By Irene Conlan -

For the past week we have been taking a look at the six virtues and twenty four strengths identified by the Positive Psychology gurus as common to almost all cultures across the planet. The purpose of this has been to assess our own personal strengths and, giving us building blocks for our own personal growth and boosting our self esteem. For this to happen you have to do more than simply read the list – you need to ponder them and, with an open mind, see which ones apply to you and which ones do not.

Today, we look at the last  two: temperance and transcendence.

Temperance

Temperance is translated as “easy does it, or: all things in modeation. According to Seligman it “refers to the appropriate and moderate expression of your appetites and wants.” (Authentic Happiness, p. 52). The strengths clustered under temperance are:

15. Self Control - We all know what this means. It is easy to say but not always so easy to do and it applies across the board. Can you moderate yourself with how much you eat and how much you drink or do you go “out of control” when  you see your favorite dessert or join friends who have a keg of beer? Can you control your anger  and not lash out when provoked?  Can you bring yourself up when you’re having a “down day?”  Can you stay positive when everything around you is going south? How do you respond when you are treated rudely?

16. Prudence/Discretion/Caution - Prudence keeps you from jumping – to conclusions, keeps you from jumping on the bandwagon before you know where the bandwagon is going, and often keeps you safe. You are able to keep from saying or doing things that you will regret later, make decisions that pay off long term if not short term, and helps you know when situations need caution. The prudent person listens to that inner voice that says, “danger,” “watch it,” and “be careful here.”  How’s your prudence quotent?

17. Humility and Modesty – An old friend of mine used to say “You have to toot your own horn because no one else will” and he tooted his horn a lot – to the point that no one paid attention. The person with humility lets their accomplishments speak for themselves. They are unpretentious and, while recognizing their own abilities and strengths, see their victories and defeats as fairly unimportant. What about you? Do you, like a child, keep saying in various ways, “Look at me. See what I did”  Do you get upset if the conversation isn’t about you and your accomplishments?

Transcendence -” the emotional strengths that reach outside and beyond you to connect you to someting larger and more permanent; to other people, to the future, to evolution, to the divine or to the universe. ” (Authentic Happiness, p. 154)

18. Appreciation and Excellence -Do you take time to stop and smell the flowers? Do you see beauty all around you and rejoice in excellence wherever you find it? Do you experience beauty and excellence with awe and wonder? Does a blazing sunset leave you speechless? Does witnessing acts of human kindness stir your spirit?

19. Gratitude - Are you aware of the good things that happen to you? Do you take them for granted? Do you take time to express your gratitude? In other words, is “Thank You” a major part of your vocabulary? Gratitude is an appreciation of someone else’s moral character. It is a sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life itself and for all we have been given.  Are you truly grateful for what is given to you and done for you or do you consider it something that others owe you? Are you grateful when others do well by you?

20. Hope/Optimism/Future-Mindedness – How’s your cup? Is it half empty or half full? Do you expect the best or do you expect the worst?  Do you look to the future knowing you have done your best and expect the future to be even better than the past? Do you side with those who say, “Oh, no. The world is going to hell in a handbasket.”"? Do you you hold out hope to those around you?

21. Spirituality/Sense of Purpose/Faith/Religiousness – Do you have strong, clear beliefs about a higher purpose and the meaning of the universe? Do you know where you fit in the larger scheme of things? Do your beliefs shape your decisions and your actions?  Are your beliefs a source of comfort for you? Can you articulate your beliefs, your philosophy of life? Can you articulate what you believe about God, humanity, the universe? Regardless of what that belief is, do you walk your talk?

22. Forgiveness and Mercy -  Do you forgive those  who have wronged you? Do you give people a second chance. Do you harbor a grudge or do you let it go? Is your guiding principle revenge or is it mercy? Do you understand that forgiveness benefits you the most? Do you understand that when you forgive, your tendencies regarding the transgressor becomes more positive?

23. Playfulness and -Humor - Can you see the light side of life? Do you bring laughter to other people’s lives? Are you playful? Are you funny? Can you laugh at your own foibles? Can you laugh out loud? Do you laugh a lot? ( I am reminded of a G.K. Chesterton quote. As a question it would be: Do you know why angels fly? Because they take themselves lightly.)

24. Zest, Passion, Enthusiasm – Do  you throw yourself into the activities you undertake. Do you wake up excited about the new day? Do you say, “Good morning, God” or  “Good God, it’s morning?” Are you excited about life and living? Do you meet challenges with enthusiasm? Do you inspire others?

So that’s the 24 strengths! Going through them, asking yourself the questions, did you gain any insights into your own strengths? Were there some surprises? I strongly urge you to go the the Positive Website and complete their survey on the strengths. http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx You will have immediate feedback. Knowing your strengths generally gives a boost to self esteem. These are things you are good at and can continue to develop.

Go for it.