Stewardship
As April approaches we start thinking of Earth Day, as we reflect on what we can do for our planet in April and every month I thought we'd look at the concept of Stewardship.
According to Wikipedia.org : "Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. The concepts of stewardship can be applied to the environment and nature,[1][2] economics,[3][4] health,[5] property,[6] information,[7] theology,[8] etc."
A steward is someone who looks after, has responsibility, accountability, and care for the property of others. A steward is you. We are each stewards of our planet, our community, or finances, health, the information we pass along, and more.
I do not mean to get into an argument over "rights" just to bring attention to the fact that what we do impacts others.
Stewardship is a concept that is in direct conflict with our culture. We are all about "I" and "me" and "my", yet we develop committees to save the environment, take care of land and animals, create a sound economy.... Somewhere we understand that we have a responsibility towards people and things outside of ourselves; we are stewards.
My challenge to you is to up your game as a steward! Here are some ways we could be better stewards. I challenge you to work on these areas for 30 days and see how you feel physically and emotionally at the end. As we treat others well, look outside of ourselves, and remember kindness we begin to feel better too! Try writing down how you feel today and then again in 30 days.
Environment
reduce, recycle, reuse - Pay attention to your packaging, try composting, remember your grandparents who saved everything and reused them; try it. You can go to Pinterest for ideas or try having a neighborhood reuse and create day.
Walk more, share a ride
Try Meatless Monday
Use reusable bags
Turn off those lights when you leave a room and turn off your electrical strips at night.
Health - You may think "It is my body and it doesn't matter" it does, just ask your friends and families whose hearts are connected to yours.
Exercise - this can be any from of movement that you do on a regular basis and makes you happy. Try frisbee, running, nature walks, yoga, gardening, play outside with your kids. Just keep moving.
Eat well - Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and try using meats as more of a side dish, reverse your plate! Use moderation, portion control. Don't vilify foods and remember treats are occasional items, but should be part of your life.
Care for your mental well being
Take time to refresh
Try meditation and or prayer
Don't overdo life
Property - This should not need to be addressed, but I find people are careless in this regard.
If you use it put it back
Don't vandalize - write on desks, etc.
If it breaks let someone know, replace it.
Pick up your trash and throw it away in the proper receptacles
Leave it better than you found it
Information - Surrounded by accounts of "fake news", over embellished news etc. this is a key point for today.
Tell the truth
Don't repeat something unless you have researched it yourself to know if it is true
Ask yourself "Why am I sharing this information, does it help anyone, encourage anyone?" If it is for the purpose of starting an argument, inciting anger or creating conflict. Let it go! If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!
3 minutes of negative news can impact your day negatively for up to 6 hours!
Others
Pay it forward
Be kind, courteous, and helpful
Let others go first
Mind your manners
Say "Please"
Say "Thank you"
Don't interupt
Say "excuse me"
Ask permission
Don't steal or lie
Don't use other people's things without asking
Just be nice
To simplify, I'm suggesting that we treat each other, ourselves and the things we interact with, with respect and dignity and as if they are valuable, because they are. I think we all just needed a reminder, myself included.
We are each stewards, we are responsible for our words and deeds, we are accountable to others and we should responsibly manage our resources, of all kinds, and plan wisely. Why does it matter? Because, it really isn't all about us, but in some ways it is; your kindness and actions have the ability to change the world around you and we live in an environment of incredible unhappiness, you and I can make a difference. Be the change you want to see.
Lisa is and Independent Shaklee Distributor and a Certified Health Coach. Lisa received her Health Coach Certification from the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, founded by world-renowned physician and author, Dr. William Sears. The Institute is a leader in science-based health and wellness education that focuses on the four pillars of health; Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition (L.E.A.N.). A certification by the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute is obtained only after completing the extensive course work and meeting all requirements. Once certified, a Health Coach possesses the knowledge, tools and resources to make a positive difference in the health of others.
