You know I think the 25th strength should be “balance”!

It’s so nice to have you writing with us!

The first line of an old hymn (the date in the hymnal says 1600’s) reads:
“Deck thyself my soul with gladness, leave the gloomy haunts of sadness.” As a child I imagined you actually put on this gladness like an item of clothing which was why we dressed up for church and got to smile at everyone. It was a habit of both costume and behavior. While Lent is often thought of as a time for giving up, the idea of “taking on” or facing your challenges is a more positive approach. What someone sacrifices (gives!) in time, talent or treasure could very well result in greater gladness. What a perfect connection to the ideas of using your strengths in new ways.

What a fantastic topic for us to read today - we’re so lucky to finally get to read something that you’ve written! I think that your friend’s habit of choosing something to subtract and something to add to her life is a wonderful way to balance religious tradition with the power of positive psychology. For those who dont participate in Lent, this is also a wonderful opportunity to develop a new habit and to refocus on getting more of what we want in our lives instead of focusing on what we don’t want.
Thanks for contributing, Debbie!

PS I don’t think you could enhance your character strength of kindness much more even if you wanted to - you’re maxed out!