Shawnda Muir
April 3, 2018

How did you enjoy Perfectly Happiness?

Now that our book study is done, (and the daily Dynamic Catholic emails almost done), we'd love to hear your feedback on the book and Lent programs.

I've heard lots of great feedback from parishioners, including those in our book study. And I personally benefitted from the many good lessons and reminders in this book.  One key insight that really resonated for me was taking time every day to reflect on your day, listen for God's direction,  and then take one more step forward each day to becoming a better person while serving others.

What insights did you gain from this book? Please share a comment below.

I've also included a summary of the book below, as well a link here to all the related Dynamic Catholic daily reflections - videos and prayers, in case you didn't get a chance to follow them all. 

ENJOY!

Wishing you many Blessings this Lent season.  Shawnda

 

Perfectly Yourself – BOOK SUMMARY  (Click here for printer friendly version.)

CHAPTER 1 – CELEBRATE YOUR PROGRESS

We are marvelous creations, but still work in progress!

Be kind to yourself and focus on your progress (vs success or failure) as you strive to be better today than you were yesterday.

·        Work on one resolution at a time until it becomes a habit

·        Celebrate progress – small and large. Commit into memory

·        Seek new 1st things – continuous growth

·        View failure as part of success

·        Daily reflect – what is Holy Spirit inspiring me to do today and tomorrow to further myself and make a difference in the lives of others.

 

CHAPTER 2 – JUST DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING

·        Reflect frequently, what can I do now to be a better person and more like Jesus (pray for others etc.)

·        Consult with God in all decisions

·        Be mindful and present each moment

·        Choose happiness as default emotion. Do not resist unhappiness, rather surrender it in path to healing.

·        Focus on internal perfection - character and integrity vs external appearances

 

CHAPTER 3 – PUT CHARACTER FIRST

Put character ahead of financial gain and professional advancement, momentary pleasures and our own desires.

·        Invest in character by developing one virtue at a time: patience, kindness, humility, gentleness, forgiveness, honesty, integrity, love and self-control.

·        Be honest with myself and others

·        Nurture positive habits in key life areas: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual

·        Stay centered on God’s voice: character, virtue, holiness and love for God and neighbor and resist worldly self-centered focus

 

CHAPTER 4 – FIND WHAT YOU LOVE AND DO IT

·        I will work hard and well, paying attention to the details of my work. I will acknowledge each hour and task is an opportunity to grow in virtue and character.

·        I will begin to identify and root out all half-hearted things in my life.

·        I will make a list of all the things I am passionate about.

·        If I am not happy in my work (or other life area), I will determine the cause of this unhappiness, and deal with accordingly. In meantime, use as an opportunity to grow in patience and fortitude.

·        If I decide to find more passionate work (dream), I will do one thing every day for the next 90 days to prepare and lead me to my new position (dream).

·        I will not allow myself to be paralyzed by fear. Rather I will remember times in past when I overcame fear, and step forth courageously.

 

CHAPTER 5 – LIVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE

·        I will begin to regularly access what I believe and allow my beliefs to direct my words, thoughts and actions. I will be mindful when I act contrary to my beliefs.

·        I will seek the healthy balance that allows me to be content with who I am today while at the same time longing to improve tomorrow.

·        I will seek out friendships that help me live my beliefs and encourage others to live all the good things they believe.

·        When I feel conflicted, I will pause to determine how my words, thoughts or actions have strayed from my beliefs, and then seek to establish greater integrity in all areas of my life.

 

CHAPTER 6 – BEYOND INSTANT GRATIFICATION – BE DISCIPLINED

·        I will control my temper by pausing before reacting.

·        I will control and direct my appetite to things that are good for me. I will respect my body as a great temple.

·        I will control my impulses by pausing and subjecting them to reason before acting.

·        I will free myself from the slavery of my temper, appetites, and impulses, but engaging in the power of fasting and self-denial.

·        Occasionally I will allow myself to indulge but only in ways that follow my beliefs and do not harm myself.

·        Over time, I will learn to see both indulgence and self-denial as acts that foster the discipline that gives birth to enduring happiness.

 

CHAPTER 7 – UNBURDEN YOURSELF - SIMPLIFY

·        I will learn to master the moment of decision – that I can say yes or no, and that saying no is a powerful way to simplify my life.

·        I will examine and then follow the critical success factors in the various aspects of my life – physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, professional and financial.

·        Before I buy something, I will ask myself if I really need this, or do I simply want this?

·        I will unplug my TV for one month, assess the impact to my energy levels, relationships etc. And then limit any exposure moving forward.

·        I will begin de-junking my living and working environments, and where possible, pass my excess belongings on to someone who needs them.

 

CHAPTER 8 – FOCUS ON WHAT YOU ARE HERE TO GIVE

·        See life mission:

o   Live by beliefs and values

o   Help others be better people and disciples

o   Use talents and passions to serve others

o   Listen to voice of God

·        Use time, talent & treasure to serve others – local and far away

·        Balance serving others and self-care

·        Focus on who can I serve, whose day can I make

 

CHAPTER 9 – PATIENTLY SEEK THE GOOD IN EVERY THING AND EVERY ONE

·        Minimize time on worry. Access issue. If you can do anything about it, then do it! If you cannot control, surrender to God and develop character.

·        Be curious, go with the flow, uncertainty is friend.

·        Each day, pause, reflect and then do what matters most.

·        Look for the good in everyone and everything.

·        Seek every moment to share God’s love and goodness with every person that crosses your path.
 

Downloads

• Perfectly Yourself.docx