Today I’m asking you to think about how you look at life.

Only you have the answer to that question.

We each have a message to the world, if we decide to deliver it.

Take a moment now, think about your message to the world, and then compare it to your disposition.

How have you taken advantage of 2023 as you prepare for 2024?

Earlier this week, I looked at the calendar and realized we are rapidly approaching 2024.

Sometimes, we have triggers that cause us to focus or refocus our energy to include our dispositions.

Mainly, you and I have or will have various upcoming opportunities to fellowship with family, if not already, this past week, with Veteran’s Day now behind us.

I’m also thinking about all the young children whose parents are working or not working.  Some decisions will involve their children as they relate to their finances and the holiday season.

As the traffic patterns change with more people on leave or vacation, many of our dispositions will change, but does it have to be that way?

I’m constantly looking at the roads filled with visitors from out of town and local establishments being more festive until the New Year.

I’ve already seen the uptick of people on corners holding cardboard signs.

In my mind, I’m always thinking about the Bible passage of Matthew 25:40-45.  Specifically, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Granted, there are people whose dispositions do not truly reflect their situations.

However, I believe we can discern through the Holy Spirit who is in need and who is not.

I’m also aware of the 16 personality types. Which of these categories do you fall into?

https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types

16 Personality Types

There are 16 distinct personality types, each belonging to one of four temperaments.

Protectors (SJ) ·         ESTJ – Overseer ·         ESFJ – Supporter ·         ISTJ – Examiner ·         ISFJ – Defender

Creators (SP) ·         ESTP – Persuader ·         ESFP – Entertainer ·         ISTP – Craftsman ·         ISFP – Artist

Intellectuals (NT) ·         ENTJ – Chief ·         ENTP – Originator ·         INTJ – Strategist ·         INTP – Engineer

Visionaries (NF) ·         ENFJ – Mentor ·         ENFP – Advocate ·         INFJ – Confidant ·         INFP – Dreamer

You and I know the pessimists who see the glass (half empty) or optimists (half full), as we determine an individual’s worldview in just a few minutes of conversation.

I heard something worth repeating last week related to a glass of water from one of our Toastmasters providing her evaluation of another person’s speech.

She said “When you don’t know what it is you want, you need to take a glass of water and concentrate and meditate on that glass of water.  So that whatever you need when you are as clear about your thoughts as the glass of water, then you know what you have to do.” – Toastmaster Cynthia Cunningham

Those words were so profound that I had to call her the Zen Master.

Therefore, whether the glass is half full or half empty doesn’t matter. Think now about that glass of water and where you focus your energy.

Are we bringing our best self forward, or are we allowing others to determine our disposition today?

Every day, we can choose the type of attitude we want.

I’m reminded of the four temperaments that play a big part in who we are.

What Are the Four Temperaments? – The Four Temperaments

It doesn’t cost anything to smile on this day, yet when you and I look at the dispositions of others, we can see (at least for me) what we have to smile about.

Notwithstanding, the television and news we watch are packed with various dispositions.

My goal is that at least this week, you will take a moment to look inside who you are or want to be.

I’ve learned to pause and take six deep breaths in and out slowly when my disposition is not where I want it to be.

Granted, some people hate criticism, so If I can’t say something positive, I don’t need to say anything.

That’s my disposition!

What’s Yours!