I suppose one could argue that letting the world in on your personal philosophies is dangerous. People might see you as conceited or overly moral – either in truth or fiction. On the other hand, think about how every “famous” and not-so-famous person out there is trying to tell you how to live your life. As if they are the moral compass to be followed. Well, I’ve found that what you’re about to read has been helpful in guiding my life.
These are numbered but they are in no specific order.
(1) It is better to pursue peace than justice.
Oh my God is this true! I have really adapted this idea to so many areas of my life that I can’t even begin to discuss it here. You don’t always have to show that you are correct, even if you are. Sometimes being at peace with someone is worth more.
(2) Life’s a journey, not a destination.
Until you truly understand what this means, you may rush through life searching for an endpoint that doesn’t exist. Slow down while doing (3)…
(3) Carpe Diem: Seize the day.
It is better to regret something you have done than to live life regretting things you haven’t done. Ok, so this has gotten me into trouble on more than one occasion. Maybe I need to add the following subtitle: Watch out if you frequently speak your mind.
(4) Illigitimi Non Carborundum: Don’t let the bastards grind you down.
People will always try to take you down. Just because someone’s opinion is valued by many doesn’t mean they are always, or ever right. Many people won’t like what you have to say, how you present yourself, or what you do. But many others will take a liking to you, what you do, and how you behave.
(5) Accept that the world is not perfect.
This one can be tough! I tend to think that things are “perfect” and then I think of phone companies, one of my old supervisors, the city of Boston, and so on. “Let it go, the world is not perfect” I tell myself. (…and neither am I).
(6) One person’s opinion is from just one person.
This one is also a little harder to live by but let me assure that it’s something worth following. I can offer a psychological perspective here as well. Research has shown that in general people tend to remember positive feedback about themselves and forget the negative points.
(7) Live and let live.
You don’t have to go around hating and making others feel your pain. If you expended energy on everyone you hated, you’d be finished, fast. There are too many people in the world to try to limit diversity so why bother. Live and let live. Generally speaking, let people do or say what they want, even if what you see or hear is not what you believe. Others are entitled to an opinion, just like you are. No need to trash them for having a different view.
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