Some people can’t change. And we can’t worry about that nor should we have them in our lives for any significant period of time.  But you, my friends, are not frozen in stone.  You can change.  And you can choose certain people who possess qualities you admire.

What are those qualities?  What are you looking for in a partner/friend, in your child and even in yourself?  What qualities do you value?  I was once asked to make a list of my top qualities in those I love (and the ones I desire for myself).  So, based off something a friend sent me years ago, I’ve created my own “cheat sheet” if you will:

1. Honesty.  Honesty is a way of life. It means you don’t steal, you don’t cheat on your taxes and you are faithful to your partner.  What do you do when you are given 10 more dollars than you’re supposed to get from the cashier?

2. Happiness. Being genuinely grateful for what you have and looking forward each day can make you feel a kind of happiness that is contagious.

3. Respect. When you treat others as you would like to be treated, you are showing the ultimate kind of respect.

4. Have fun.  Slow down from life’s frantic pace and have fun – even for just a few minutes.  Even for a second to dance in the kitchen while making breakfast.  🙂 (right kids?!)

5. Confidence. There is always someone out there better than you at something.  But having confidence is critical to being as successful as you can be.

6. Transparency. Be open and honest with those you love. Express your opinions, but more importantly, listen to theirs without criticizing.

7. Discipline.  Meet your obligations.  Someone is not watching you every minute of every day – but you still must have an ethical self and act accordingly.  Be strong enough to say no to life’s many temptations.

8. Giving.  There is nothing more irritating than people who give gifts or help with a predetermined outcome on their mind. That is not a giving person – you want givers in your life.

9. Compassion. Empathy is the most basic and strongest act of kindness  we accomplish as humans.

10. Passion. We should be able to be fired up over something, whether it be sports or wine or just being alive.

11. Patience. Rome wasn’t built overnight. Keep that in mind.

12. Self-reflectiveness. Obvious. Everyone has a few skeletons in their closet, and that’s okay. Being unwilling to confront those obstacles is a very big problem.

How many do you fit?  How about your partner?  Your friends?

Send this to a person you know who fits this for you and in your life – and thank them.  I’m going to remind my children.

Look, we’re never going to be perfect.  But, we can change and learn from our mistakes, as long as we know where we want to end up.

Have a great day!