Got a bit of a jump start on this year's summer tan, having been away several times this year to sunny places, most recently to Scottsdale, Arizonahhhhh.  

The bronze is only temporary and the tan will fade ... unless I keep working on developing and darkening it (and of course, too much sun we know is not good for us ... so ... everything in moderation.)

This concept can apply to a character trait we would like to adopt, practice and hold onto. Would you like to be more patient? Humble? Gentle? Calm? Neutral? Maybe you are working on being more grateful, kind or nurturing? Complaining less or not at all? Maintaining a good attitude? Whatever it is about ourselves that we are working on here in Earth School, we have to nurture it to ensure it doesn't fade.  

Because you know, we're all in "training" ... for life. One snippeteer recently admitted that she didn't think she had that much to work on, until a recent dramatic and emotional episode taught her otherwise! (Yes, we will be, and should be, forever learning. And if we are not learning every day, then we become stagnant and stuck.) 

We must concentrate on developing and deepening the good parts, sinking them into our very being, like rubbing suntan lotion into our skin. So much so that the trait becomes second nature and will not fade away when we get emotionally lazy.    

We can read self-growth books and articles as reminders; we can post quotes and affirmations. We can discipline ourselves by practice, owning the trait, and making it part of our psyche.  

A summer tan will fade, certainly, with the passing of the season, yet our good traits don't have to. 

What are YOU working on?