May 2003

Week One

"Courage is sometimes mistaken for fear that remains silent."
~ Author Unknown

Week Two

"Haste makes waste."
~ Author Unknown

Week Three

"Self-control is like a muscle: only exercise keeps it strong."
~ Author Unknown

Week Four

Dear Hope: Maturity is many things.

First, it's the ability to base a judgment on the Big Picture - the Long Haul. It means being able to pass up the fun-for-the-minute and select the course of action which will pay off later. One of the characteristics of infancy is the 'I want it NOW' approach. Grown up people are able to wait.

Maturity is the ability to stick with a project or a situation until it is finished. The adult who is constantly changing jobs, changing friends - and changing mates - is immature. He cannot stick with a situation because he is not grown up. Everything seems to 'turn sour' after awhile.

Maturity is the ability to face unpleasantness, frustration, discomfort, and defeat without complaint or collapse. The mature person knows he can't have everything his own way. Nobody wins 'em all. He is able to defer to circumstances, to other people - and to time.

Maturity is the ability to do what is expected of you, and this means being dependable and reliable. It means keeping your word. And bound in with dependibility is personal integrity. Do you mean what you say--and do you say what you mean?

The adult world is filled with people who can't be counted on. They never seem to come through in the clutches. They break promises and substitute alibis for performance. They show up late--or not at all. They are confused and disorganized. Their lives are a maze of unfinished business. Such behavior suggests a lack of self-discipline--which is a large part of maturity.

Maturity is the ability to make a decision, and then stick with it, riding whatever storms may follow. This requires clear thinking, backed with the courage to stand by your position, once you've taken it.

Immature people spend a life-time exploring possibilities and--then do nothing. Action requires courage. And courage means maturity.

Maturity is the ability to harness your abilities and your energies and do more than is expected of you. The mature person refuses to settle for mediocrity. He would rather aim high and miss the mark, than aim low - and make it.
~ Author Unknown

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