Hello there
When we think about our habits that help – those habits you have that are positive, powerful and all about helping others (And they also have helped you personally too!) we have to consider what we picked up from our mothers – or those people who played the role of mother, guardian and/or provider.
What did you get from that very important person.? I know for sure I got many of my habits from my dear Mama. I resisted knowing that at first, actually for many years but it was unavoidable! 🙂
I’ll mention a couple of those but first I want you to consider why this is so important to know and accept.
If we hope to improve our habits, knowing their origins would equip us with historical perspective and some important insight about how to move forward. For instance, if you now your habit of speaking out, taking a stand and defending people came from your Mom and that she developed that habit as a result of being the daughter of a community activist, you would understand more about why you have developed that habit, the importance of the habit to community development and the need to build on it to keep the legacy alive. The pride of your history will provide much needed confidence when taking a stand gets risky.
Then in the case of habits that don’t help….it’s good to know the story behind those too so we can be more empowered in our effort to change our ways.
So reflect on your wonderful habits that help and where they came from…and why they were developed in the first place.
For me, I know my habit of helping people – whether with a smile, a conversation, prayer or with tangible aide – came directly from my Mom. She helped people every single day. She smiled a warm a lovely smile at strangers and friends alike. She gave people rides to work – she had a soft t spot for single Moms and would pick them up routinely from the bus stop, especially in bad weather. My Mom – Maria Hernandez Logan, prayed for/with people at the hospital where she worked, long after her shift was over (and her job was not to pray for people by the way.) She just loved to help and… go out of her way to do so. So I know whenever I have a desire to do something like that, it’s something I got from her and it fills me up with even more resolve to be helpful so that I can keep her legacy alive. In this way, I keep her alive.
I also know that she didn’t become that way over time or after some dramatic experience in her life; I can’t remember her ever being any other way. I’ve asked her siblings and they agree; it was her way of being in the world. That’s a very comforting thought. Her mother was a kind and gentle spirit and somewhere along the way, she chose to follow in those foot-steps and I thank God she did.
Now another great habit my Mom had was early rising. She was up with the roosters and got some of her best work done before the house stirred. I’m still working on that one…it’s been a goal for years and while I accomplish it when extra effort is made it’s still not a daily habit. So now that I’ve put it out to the world, let’s hope I have slain that dragon! Lol.
Think about where your habits have come from and give credit where credit is due. Our mothers and caretakers have had major impact. If we hope to improve on habits or even just keep them sharp, it would be helpful to know where they came from.
The whole business of keeping habits sharp – especially those powerful habits that help is challenging enough. I say arm yourself with as much help and knowledge as possible.
Wishing you a peaceful and very grateful Mother’s Day Weekend!
Love, Light and Abundant Life,
♥~