jane Goodall has many qualities I admire. I would like to be as caring, passionate and courageous as she is and work for positive change without being attached to the outcome and discouraged by obstacles.
As someone who strives toward Christian ideals, Jesus comes to mind – indeed the Christian faith reinforces embodying Jesus’s values through the Holy Spirit – most defined by commitment toward what is right and good with compassion for others, above all else.
The Buddha/j the universe- that would mean I would be free from the human mind world and I would love everything and everyone.
I like what I’ve been blessed with, and I practice to strengthen and appreciate those qualities, such as perseverance, patience and respect.
To try to embody someone else’s qualities triggers my perfectionist streak, making me feel as though I’m not enough.
But there’s also the school of thought that we admire certain traits in others because we already have those traits. Like attracts like. Perhaps I already embody some of those qualities I notice in others but don’t believe that I possess.
I sometimes think God puts someone in my path so I can see myself. I have always thought of it as something that I needed to change to be better. I like your twist on it too put never thought of it that way. Thanks for the idea.
I don’t know where I read that, but it’s stuck with me.
I love your answer,
dear Laura,
and I agree…
the question made me too,
‘feel as though I’m not enough.’
But there is someone I admire
who has traits I long for as well…
either way,
I am good enough,
but would like to be stronger in some ways.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. ♥
Thank you for the affirmation, Sparrow.
I love this answer–appreciating ourselves for our own good qualities! Often overlooked.
🙂
The person that I want to be. I admire qualities like patience, kindness, joyfulness, gratefulness, persistence, attention to detail, and intelligence. I like the qualities of keeping a good perspective, staying in the moment, and having confidence. Specifically I admire Robin the librarian who makes everyone who comes in the door feel like family and Lori a previous neighbor. Both of them embody all the qualities I mentioned.