We make our lives far more complicated than they need to be. \u00a0Do we think moving through the many phases of our life requires complexity if we want to “show others” how important we are? \u00a0That has the ring of truth to it, I think. \u00a0But the “actual truth,” as I have come to understand it, \u00a0is the opposite of that. \u00a0Very definitely the opposite of that.<\/p>\n
Perhaps aging has changed my perspective. \u00a0Maybe it’s living according to the principles of the twelve steps that has prompted \u00a0my reversal of thinking. \u00a0But the older I am the less I want to be “ruffled” by life. \u00a0So the following simple principles are my guideposts now. \u00a0Feel free to take what fits for you and leave the rest, as we so commonly hear in recovery rooms. \u00a0My hope for you is that you love life. \u00a0Just as I do. \u00a0That you cherish the many encounters you have day by day. \u00a0And that you remember you will not pass this way again. \u00a0Tread lightly.<\/p>\n
The Principles<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Come to appreciate that every person on one\u2019s path is a learning partner.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a02. Every argument is about fear.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a03. No relationship is accidental.\u00a0 Be grateful. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a04. Make the choice to be peaceful rather than right.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a05. When others around you are not kind, they are afraid. Be kind any way.\u00a0 Only one person has to be kind for the situation to change.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a06. Understand that any expression that is not loving is a call for healing and help.\u00a0 Offer only love.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a07. Make the decision to no longer see one\u2019s self as unfairly treated.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a08. Rejoice that we can be hurt by nothing but our thoughts.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a09. Act, don\u2019t react.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a010. Being loving even once a day transforms us and everyone else too.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a011. Seek to understand every situation from the \u201cothers\u2019\u201d perspective.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a012. Every experience is an opportunity to embrace a more peaceful path.\u00a0 Cherish it.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a013. Every learning partner is offering us a lesson we need.\u00a0 If we \u201cdecline it\u201d it will come again.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a014. The effects of every action are exponential.\u00a0 Be careful!<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a015. We can not change the world but we can change our mind about the world. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a016. For a more peaceful mind and life, shift one\u2019s perspective as often as necessary.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a017. Troubles are wonderful opportunities to strengthen our ties to God.\u00a0 Be thankful for them.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a018. Practice feeling and expressing gratitude.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a019. Reaching out takes the focus off of us.\u00a0 Try it daily.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a020. We are where we need to be.\u00a0 Always. Pay attention.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a021. When a door closes remember that God is offering a better opportunity.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a022. Make the decision to do no harm.\u00a0 Ever.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a023. If the thought you are protecting wouldn\u2019t be pleasing to God, think one that would.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a024. Making amends creates peaceful lives and loving relationships.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a025. Forgiveness is the key to peace.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a026. Take no hostages.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a027. God has every answer we need.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a028. Don\u2019t let the mood swings of others determine how you feel.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a029. Powerless is a cherished gift.\u00a0 Appreciate it.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a030. There are two voices in our minds. One is ALWAYS wrong.<\/strong><\/p>\n Practicing even one of these principles each day will bring benefit to your life, the life of everyone you encounter, and the rest of the planet too. \u00a0I promise.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We make our lives far more complicated than they need to be. \u00a0Do we think moving through the many phases of our life requires complexity if we want to “show others” how important we are? \u00a0That has the ring of truth to it, I think. \u00a0But the “actual truth,” as I have come to understand […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-what-i-believe-you-and-your-higher-power"],"yoast_head":"\n