Act The Way You Wish To Be

• DAILY LIFT
• TODAY IN JEWISH HISTORY
• GROWING EACH DAY

Very good read...Happy Wednesday!

#992   Act The Way You Wish To Be
There is a basic principle found in the writings of the Rambam (Hilchos Daos) and other classic Torah sources: "Act the way you wish to be and you will become that way." We are influenced by our actions. Take, for example, someone who wants to become a kinder person. By doing many acts of kindness over time, the person actually becomes an authentically kinder person. Each day write down at least ten positive actions that you did. Write down kind words and acts, blessings that you said mindfully, and positive things that you did even though they were hard to do. Write down when you felt grateful, and when you refrained from saying something that would cause another person distress. Write down an encouraging telephone call that you made. What will happen when you are resolved to write down ten positive actions each day? You will go out of your way to do them. This will have a cumulative effect on your self-image.
(From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's book: "Building Your Self- image and the Self-image of Others" (Artscroll) Chapter 11)

See Rabbi Pliskin's new book "Life Is Now"

Monday Motto: Detaching with Love

Detaching with Love
Sometimes people we love do things we don't like or approve of. We react. They react. Before long, we're all reacting to each other, and the problem escalates.
When do we detach? When we're hooked into a reaction of anger, fear guilt, or shame. When we get hooked into a power play--an attempt to control or force others to do something they don't want to do. When the way we're reacting isn't helping the other person or solving the problem. When the way were reacting is hurting us.
Often, it's time to detach when detachment appears to be the least likely, or possible, thing to do.
The first step toward detachment is understanding that reacting and controlling don't help. The next step is getting peaceful --getting centered and restoring our balance.
Take a walk. Leave the room. Go to a meeting. Take a long, hot bath. Call a friend. Call on God. Breathe deeply. Find peace. From that place of peace and centering yourself there will emerge an answer, a solution.
Today, I will surrender and trust that the answer is near.
I have been struggling here lately. Watching other people hurt others and not taking responsibility for that pain they inflict on others really bothers me, deeply... 
Life happens and relationships can be very challenging at times.  I hope this helps somebody today.
God Bless Your Monday Abundantly!
TiNa = )