Simple Truths to Live By...

Sometimes we just need to be reminded of reality and the facts of life.  No matter how much we keep them at bay or seek to change them, there are certain truths that will win out over time.  And there are certain truths that when we live by them have proven to make us more successful, happier, and free'er in our lives.

I was thinking about this the order day in the midst of much of the chaos around the world and started making this list.  While it's not complete and something I will probably noodle on for a while, I wanted to share it with you.  I hope it will spur you to think critically and differently and question what is being hailed as "normal" in our lives.

1. Personal responsibility is one of the greatest things we can do for our success, happiness, and freedom.  We must take responsibility for our actions and our decisions.  Everything we do is a choice that we make - and we alone are responsible for that choice.  The sooner we come to grips with this the better.  And once we do, we will make better choices for ourselves.  We can blame others, blame situations, blame society, blame whatever, but in the end it's always just us and our individual choices, good or bad that shape our lives.  It is that simple.
2. Beware making decisions based solely on emotion and not logic.  The best decisions balance both.
3. The greatest power you have is your individuality.  It is each person's uniqueness and individual desire that creates greatness.  Don't rely on others or a group to give you your personal power - you will be disappointed.  When you are not allowed to be who you truly are because you must conform to a group and/or group-think, you lose the opportunity to be your best self.  Don't give up this greatest of personal power.
4. Your beliefs lead to your thoughts/feelings which lead to your actions, and your actions determine your results.  When was the last time you thought deeply on what you believe?
5. Your chances of being alive are 1 in 4 TRILLION!  It's basically a mathematical impossibility.  You are a miracle and the fact that you are here means that trillions of others that might have been - are not.  Cherish your life and make the most of it.
6. Don't say things you do not believe.  You hurt yourself and those around you when you do.
7. If you take care of your body and your health, it will take care of you and improve your quality of life.
8. Be the same person you are alone when you are with others.  Don't change who you are or be someone different based on who you are with.  Be YOU.
9. Most people are not victims - they pretend to be for personal gain.  True victims require our compassion and help and we should give it to them - but we should never play to the role of the victim in our lives.