Seven Personal Virtues

A few years ago I read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  And as I was finishing it, it inspired me to make my own list.

If you haven't read her book yet, it is basically a year in her life in which every month she makes a list of goals for herself to follow - and then tries to continue each month's goals throughout her year.  The goals are to help her be happier.  She doesn't admit to being depressed, as much as she claims she could use a little more happiness in her life.  And I agree - who wouldn't want more happiness!

Early on in The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin mentions the 7 Deadly Sins and how they're the gateway sins to worse sins.  I hadn't really considered it that way before, but thought if the 7 Deadly Sins would lead me down a path to worse things, then what if I followed 7 ideals opposite of the sins... would that lead me to happiness?
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I didn't know that there were already 7 opposites known as the 7 Heavenly Virtues.  And although they're perfectly wonderful virtues, they don't all fit well with my life.  Can I pick and choose my virtues?  I don't know - but I did!  I've created the below list of my Seven Personal Virtues that I plan to read and journal on everyday, and remind myself of the kind of life I hope to leave.

Seven Personal Virtues

{corresponding Deadly Sin}

Purity {lust} - Cultivate good health and hygiene. Flossing, exercise, whole foods. Meditate to achieve purity of thought.

Self Control {gluttony} - Refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption. Specifically for me - practice moderation with addictions such as sugar, caffeine and nicotine.

Generosity {greed} - Practice unlimited loving kindness towards all others. Give from the heart.  Be generous with affection.

Energy {sloth} - Do not give up. Guard against laziness. Act as I want to feel. Move. Create.

Ahimsa {wrath} - Do No Harm. Be conscious of my deeds, words and thoughts - not only the act of inflicting a physical injury, but also mental states like evil thoughts and hatred, unkind behavior such as harsh words, dishonesty and lying.

Kindness {envy} - Love unselfishly. Trust without resentment or prejudice. Create peaceful stability and community.

Humility {pride} - Be modest. Be faithful to promises. Give credit. Self-examine.
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Have you read The Happiness Project?  What did you think?  Have you made changes to your own life based on the experience? ​