CARE

One of the qualities I'm working on strengthening is CARE. Compared to other qualities such as creativity, humor, ambition, motivation, self-discipline, etc...care sounds boring and passive (at least I never gave it much thought). But alas, I was wrong.

Caring for me = mindfulness plus LOVE with a touch of gratitude wrapped up in ACTION with sprinkles on top. If you care about something that means you not only give it attention, but you do what needs to be done to express your care.

Here are some things I realized and care to share about CARING.

1. If you don't CARE about _____ (fill in the blank), why should anyone else? Remember what Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." So if you want something to happen, begin by caring about it enough to act on it. This includes taking care of YOU. If you feel like you're not getting the love and attention you desire from others - pay attention to how much of it you're giving to yourself.

2. CARE about the SMALL STUFF. Not sweating the small stuff does not equal not caring about it. Consider how you can exit a car without slamming the door, but rather gentle close it. Think about how instead of chowing down in front of the computer at lunch, you take time to just eat.

3. CARE about others. Often we're in our own world so much that we don't recognize opportunities to help others. I regularly see standing pregnant women or elderly people go unnoticed on the subways. Most of the time I attest people not giving up their seats because they don't realize the opportunity to help. We are so wrapped up in ourselves, that our CARE radar isn't even on.

4. CARE about the GOAL and PROCESS, release the RESULT. The only thing you can control are your thoughts, and to some extent, emotions. So do the best you can and care about the parts you can affect. Release attachment to getting a particular result. If things don't work out as you had planned, continue to care about your desired result enough to adjust the process and go again.

5. CARE enough to care even if you feel like you don't care about much. Just take each moment for what it offers and care about that - start there. Wash you dish as best you can. Sit as straight as you can. Breathe. Write neatly. Think of the honor a monk gives to each step he takes. You don't have to do this 100% of the time, but the more you do, the better

Much love and care,
Stella