Today is another one of those days. There isn't much in the news worth blogging on and I'm so tired of the Britney and K-Fed bullshit that I could scream. What has this world come to? So today, I've decided to promote a man for whom I have alot of admiration and respect. Like my Dad set an example for me, Michael Josephson sets an example for the world. He records these daily radio commentaries five days a week and I hear him everyday on my way to work on KNX radio. His stories are more than inspiring and his method is outstanding. Here's an example of his commentary and then my endorsement.Being Right or Being Kind, By Michael Josephson
Watching parents struggle to keep their young children quiet on a recent plane trip reminded me of how stressful traveling was a few years ago when my kids were really young.
Anne and I would do everything we could to keep our kids from annoying other passengers, but no matter how hard we tried, one would always scream or kick the seat in front of her.
Inevitably, a few passengers would add to our anxiety and embarrassment by displaying disdain and discomfort through withering comments, loud sighs, or accusatory looks. Their message was clear: We were inept or inconsiderate parents.
I couldn’t blame them because our children did make their trip unpleasant. Still, I wished they had been more understanding.
In contrast, I so admired and appreciated the occasional man or woman who would go out of his or her way to ease the tension or lighten the burden with a supportive smile, a kind comment, or an offer to help.
Sometimes we don’t seem aware of the choices we have and our power to make things better or worse.
I once read of a man on a subway with two young children who were being loud and unruly. The man seemed to ignore their behavior, so a fed-up passenger confronted him: "Sir, don’t you see how your children are disturbing everyone? How can you be so thoughtless?"
The man sobbed, "I’m so sorry. Their mom just died and I’ve been thinking of how we'll live without her." In an instant, the critic’s self-righteousness turned to self-condemnation.
Why is it that so many of us have to be hit over the head before we turn on our caring and empathy buttons?
The next time you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose kindness.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Click Here to View More and Listen Online!
A person’s “character” is the summation of his or her habits, attitudes and attributes. Because those qualities are learned, they can also be purposefully taught. And they should be — because good character doesn’t happen automatically, and it’s too important to be left to chance. Society depends on it. There are many areas in which we legitimately differ: politics, religion, sexuality, wealth, ethnicity, personality, ambition. But there is such a thing as right and wrong. In word and deed, we have a duty to teach each other, and especially the impressionable young, that honesty is superior to lying, fairness to greed and caring to callousness.
It is always primarily a parent’s job to teach a child how to behave and make wise choices, but other institutions and adults involved in the lives of our kids play critical support roles. There are many areas in which we legitimately differ: politics, religion, sexuality, wealth, ethnicity, personality, ambition. But there is such a thing as right and wrong. In word and deed, we have a duty to teach each other, and especially the impressionable young, that honesty is superior to lying, fairness to greed and caring to callousness. And that is the purpose of Character Counts!
Character Counts! is an organization founded by Michael and is part of his Josephson Institute of Ethics. CC is the most widely implemented approach to character education, reaching millions of youth. The program he's created is based on basic values called the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Embraced by thousands of schools, communities, public agencies and nonprofit organizations for a simple reason – it works. These groups receive support and development from a national office, which offers training programs, free e-newsletters, resources and free consultation. It's not a religous thing (although its used by many churches and faiths) and it's not a curriculum or add-on, but a powerful means to advance curricular and behavioral goals.
This year and every year, his organization has had our government proclaim a "Character Counts Week". It’s the country's biggest celebration of character and it will be held this year from October 21 through the 27th. CC Week has been proclaimed every year by every president since 1994! Now for my blatent endorsement. It’s the perfect opportunity to highlight the Six Pillars of Character throughout your community — and connect with others across the nation. No matter what your political or religious affiliation, this event is all about the universal values we share. Over four million kids celebrated last year. How many this year?
Like I said at the top of this blog, this many gives me inspiration. He shown me that there's always some good to be found in almost every situation. His CC program is amazing and has even been praised by the great coach at UCLA, John Wooden. I urge you to encourage your public officials, schools or churches to join in the Character Counts Week this year. It not change your life for the better, but it will make you better.Click Here To visit the Character Counts Week website.
