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| Genuine goodness is something drawn from the heart, the soul of a person. The authentic goodness is shown in actions, more than pretty words. When we live a life of authenticity, our spirits soar and we give flight to those around us.
Defining a "genuinely" good person and assessing what characteristics are representative of a good person is a bit different. Some people have a few characteristics that depict a good person, but may have characteristics that overshadow the good. A person may give you the shirt off their back, but turn around and rob a bank. A genuinely good person stands firm by the definition of good, in public as well as private. They are consistent in character. They are real.
Authenticity
Authenticity is the litmus test for defining a truly good person. A person who goes through life wearing masks, being deceptive, but occasionally shows good characteristics, isn't authentic. They are playing a character based on scripts. An authentically good person is transparent and shows the core of who they are consistently, allowing the utmost trust to be instilled.
Compassionate
Compassion comes from the heart of a good person. It extends from the heart to others and offers empathy, support and understanding. A compassionate person feels the other's pain as if it were their own. They are willing to reach out and offer comfort. They are the type that won't mind if you call at 2am if you need a shoulder to cry on.
Kindness
A good person is filled with kindness. They plant seeds that help others thrive. The kind person offers of themselves to others. They don't wait until a catastrophe strikes, but practice kindness in everyday life. They recognize needs in others without having to be asked to step in and help. Their conscience doesn't allow them to neglect others. They don't just help within their comfort zone, but are willing to make sacrifices.
Forgiving
Forgiveness is a characteristic of a good person. They let go of resentment, the anger and bitterness. They don't allow toxins to overshadow joy in their lives and the joy they can offer to others. They unfold a loving heart without seeking revenge. They aren't a door mat to be walked on, but realize we all make mistakes.
Respectful
A good person respects others, but this respect is derived from respect for themselves. They value their own worth, their own feelings as well as others. They listen attentively because your thoughts and feelings matter. They open their mind to diversity in thoughts and opinions without making you feel lesser or judging unfairly. They may not agree with you, but they handle differences, respectfully.
Honest and Trustworthy
A good person is trustworthy and doesn't gossip. They don't get pleasure from hurting others. They hold your secrets in confidence as if a cherished treasure. You won't be left with doubts as to who they are or where you stand with them. Their word is truth and filled with honesty.
Courage
A good person stands firm for their beliefs, not just when it's comfortable, but when anything threatens to come between themselves and their beliefs. They rise above adversity and hold faith they can endure the storms in life.
A genuinely good person makes a good role model. They strive to do the right thing because that is the core of who they are. At they same time, they recognize room for growth and take accountability for their mistakes and make amends where necessary. They draw others in and exude something special that radiates authenticity. Being a good person is a choice. It's about being authentic to yourself and others and not swaying from your true self to play deceptive characters.
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| In the end, I think of the beginning. | | |
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Tomorrow would have been 5 years for him. I can't believe it took me this long to find out his real birthday. The breeders never told me, but I knew it was around Christmas time. So we used to celebrate his birthday on Christmas, and if we forget, we would celebrate it with Jason's birthday or on New Year's Eve. But nonetheless, he received lots of presents and love all year long. He had the best cat walk ever, very tall, handsome face, kinda like Zoolander.
I remember one Christmas, I bought him these dog treats in a plastic cylinder can and wrapped them. I gave them to him and within a few minutes, he was able to unwrap it, open the can lid and take a snack out. Watching him was a miracle. He never liked wearing the reindeer headband, he always found a way to take them off. I looked forward to watching him unwrap his presents every year. He also loved wearing shirts in the Winter time.
He was soo Chinese. On Chinese New Year earlier this year, my parents gave us red envelopes and of course Armani got his share. He didn't chew on it at all, just held it in his mouth as we took pictures of him and with him.
I've wanted a dog like Comet on Full House all my life. It took me 17 years of convincing before I finally got Armani. I still remember the day we got him. We drove to Arco Arena to meet up with his breeders and his parents were on site. I had a choice between him and his brother, who had a darker, redder fur. He was handsome also, but very mellow. I chose Armani because of his playfulness and his affection towards his brother. In the car, on the way home, he started crying because he realized he was separated from his family. I knew from that minute on I would love and care for him forever. I miss everything about him--pulling all nighters with me, following me around the house, teaching him tricks/names of his toys, his love and affection, him sleeping besides my bed in my room, leaning his head against my mattress as I pet him and tell him I love him and good night, listening to us as we played the piano, asking for apples or yams. Even when he was sick, he stayed strong for me, never whined or complained. I would keep him forever if I could, but I know it would've been selfish of me to ask for so much of him. I am glad that he knows he is loved, and I know he loves me too. Every pet deserves unconditional love because they have feelings too. It's very rewarding to have a pet, especially one that is so child-like. It almost prepares you to become a good parent someday. I wish he was here to try out these peanut butter cookies (for dogs) that I had bought. I bought some of Armani's favorite things..beef jerky, rope frisbees, pedigree chunky meat canned goods, and leashes (least fave) and they will be going to his friends at the Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue in honor of his birthday & Christmas. Happy Birthday, we love and miss you. Rest in Peace. 
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