The A-Z of Positive Personality Traits - M is for Mindful

The A-Z of Positive Personality Traits - M is for Mindful

Next letter up for the A-Z challenge of Positive Personality Traits is M - and M is for Mindful. Mindfulness is an interesting concept - it's been promoted a lot recently in regard to living in the moment and being mindful of your present circumstances, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling in the past.

I think mindfulness covers a few other areas too. It is a trait that seems to develop as you get older and you become more aware of the needs of others (although I'm sure there are some people who are naturally born that way - just nobody I can think of right now!) Being mindful of others means putting your own needs second to the welfare of somebody else. It might mean you take second place or miss out on an opportunity because you are putting somebody else in front of yourself.

Mindfulness also covers good manners (another M trait) because people who are mindful of others don't stomp on people, or back stab, or climb over them to reach their own goals. Consideration and thoughtfulness are part of this trait too, wanting the best for others and considering their feelings as well as your own.

This world we live in can be a very "me, me, me" place - 'survival of the fittest' is screamed loud and clear, along with 'look at me!' and 'my way or the highway' - that's just a couple off the top of my head, there's dozens more. Putting yourself first might seem like a great idea, but not if it comes at the expense of others - then you are just a narcissist and nobody likes a narcissist!

The A-Z of Positive Personality Traits - M is for Mindful

The balance in mindfulness is being true to yourself but not at the expense of others. It is considering your own needs, but not ignoring the needs of those around you. Caring about the well-being and feelings of other people is right up there with being gracious and kind. It shows that you are mature enough to put your ego to one side and think about things from the perspective of other people who might be affected by your decisions.

So, mindfulness is living in the present, being open to what comes your way, but not at the expense of others. It is about being thoughtful and considerate and mature - and hopefully something we all get better at as time goes by.

See you next time for the continuation of Positive Personality Traits - N is for Noble.

This post is part of the April #atozchallenge.

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24 comments

  1. You have described mindful perfectly Leanne. Being mindful of others but also taking opportunities that come your way. Sometimes these words become the latest 'fad' and they can be overused but I think you have nailed it. :)

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    1. thanks Sue - it's slightly off centre from the usual definition but I thought it was a more positive characteristic than just living in the moment :)

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  2. I find myself spending more time in the past and the future. and this is a good reminder to be in the now. Thanks Leanne! Lovely post.
    Seena
    #AtoZChallenge- M is for Mischief

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    1. Thanks Seena - it's about living in the now but also being aware of other people and their needs too x

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  3. So that's why I feel I should have been born at least 50 years earlier! :) Great post Leanne as always. I think all of us (hopefully) learned it from parents as they are the ones who always have put themselves in the second place.

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    1. My parents weren't such good examples of that Zeljka - so I'm learning as I go along. My husband has taught me a lot about being mindful of others.

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    2. Sorry about that, think I've taken it for granted maybe and assumed that all parents do the same for their children...

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  4. You have explained it beautifully Leanne! Mindfulness is a trait which needs to be balanced because I know few people, who never think about themselves always keeping others needs ahead of them and some who never bother about others needs.

    Once again, a wonderful post Leanne :)
    Cheers,
    Srivi - AtoZChallenge
    M for Mind | Twitter

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    1. Balance is definitely the key Srivi - we can't ignore our own needs all the time, and ignoring the needs of others is a really selfish way to live too.

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  5. Beautiful post, Leanne, I think more present and mindful we are to ourselves, the more mindful we can be towards others.

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    1. That is so true Gulara - we have to know ourselves and our boundaries and then we can care for others too.

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  6. Great post Leanne! And yes we do need to have balance in all these things. That seems to be a recurring theme all over your blog and in my thoughts. As parents we need to be especially mindful of our families. You may have noticed that I've disappeared a bit lately it's because I'm hosting a new link party. I hope that you can join us on Sweet Inspiration starting on Friday and running till Tuesday.

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    1. Hi Mary - I did notice you've been off the radar for a while (and I've missed you) I'll keep my eyes open for the linky and see if I have anything suitable to join in with :)

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  7. Now there is a definition of Mindfulness that sounds good to me. Once again you nail it. Thanks for inspiring our readers on The Blogger's Pit Stop

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    1. I'm glad you liked it Kathleen - it seems like a more useful trait than just being in the moment :)

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  8. I agree. I think mindfulness is something that is cultivated over time. But it is also something that we must recognize we need to cultivate :) I'm still learning to appreciate every moment and stop rushing through to check off the task from my to-do list.

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    1. I think being in the moment, combined with being mindful of the needs of others is such a great thing to work towards.

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  9. This is one I struggle with sometimes. I live so much in my own head that I often don't pay enough attention to what is going on around me.

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    1. At least you are always considerate and mindful of others Rena and that is a really important trait - something I certainly admire x

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  10. I already commented Leanne so stumbled and tweeted :)

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  11. I still think this series idea is such a neat one! Thanks for joining us again at #FridayFrivolity!

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    1. Thanks Lisa - I love linking up with you girls (although you're probably ready for a change of theme from me! Past the halfway mark now!)

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  12. A very thoughtful way to apply mindfulness, Leanne.
    When one is aware of themselves, caring about others becomes a natural consequence.
    Thanks a lot for sharing it.

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.