Principles to Live By

I have made scrapbooks for my grandson since his birth. They include photos of him, his friends, and of family; information about special occasions and events; poetry that I have written for him; and bits of wisdom I want to leave behind for him when I'm gone.

The following represents 15 principles that I attempt to live by. Maybe it will give my grandson some insight into the person I tried to be.

Offer the shirt off your back. After all, what is important in life is the people that you touch with you're your heart and soul. It's not about the number of accomplishments achieved, the amount of money accumulated, or the celebrity status of a name. It is about deeds and actions. The other things will be forgotten in time. However, what you actually "do" with your life can make a real difference.

Live the essence of the golden rule. If you expect to be treated with respect, you must be willing to offer the same in kind. If you want to have friends, you must first first extend your hand in friendship. If you want to be loved, you must love others. If you want to be remembered, you have to remember those who have touched you.

Don't sling mud. If you have an opinion, deliver it with thoughtfulness and respect. People will be far more willing to listen to what you have to say if you don't disparage them while you say it. Attacking another person just because you can, or because you don't like their lifestyle, religion, politics or something else about them, is foolish.

Give more than is expected from you. Whether it is in your job, your family, your friendships, or life in general, leave more than is asked from you. Anyone can perform at an average or satisfactory level. But if you really want to make a difference, you have to work harder than that. Go one, five, or ten steps further and leave the world a better place than when you entered it.

Fix your mistakes. Every human being makes them. It is perfectly acceptable not to be perfect. No one is. However, it isn't acceptable to just let the mistake stand if you can do something to fix it. Saying "I'm sorry" or "I messed up" is not a sign of weakness. Trying to ignore it, on the other hand, definitely is. Acknowledge the mistake and fix it. You will be respected for the humility as well as for setting things right.

Don't covet what isn't yours. Whether it is a person, place, or thing, wanting something that doesn't belong to you will color your entire life in negative ways. Let it go and, instead, appreciate what you do have.

Accept apologies graciously. If someone wrongs you and takes the time to say they are sorry, chances are they really are. People rarely utter those difficult words face to face unless they mean them. Not being able to forget a slight or the pain of a wrongdoing is one thing. However, not forgiving - - not accepting the apology - - diminishes only you.

Open your heart. A closed heart means you will never experience the power of real love. Nothing in the world is more precious or has more healing power. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience what may well be the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

Use your talent. Whether you are a natural orator, a gifted musician, can type 150 words per minute, or make the world's best chocolate chip cookie, use your talent. It was given to you for a reason. By refusing to recognize or use it, you are denying others something special - the gift of you!

Balance your life. Don't work 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. It isn't good for you or anyone around you. Take time to play. Spend time with those you love. Do something unexpected. Experience something new. Have fun. You'll be better for it and so will everyone who loves you.

Take some "me" time. It's okay to need time to rest and recuperate. Take a nap, read a book, watch a completely senseless movie. Go for a walk or sit under a tree and do nothing at all. Learn to know and respect yourself for who you are and allow yourself the time that is necessary to accomplish that.

Open yourself up to other human beings. Explore another culture. Research another religion. Learn another language. Open your hand in friendship to someone that you wouldn't normally reach. You might be amazed what you will learn in the process.

Look at everything through the eyes of a child. Children have one capability that adults should cling to, but for some reason don't. They view everything in life with a sense of wonder. They never stop asking the who, what, when, where, and why questions because their hearts, like their minds, are completely insatiable.

Be yourself. You are one-of-a-kind. There isn't another in the entire universe just like you. You have something that can only be found inside of you. That means something so don't dismiss it out of hand.

Believe in miracles. For if you, or any of us, stop believing that anything is possible, the world is most assuredly doomed.