Discipline vs. Self Discipline

Discipline vs. Self Discipline – Week of 8/8/2016

Hello Ladies,

Last week, we took some time to define discipline for ourselves. This week, we will analyze the textbook definition of discipline and compare that with the textbook definition of self-discipline.

The textbook (Dictionary.com) definition of the word DISCIPLINE is:

    1.      Training to act in accordance with rules

    2.      Activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training:

    3.      Punishment inflicted by way of correction and training

    4.      The rigor or training effect of experience, adversity, etc.

The textbook definition of SELF-DISCIPLINE is:

    1.      The trait of being well behaved, the trait of great self-denial

    2.      The trait of abstaining

    3.      The act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses

    4.      The activity of managing or exerting control over something

    5.      Rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint

    What are your thoughts on the textbook definitions for discipline and self-discipline? Based on the aforementioned definitions, do you think there is much of a difference between the two? How accurate were your definitions to the textbook definitions? Do the textbook definitions change your views on discipline? Please explain.

Discipline

Hello Ladies,

       Can you believe there are only four more months left in this year?!! As you may or may not know, the month of August will focus on discipline. This week, let us first define discipline. What is your definition of discipline? What are the things that require discipline as it pertains to your lifestyle? Please resist the urge to look up the actual definition of discipline. That will come sooner than you know. Instead, write the first thoughts that come to mind when you think of the word.

      When I think of the word discipline or what it means to be a disciplined individual, I think that it means that one is unwavering in their decisions. Regardless if the circumstance or situation is difficult or challenging, a discipline individual is steadfast in their choice. In honesty, discipline does not give me warm fuzzies. I think it can be hard, strict, limiting, and inflicting. Sounds harsh doesn’t it? Well, it is honestly how I feel about it sometimes. Can you tell that I am one who does not operate with much discipline in my life? Or do I? My goal for this month is to transform my thinking about discipline. The reality is that I don’t know much about it. What about you?

Last Tool

In Conclusion...

                   Thank you all for joining me this month as we practiced the art of being grateful.

Gratitude: Part 3

Hello Ladies,

First off, my sincerest apologies for not having the tool done and submitted to Jade on yesterday.

This week, I would like to hear feedback on how being mindful, knowledgeable, and exercising gratitude is going. I have a few questions.

1) Please list at least three things you wrote down that sincerely thanked God for since week one.

2) When/if you found yourself complaining since week one, what was the complaint, and was there an
opportunity to be grateful?

3) When you picked out your card for that special someone, what feelings did you experience?
If your person received your card, what were their thoughts?

Thank you all for your participation!

"Thank You"

                                                                       “Thank You”

I am especially guilty of telling people thank you, and not really being grateful for them or what they did.
Regardless of how huge the task was that they performed for me, or how great the action was, I have
noticed that I have allowed myself to make “thank you” suffice. I’m not, by any means, saying that the
thank you isn’t enough, not at all. What I am saying or trying to bring attention to is that gratitude goes well
 beyond saying thank you, I appreciate you, or good looking out.

When we think of gratitude, I believe that it is a normal reaction to think of gratitude in a spiritual state of mind.
We are grateful for the many blessing God has bestowed upon us, we are grateful that a prayer was answered,
we are grateful that we were able to ……… whatever that thing is. In fact, last week, in the tool, I listed examples
that required us to sincerely thank God for allowing us to do things that others may not be able to do. As I was
thinking of which direction to take the tool for this week, something dawned on me. Do we forget to be grateful
for the ones we love because we believe that they are obligated to do for us?  

I have been thinking of this for the past two days, and shamefully I have missed the mark. So much so that I
believe our ungratefulness towards the ones we love show up in a form of taking them for granted. We do not
do it on purpose, and on the flip side, we do obligatory favors for the same reasons: we love them, we are related
 to them, they did something for us, we don’t want to be selfish. Ladies, I present a challenge this week. I am calling
 it a challenge because if what I believe to be true, we have taken a lot of people for granted and not expressed
gratitude to people who matter, right here on earth.

The Challenge:
This week, we are all to buy or make a thank you card for someone who touched us immensely, and mail it to them.
Seems easy right? Don’t be fooled. I am calling this a challenge because we cannot send the thank you card to
anyone in the group or Doug. I know we are keeping it amongst us right now, but it won’t be fair to Terri to get all
the cards and then have to choose who to send her card to.  In the card, be specific, tell them that you were grateful
l for the act they did and that it warranted more than just a thank you. Let them know that although it may have
happened some time ago, you’re grateful for it. In doing this, take note of your emotions; how do you feel when
shopping for the card, do you really feel grateful or are you just doing the assignment, how did you feel when they
advised you they got card? Let’s reconnect next week to see what happened. Also, in addition to sending a card to
someone you are grateful, please feel free to send one to us who are in the group as well because I know that I have
taken each of you for granted, though I am eternally grateful for you.

Gratitude: Part 1

Positive Thinking: Finale

I want everyone to remember this as this is the last week:

1. It doesn't matter how slow you go, as long as you do not stop or give up.

2. Never establish a friendship with someone who is not more virtuous than you.

3. When you become angry, think about the consequences before you act.

4. If it is clear you can not achieve your goals, DO NOT CHANGE THEM, CHANGE YOUR ACTIONS!

5.  If you hate, then you will end up defeated.

6. Noble people make demands on themselves, lesser people make demands on others.

7. What ever you chose to do in life, DO IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART.

8. Give guidance only to those who have acknowledged their ignorance and seek knowledge.

* Always work hard for what it is you want no matter what it is,  because it won't come to you  easy or without a fight. 

You have to be strong and courageous. You have to  know that you can do anything that you set
your mind to do andnot give up. If anybody has the nerve to put you down or criticize you in any way, 

just keep believing in yourself always and turn that negativity into something positive.