The Right Stuff

Sandcastles and snowmen have notoriously short lives, and their frailty illustrates the brevity of wealth and even relationships. Uncertainty

Individuals should take responsibility to maintain relationships, build personal integrity, and manage resources wisely, but many seek security in relationships, a good reputation, or financial independence, and outcomes often depend on factors beyond the individual’s control.

In response to life’s unpredictability, some escape into hobbies, partying, television, work, or shopping. Others look for social, religious, economic, or even psychological formulas.

Action

Security manifests itself when you have the patience to see the benefits while you experience life’s trials, when you have the endurance to do what is right despite unpleasant circumstances, and when you have the faith to base your decisions on the principles of good character.

Along the way, you need the discernment to identify what is right, the decisiveness to put it into action, and the humility to accept correction when you miss the mark.

Hope

A normal person feels grief at the loss of a loved one, uncertainty at an unfavorable diagnosis, and discouragement at the loss of a job. When these storms arise, however, the secure person does not give up on what he or she knows.

You can experience benefits such as family vacation, the thrill of finishing a project at work, and the satisfaction of helping a friend succeed. These experiences illustrate the value of relationships, integrity, and hard work, and they point to satisfaction in life beyond yourself.

In many ways, a person cannot become more secure merely by deciding. Security grows as you build your life around values that cannot be washed away.

Security In Balance

Stand Alertly

Alertness is "being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right response." Alertness prevents security from becoming isolationism. Notice what is happening around you and how it will affect others, and identify your responsibilities. Make sure you have a positive influence in your community.

Think Creatively

Creativity is “approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.” Creativity keeps security from becoming stagnation. Look at a job or project from a new perspective, and consider better ways to achieve the goal.

Live Joyfully

Joyfulness is "maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant circumstances." Joyfulness makes the difference between someone who succeeds and someone who merely survives. Difficulties can make individuals bitter, but joyfulness helps a person overcome challenges and carry on.