I wrote these as sort of a personal manifesto- a set of rules that I want to try to live my life by. It may not work in the end, but I think I’ll be a better person for having tried. I was inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s post on the Happiness Project, my own personal take on my fair-weather Buddhism, and a few choice personal flaws and/or failings.
- Always err on the side of compassion.
- There are good parts in everyone, including yourself. There are gray areas between success and failure or good and evil. Be kind when you/they/it don’t fall on the expected side of the line.
- Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.
- Take care of yourself first. You are important and if you’re not happy, you can’t reasonably expect to help anyone else be happy.
- Be who you are.
- Present yourself with dignity. Be the best you that you can be. Lies and confabulations only force you to pretend to be something you’re not.
- Your past belongs there.
- Not everyone needs or deserves full disclosure. Do not let the black marks of yesterday stain your tomorrow.
- Cleanliness is next to godliness.
- Being comfortable in your surroundings is paramount. Stay organized. When in doubt, make a list.
- Take aim.
- Focus on, plan for, and work towards your goals. Pick your battles. Take control only over what you can. Say “no”.
- Breathe.
- You are the sky- everything else is just the weather. Don’t let the bastards get you down.
Emmett A. Speed 