Rules to Live By

Living happily, healthily, and as a good person is incredibly important to me.  I would suspect (and hope) that the same can be said about a large number of people. Volumes of books could probably written on these topics, and in fact, I'm sure they have. But I thought I'd sum up a few of my top key "rules" for myself in a blog - thoughts I try to focus on in my day to day life, attitudes that I feel could improve my life if I fully adopt them, and tactics relate to my interactions with others. I wanted to share these with my readers, not to tell them they should utilize the same thoughts and ideals, but simply in hopes of possibly inspiring someone, or at least giving them food for though - perhaps motivation to create their own list.

• Be grateful. I certainly have dealt with my share of difficulties, but I hope to focus increasingly on the positive aspects. I'm very lucky in many ways, and I need to make sure to acknowledge that. 

• Lead with your heart, follow your gut, consult your head when needed. I realize not everyone believes in following their heart first. This is my personal choice. The few times I've tried to go against my better judgement and follow my head against my heart, the consequences have not been good. When my heart is happy, I am happy. That's what it boils down to. 

• Keep close to your heart those who have stood by you even when they had every right not to. Those people will be the ones by your side at the end of your life, if you let them. Appreciate them and stick close to them - they're worth more than you may realize now. Make sure you let them know they're important to you, and often. 

• Karma. Be mindful of it. It's incredibly powerful. You will get back what you give, good or bad,  I promise. 

• Actions always speak louder than words. More importantly, the two should match if you want someone to trust and believe you. 

• "Be the person your dog thinks you are." I saw this on a Facebook post from a page I follow (I can't remember which, sorry) and it is just so perfect. I had to include it. 

• Worrying and complaining about something doesn't change the outcome. In fact, it can have a negative impact if anything. Don't we often get all worked up for nothing and upset others around us? 

• Similarly, I recently read the statement in a book (The Artist's Way) that "right now, everything is always alright".  This was in a section of the book discussing paying attention to the current moment. The exception, I suppose, would be moments of extreme pain. Generally, though, it's the anticipation, the worry, the wondering, the extrapolating, the looking back that makes things difficult - not the actual moment. 

• Treat people the way they want to be treated. Remember, this isn't always the same as the way you'd want to be treated. If you're not sure how they want to be treated, ask! 

• You have one life. Live it! Don't let fear hold you back. 

There are plenty of other important beliefs in my life, but these are key. It doesn't mean I'm great at them, but it means I try. I am working on incorporating them all into my daily life. I'd love to hear what your rules to live by are for yourself, so please, feel free to share! 

A picture of my dog, Cinn, to remind me to be as wonderful a person as she thinks I am!