“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank
Every year as the holiday season approaches, we begin to see the
ornaments, ribbons, and signs proclaiming
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men
Have you ever really thought about that simple phrase? Do the
words actually mean anything to you?
I don’t think too many people pay much intention to the meaning
of those words. The evidence is all around us.
So let’s take a more in-depth look at what this phrase actually
means.
A quick visit to Dictionary.com is where we begin.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary…
Peace is the absence of war, freedom from disagreement,
harmonious relationships, public security and security.
But there’s another part of the definition that is even more
important to the subject of this article. That definition of
peace is inner contentment and security. Remember this one.
We’ll come back to it later.
Goodwill is an attitude of kindness, friendliness, and
benevolence.
Goodwill is actually a compound word. Let’s dig deeper into the
meaning of this word by looking at it’s parts.
Good means having qualities that are desirable.
Will is self-control, the mental faculty by which one
deliberately chooses or decides on a course of action.
Okay, now we know the meanings of the words. First let’s make an
adjustment to the original phrase. Instead of “Peace on Earth,
Goodwill to Men”, I suggest this rearrangement.
Goodwill to Everyone, Peace on Earth
That makes the whole idea into an active process. More
important, it’s just different enough from the original phrase
to grab our attention. Our brains are jogged out of the habitual
way of reading the message.
And finally, let’s use the definitions we learned earlier to
expand this phrase into something even more meaningful. How
about this statement of intention…
The desirable quality of deliberately choosing to act in a
kind, friendly, benevolent manner towards everyone, as a result
of doing that, we will have less war, less disagreement and more
harmonious relationships on Earth.
Remember that other definition of peace, inner contentment
and security? We can use this meaning as a clue as to where
to begin the peace process.
It begins with you. You are the only one you have the power to
change. Let peace begin with you though the interactions you
have with others. As Emerson said, “Nothing can bring you peace
but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of
principles”.
I suggest you make little reminder notes that say, “Goodwill to
Everyone, Peace on Earth”. Put them around your home, in the
car, and in your work area.
And when you finish this article, send a copy to family and
friends
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