Living with Thoughtfulness

Thinking About Living Thoughtfully 

When you think of the word thoughtful, what comes to mind? For many people, it’s probably something about being good to others—something about thinking before acting, perhaps. For others, the word may invoke ideas about selflessness and consideration. These are all common definitions and connotations of the word; but there is another form of thoughtfulness that many people fail to consider: that of reflective contemplation. When we are thoughtful, we are living in the present; we are amplifying the meaning of our actions and interactions. Acting thoughtfully means acting with purpose. Living thoughtfully means living reflectively—attending to our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions, and considering their impact on other people and on our own future. With this expanded definition of thoughtfulness, what might become possible in your life? What possibilities might arise if you begin to engage in thoughtful action? What might you think, see, and understand differently?

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead