Building Character

“Part of the Jaycee Creed reads that ‘service to humanity is the best work of life.’ It isn’t often that prison inmates are afforded the opportunity to pay it forward, be of service to others, think and act beyond the confines of razor-wire and cell blocks. Yet, this happens in the Character Building Unit, an unusual prison environment MacDougall Correctional Institution in the low country of South Carolina. Inmates sign a ‘social contract’ upon entering the program, committing to living the change they want in life daily while acting to have a positive influence on others who reside around them.” -Gary Farlow (a CLF member incarcerated in SC)

What would be in your “social contract” to build your character through service to others?

 

The Sweet Spot

I was recently reminded of how often I have found myself dissatisfied with my leadership skills. If only I were more organized, if only my brain wasn’t so easily distracted by shiny things, if only my space was more neat… So many if onlys! So many judgements! This conversation reminded me that I lose a significant amount of energy and joy when I judge myself in this way. 

What if instead I focus on the intersection of my passion, my natural skills, and a need in the world? I know through my life coaching work that this is the sweet spot for all of us, and that the intersection of those three circles is unique for each. – Julica Hermann de la Fuente (CLF Board Member)

What is the intersection of something you care passionately about, something that you do easily and enjoy doing, and a need in the world? May that sweet spot be a magnet in the days and weeks ahead for you, and for me, and for all of us.

Service and Joy

One morning, helping in the office at my local congregation, we discovered a man sleeping behind the church. We offered him something to drink and eat and the use of our bathroom for a shower and shave. He used our phone to connect with some resources, but most importantly I simply listened. I heard about his recent struggles, helped him talk through some possible future plans, and empathized with the frustrations of navigating the systems of assistance in our area. I couldn’t fill his wallet, but we were lucky to have the resources to fill his belly. I couldn’t clear his path forward, but I helped him head toward it feeling functional. There were a few things around the office that didn’t get done that day, but the most important thing was centered. I ended that day with a big smile on my face – so happy to have been of service. I often consider the quote from Rabindranath Tagore – “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” -Darbi Lockridge (CLF Board Member)
When has service brought joy into your life?