Being and doing better in the world today

A Journey to Self-Improvement– We Can Be Better And Do Better in every aspect of our lives.

Good day, Faithful Readers,

It seems like today we can “be and do better,” doesn’t it? The other day, sleep completely eluded me. By 6:00 a.m.—a time I rarely see—I found myself on the back patio, cradling a Royal Breakfast Latte in my hands (fancy, right?). As I sipped the rich, velvety brew, I gradually drifted into a daydream, my gaze wandering to the changing light in the sky. Gradually, the sunrise unfurled like a painter’s canvas, with hues of gold and pink spilling across the horizon. It was one of those rare, serene moments when the world seemed to hold its breath, then exhale.

As I glanced at a leaf hanging from a tree nearby, a ladybug performed its tiny morning ritual on a dew-kissed leaf, its delicate movements a subtle dance. Interestingly, the ladybug kept flittering its wings and then closing them, until this tranquil scene unexpectedly triggered a flood of memories, taking me back to a time that irrevocably altered the course of my life.

Let’s rewind 19 years. Picture this: my daughter was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first child, and I was on the brink of becoming a grandparent for the very first time. My excitement was so boundless that I embarked on a baby-shopping spree, spending my entire paycheck on an array of baby clothes, toys, and countless little trinkets. Honestly, you’d have thought I was the one expecting! As I clutched those tiny garments in my hands, a profound realization struck me: We can be better and do better, and with this baby coming, I needed to elevate my game—not just as a grandparent, but as a person. However, that was the moment my journey of self-improvement began. It became crystal clear that I could be a better person and could do better things.

Have you ever had a similar realization? I would love to hear about it! Now as I look at the state of our country, I can become easily discouraged by what I see happening around me. However, at the same time, I choose to surround myself with some of the most amazing human beings, and consequently, I am constantly reminded to be better and do better. Today, I asked myself a profound question: What does it truly mean to be better and do better? Subsequently, I started thinking about the characteristics of those who strive to do and be better every day. This is what I discovered…

For me, being better isn’t about comparing myself to others. Rather, it’s about being the best version of myself.

We can be better and do better in our own unique ways.

1. Self-awareness: I checked in with myself—journaling and searching my strengths, weaknesses, and values—the whole shebang. Notably, I fought off negative thoughts, because they certainly tried to take over. I engaged in self-reflection, added prayer, and practiced meditation. Ultimately, it was a game-changer, and I chastised myself for breaking that once-faithful habit.
2. Emotional intelligence: This was a significant challenge for me. Initially, when I first heard this term, I asked a coworker if I was an emotional person. She gave me that look—the one that clearly says, “Seriously?” (I remember thinking about sad thoughts with a hint of humor.) Consequently, I recognized that I needed to start working on recognizing and managing my emotions. Moreover, I learned that emotional intelligence is about looking beyond myself and understanding others. Impressively, the more emotionally intelligent I become, the better I handle relationships and stress. Indeed, this is a crucial part of striving to be better and do better.
3. Having a growth mindset: There is a psychologist by the name of Carol Dweck who introduced the groundbreaking idea that we can develop our abilities through dedication and hard work. Importantly, I must jump out of my comfort zone, embrace challenges, and view failures as learning opportunities. While it’s not easy, I firmly believe it will be worth it. https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/

I find that doing better is all about my actions toward life and their impact on the world. Here is my belief: We can be better and do better in our everyday lives. Here’s what I learned.

1. Setting intentions: Any time I set clear actionable goals I can achieve them. Whether it’s improving my health, growing this blog, or supporting friends and family, I know I can do better with a clear plan that gives me direction and purpose.
2. Consistency and discipline: Starting with a bang is easy, but maintaining momentum is the challenge. I have to establish a routine and system that keeps me on track. Small changes add up over time right?
3. Lifelong learning: Believe it or not I did not start college until I was 32 years old with two children thirteen months apart, one on each hip—literally! They were 3 and 4 years old. I am of the belief that no matter how old I get I never have to stop learning. Whether through formal education, hobbies, or simply staying curious, continual learning helps me adapt and grow. This is crucial to being better and doing better.
4. Contribute to community: Give back. Whether it is as a volunteer, or my participation in church, I try to support my favorite businesses, but I also advocate for causes I believe in. I love the Wounded Warriors Project and seek to help make a difference there. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

To truly embrace being better and doing better, I am going to have to balance my thoughts, feelings, and actions though. “Do that inside work”—as I call it. I remind my now 19 year old grandson of that every day. I emphasize that we can be and do better in our lives daily.

1. Mindfulness: Staying present helps make for more conscious choices and respond thoughtfully to situations.
2. Gratitude: I try to regularly acknowledge the good in my life. It shifts my mindset from scarcity to abundance. I am here by grace anyway.
3. Resilience: My youngest granddaughter is the queen of bouncing back. At 6 years old, she handles life’s ups and downs with such grace that it has taught me the importance of resilience. It’s about maintaining a positive outlook and persevering when things don’t go your way. This resilience helps us to be better and do better in the face of challenges.
4. Balance: I spend hours each day at my computer, so I try to avoid burnout by taking care of my physical, emotional, and mental health. I need to exercise, rest, and participate in more physical activities that bring me joy. https://katehanley.com/mean-better-person/

This journey of being better and doing better is a continuous process that requires commitment, effort, and a lot of self-compassion. Since that blessed day when my first grandson was born, I’ve realized it’s about progress, not perfection. Every step I take brings me closer to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

So, come back often and join me on this journey to be better and do better with an open heart and mind.

In His Grip – Kathryn