b-franklin was a grinder

If you’ve been following my blog, you may have heard that I’ve been doing a little side project inspired by Ben Franklin. Every month, I’m working with a different virtue from his list of Thirteen Virtues.

(Read more about each virtue at  ThirteenVirtues.com.)

Why?  It’s because I admire Ben Franklin and like him, I’m always on a quest for self-improvement.

I just wrapped up Month Four: Resolution.

Here’s what happened:

Ben explains resolution as: “Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.”

In other words: get shit done with no excuses.

If you know anything about ole Ben is this: he was no slouch.  This man was a grinder.  Take a look at his list of accomplishments:  http://thefranklininn.com/history/benjamin-franklin-achievements-contributions/

Dude wasn’t messing around.

Fortunately for me, that same energy is coursing through my blood.  Although I’m never going to create anything as important as a lightning rod, I’m a workaholic and I deliver.  When I say I’m going to do something, I do it.  No excuses.  No trying to get out of it.  I set my mind to the duty at hand and I don’t stop until it is done.

I’m prolific because I have good work habits.

But there is something deeper: I like to be a woman of my word.  This is integrity.  I want to be known as reliable.  Yeah, it’s not as glam as being known for six pack abs or the ability to balance a piano on my nose while singing the national anthem, but being reliable has it’s perks.  Mostly: people know they can trust you to follow through.

I like that.  I like that in other people too.

So yeah…this month?  Easy as pie for me.  It’s my nature.

What I learned: some qualities are so much a part of you that you don’t even have to think twice about it.  It just is.  Following through is just part of who I am. When I say I’m down, you can count on me.  This virtue is fundamental to how I like to live my life – and also, how I like to be treated by others. Reliability is in, yo.

How I intend to carry this virtue forward into the rest of my life: easy!  Just keep on grinding and coming through for the people who depend on me.  Finish my work when I say I will. And if I falter? Get right back up on that pony and keep on riding until the work is done.  Giddy up!

Resolution + Tarot – your affirmation for the month: The Emperor is my choice for this Virtue. Why?  He’s steady as a rock.

emperor

Affirmation: I always deliver.

How about you?

Is it time to introduce more Resolution into your life?

What would that look like? Where will you begin?

bigstock-Benjamin-Franklin-hand-on-hip-21364109If you’d like to join me as I continue my journey through Ben Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues, feel free! This month (January) I am tackling Frugality.  Which I will admit right here: this is also easy for me.  I’m a budget freak and a fiscal conservative.  I’ll be sharing my money story and best frugal tips.  (And yes, because I made that promise here, I resolve to do it!)

I hoped you enjoyed this backstage peek into my latest side project.

And here’s a nice little thought from my homeboy, B-Franklin:

“How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.”

Be one of the few.  Be like Ben and get shizz done.  You know he’d like that.

ice-ice-baby

It’s finally winter here.

Other stuff:

Six photographers take a picture of the same man – but he gives them a different backstory.  Check out the results.

Feminist academics love K-Beauty.

Interested in Angel Card Readings?  Get over to The Ultimate Guide to Angel Card Readings and learn more.

Chris Arnade writes a heartbreaking post about addiction in east Buffalo.

Got a nice little shoutout from Joanna DeVoe in her weekly roundup.

Inspired parenting is accepting your child for who they are.  I love this little guy!

Listen up: I loved talking with Pace and Kyeli Smith about Tarot, Astrology, Enneagram + Pathfinding.  This might be one of my most loved podcasts, ever!

I love found art.

Back in the day, bloomers were a problem.

A story about being a “little sister” in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

Kate Courageous tells you what to do when you lack motivation.

This brave woman lived like a Victoria’s Supermodel for a week.

Interesting: 6 healthy relationship habits people think are toxic.

If you want a smart baby, the best age to have ’em is in your 30s.

Say awww: animals sniffing flowers.

DJ Khaled has inspirational words of wisdom for you.

A good read: What it’s like to be a person with a disability in the fashion industry.

Got adrenal fatigue?  Here’s what to do about it.

This is compelling: women who left a polygamist cult share their stories.

 How we should be talking about men who prey on underaged girls.

I might need this: TONYMOLY Pandas Dream So Cool Eye Stick

I also might need these: TONYMOLY I’m real mask sheet 11 kinds <-yeah, I’m a sucker for that K-Beauty stuff too! Ha!

Currently reading: Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

I love Ellie Krieger’s healthy cookbooks. Her latest: You Have It Made: Delicious, Healthy, Do-Ahead Meals

My sis got me this cookbook for Christmas and I’m loving it: One Pan, Two Plates: More Than 70 Complete Weeknight Meals for Two

Pondering this book: Hands Free Life: Nine Habits for Overcoming Distraction, Living Better, and Loving More

Do I really need another book on tidying up cluttering up my shelves? Yes. Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up

What I’m Grateful For:

Opportunities

Stars

Time to write

Peppermint gum

Cute stickers in the mail

Thank you cards and fan mail

Daughters who show up with forbidden donuts for no reason at all

 

Soundtrack for 1/9/16: “Garden” by Hinds

Blessings,

Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2016

Images from Flickr commons, stock photography and personal collection

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