How can I better myself?

[magneticfields]

I want to be more pious, good, and beautiful within. I feel like I’ve done many questionable things in my life and thought many questionable thoughts so I’ve turned to my faith. Now I just want to know how I can be a better person with the help of religion. Ideas?

God Bless
S.

 

[InLight247]

Receive sacraments - Eucharist and Confession often, and go to Eucharistic Adoration daily. God’s grace is the most effective way to better oneself. No one stays in front of the Eucharist won’t be gradually transformed. Pray and ask God to shine light upon you and help you.

 

[meltzerboy]

I want to be more pious, good, and beautiful within. I feel like I’ve done many questionable things in my life and thought many questionable thoughts so I’ve turned to my faith. Now I just want to know how I can be a better person with the help of religion. Ideas?

God Bless
S.

Not necessarily specific to Catholicism, you might be able to better yourself by focusing more on helping others rather than examining your own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Not that self-examination is never called for; but too much of it may lead to self-absorption. I was struck by what I heard Rabbi David Wolpe say today on one of the Sunday morning talk shows: that it is better to open a window than look in the mirror. If you open a window, you’ll see the world and others who are in need; but if you spend all your time looking in the mirror, you’ll see only yourself and your own needs.

 

[DaveBj]

I can speak only for my self, but in my experience, the road to bettering oneself starts with avoiding opportunities to worsen oneself.

 

[Christy_Beth]

Try to find some way to help out someone. It doesn’t have to be direct. Right now I spend a bit of time each week volunteering at the Humane Society shelter. Working with the animal so that they will be ready when it comes time to go to their “forever” homes. Not as many get adopted compared to the ones that come in. But playing with them and taking the dogs outside and stuff like this does help me think of someone, or something, other than myself. And sometimes I have to laugh at the antics of the animals.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

You may want to get an experienced spiritual director, and meet on a regular basis. That way he can get to know you, and he can give advice specific to your needs.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Not necessarily specific to Catholicism, you might be able to better yourself by focusing more on helping others rather than examining your own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Not that self-examination is never called for; but too much of it may lead to self-absorption. I was struck by what I heard Rabbi David Wolpe say today on one of the Sunday morning talk shows: that it is better to open a window than look in the mirror. If you open a window, you’ll see the world and others who are in need; but if you spend all your time looking in the mirror, you’ll see only yourself and your own needs.

Jim

 

[fred_conty]

Not necessarily specific to Catholicism, you might be able to better yourself by focusing more on helping others rather than examining your own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Not that self-examination is never called for; but too much of it may lead to self-absorption. I was struck by what I heard Rabbi David Wolpe say today on one of the Sunday morning talk shows: that it is better to open a window than look in the mirror. If you open a window, you’ll see the world and others who are in need; but if you spend all your time looking in the mirror, you’ll see only yourself and your own needs.

You make a good point. But then you can’t give what you don’t have.

Just a thought.

 

[sowinskija]

Pray the Holy Rosary every day.

 

[mommyof4]

You have gotten excellent advice from the previous posters, and I would just add pray, pray, and pray!

 

[Colmeia]

Not necessarily specific to Catholicism, you might be able to better yourself by focusing more on helping others rather than examining your own feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Not that self-examination is never called for; but too much of it may lead to self-absorption. I was struck by what I heard Rabbi David Wolpe say today on one of the Sunday morning talk shows: that it is better to open a window than look in the mirror. If you open a window, you’ll see the world and others who are in need; but if you spend all your time looking in the mirror, you’ll see only yourself and your own needs.

What you said is very wise. In true Christianity Christ teaches us to love people instead of our own personality: “Love one another as I have loved you.” It is therefore necessary to open such a window, but do not forget, however, about the divine presence, as each contemplation is empty without faith, without religion.

May God bless you!