Image sourceBecoming a woman of fine character is an essential aspect of Fascinating Womanhood as written by Mrs. Helen Andelin. Virtues are also addressed in her book All About Raising Children, in terms of instilling virtues in our children but also, very importantly, in terms of being virtuous ourselves so that our children have a wonderful example.
It can be daunting to think about attaining all the good virtues. Even if great personal progress has been made, it can be hard to maintain a fine character through the normal daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly cycles of living.
One exercise that might help keep one's mind on living out virtues is to keep a virtues diary. One can begin by purchasing or finding a notebook, journal, or diary and a pen or pencil that is comfortable for writing. A diary could also be kept on a computer if the privacy level is appropriate. Then one could write a list of virtues to ponder in the front or back cover of the book, or somewhere one will see it upon starting to journal.
One list of virtues compiled from both Fascinating Womanhood and All About Raising Children is:
- A Faith in God
- Self Mastery
- Honesty
- Chastity
- Dependability
- Diligence
- Love of Fellow Men / Benevolence
- Moral Courage
- Patience
- Humility
- Self Dignity
- Unselfishness / Gentle, Tender Quality
If desired, one could set goals having to do with that virtue at the beginning of the week, and rate oneself on one's progress at the end of the week.
