Character and Happiness

 Does character still matter?

In today’s social milieu, where instant gratification seems to be the norm for many, character development often takes a back seat. For a lot of individuals, the goal is to accumulate more, experience more pleasure, and travel to new places—because, as they say, “you only live once.”

But what does it truly mean to be happy? The answer, of course, varies depending on each individual’s perspective. For me, happiness is having peace of mind—a peace founded on a clear conscience and on being in a state of grace. It is a peace that cannot be found in any specific place or circumstance, but one that is profoundly nestled in the heart, regardless of the situation one may find oneself in. It is peace of mind not only during joyful and comfortable times, but also amidst chaos and uncertainty. This peace is nourished and sustained by a sound personal character that stands firm amid the ever-changing tides of life.

In searching for what it means to live a life centered on character, I came across the Six Pillars of Character on the website https://charactercounts.org/six-pillars-of-character/. As I read through each pillar, I paused to reflect and examine my own character. These six pillars are: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

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Trustworthiness

Being trustworthy means being honest with oneself and with others. It means avoiding deception, cheating, and stealing. It is about having integrity—aligning one's words with one’s actions. It also involves being loyal to one’s principles and values, and standing firm for them.

Respect

Respect means following the Golden Rule: treating others the way we want to be treated. It is about accepting differences, being courteous, and being considerate of others. It includes managing anger, insults, and disagreements in a peaceful and respectful manner.

Responsibility

Responsibility means doing what we are supposed to do in whatever roles we play—whether as a parent, child, friend, or office worker—and doing it well. It requires perseverance and discipline, fueled by a desire for excellence and service to others. It also means thinking before acting and considering the consequences of our decisions.

Fairness

At the heart of fairness is playing by the rules. It involves giving others a fair chance, sharing, listening to others, and being open-minded. Most importantly, it means never taking advantage of others.

Caring

Caring is about being kind, compassionate, grateful, forgiving, and thoughtful toward others.

Citizenship

Good citizenship means doing our part to improve our homes, schools, and communities. It involves active participation in community efforts, staying informed, electing good leaders, being a good neighbor, and making choices that protect the rights, safety, and well-being of others—including the environment.

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What a gentle yet powerful reminder for all of us during these times of ambiguity and confusion. Perhaps we need to take a moment to pause and reflect on these Six Pillars—pillars that shape our character and nourish the peace and happiness within us.