Free AI web copilot to create summaries, insights and extended knowledge, download it at here

Abstract

n of myself; thus, not a man. Spirituality is essential to me. I am a seeker of truth, not a follower of religion. I find my strength in God when I honor the God in me and not a “man-made” image of God.4) Love is an aspiration and an opportunity to create fulfillment in the image of God. Love is not an exclusive feeling you look for from one person. Love is the collective feeling to share with all persons.I tell all my friends I love them as well as my students. Admittedly, I’ve frightened a few male friends who have gotten a bit confused. But, eventually, they get it. “I love you” are not special words. They should be shared freely.I try to live a life of love, so I should share the words. My closeness to different loved ones is distinguished by my actions of commitment, not my words. When I opened myself up to love and be loved by everyone, love could no longer be used as a weapon against me.5) Every relationship is a relationship with yourself. Whenever I feel unloved by someone, I need to check my relationship with myself. Whatever issue I have with people, is an invitation for me to check in with myself.My actions and attitudes give people access to me. My frustrations are related to expectations. My response to people and circumstances determines the relationship I have with myself. So, I better make good decisions that serve me.6) Don’t pick it up; don’t put it down. I talked about this in <a href="https://readmedium.com/releasing-unhealthy-attachments-1250f673668c">one of my other articles.</a> I refuse to live in a constant search for affirmation. Compliments and affirmations do encourage me. But, I don’t get to

Options

o attached to them.I have to be my biggest cheerleader. I can’t sway my emotions based on how people believe I perform. I leave room in my life to disappoint and to be disappointed without taking it personally.7) Make your own rules. Then be true to them. My life came with a lot of scripts that did not serve me. I tried to live by them, but they were too contrary to my spirit.I have been told I have a contrary spirit. I accept that because I’ve sacrificed a lot to find my truth. Following scripts and rules that were made for the comfort of others once made me miserable. So, I quit it.8) My children give me life. My children didn’t ask to be here. I will always be responsible for them. I am still learning how to parent adult children. They will always be my babies. I will always have their back.9) I don’t know much. The universe is vast, and knowledge is bountiful. I continue to learn as I go because I don’t know much.Most of the items on this list I didn’t know ten years ago. I allow myself to change and grow. Life is not stagnant as long as I am open to change.10) “Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Therein lies the peace of God.” That’s my favorite quote from A Course in Miracles.When I get anxious and worried, I remember that I cannot lose anything that is real for me.A part of the challenge is to invite three other people whose writings I admire and appreciate on Medium. I would like to welcome <a href="undefined">Ryan Frawley</a>, <a href="undefined">Julia E Hubbel</a>, and <a href="undefined">Aurora Eliam, CMP</a>.</article></body>

Guiding Life Principles

Stand for something, so you don’t fall for anything

A little while ago, Rasheed Hooda tagged me to write about ten thoughts, beliefs, and principles that guide my life. I feel like that’s mostly all of my offerings on Medium. But, here, I will make them more concise.

The following principles and beliefs guide my life.

1) I get to live in my truth. I don’t owe anyone a lie for them to be comfortable. My truth is the way I experience the world. So, it’s not negotiable. I no longer try to convince anyone that I am right. I just live in my truth. People can choose a reality that is different from mine. But, their choice is for them. My reality is for me.

2) I am not a victim. No matter how bad I feel, I am not a victim as long as I look for choices. I was recently intentionally mistreated by a hotel manager who charged me $200 fee for smoking in the room.

Anyone who has read any of my writing can probably figure out that I’m not a smoker. I had to go through several means to have the charge removed.

I was infuriated knowing that, ultimately, my money may not be refunded. I decided that I had to reject the feeling of victimization whether the money was refunded or not. Eventually, I did get the money refunded.

3) Always see God as a reflection of myself; thus, not a man. Spirituality is essential to me. I am a seeker of truth, not a follower of religion. I find my strength in God when I honor the God in me and not a “man-made” image of God.

4) Love is an aspiration and an opportunity to create fulfillment in the image of God. Love is not an exclusive feeling you look for from one person. Love is the collective feeling to share with all persons.

I tell all my friends I love them as well as my students. Admittedly, I’ve frightened a few male friends who have gotten a bit confused. But, eventually, they get it. “I love you” are not special words. They should be shared freely.

I try to live a life of love, so I should share the words. My closeness to different loved ones is distinguished by my actions of commitment, not my words. When I opened myself up to love and be loved by everyone, love could no longer be used as a weapon against me.

5) Every relationship is a relationship with yourself. Whenever I feel unloved by someone, I need to check my relationship with myself. Whatever issue I have with people, is an invitation for me to check in with myself.

My actions and attitudes give people access to me. My frustrations are related to expectations. My response to people and circumstances determines the relationship I have with myself. So, I better make good decisions that serve me.

6) Don’t pick it up; don’t put it down. I talked about this in one of my other articles. I refuse to live in a constant search for affirmation. Compliments and affirmations do encourage me. But, I don’t get too attached to them.

I have to be my biggest cheerleader. I can’t sway my emotions based on how people believe I perform. I leave room in my life to disappoint and to be disappointed without taking it personally.

7) Make your own rules. Then be true to them. My life came with a lot of scripts that did not serve me. I tried to live by them, but they were too contrary to my spirit.

I have been told I have a contrary spirit. I accept that because I’ve sacrificed a lot to find my truth. Following scripts and rules that were made for the comfort of others once made me miserable. So, I quit it.

8) My children give me life. My children didn’t ask to be here. I will always be responsible for them. I am still learning how to parent adult children. They will always be my babies. I will always have their back.

9) I don’t know much. The universe is vast, and knowledge is bountiful. I continue to learn as I go because I don’t know much.

Most of the items on this list I didn’t know ten years ago. I allow myself to change and grow. Life is not stagnant as long as I am open to change.

10) “Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Therein lies the peace of God.” That’s my favorite quote from A Course in Miracles.

When I get anxious and worried, I remember that I cannot lose anything that is real for me.

A part of the challenge is to invite three other people whose writings I admire and appreciate on Medium. I would like to welcome Ryan Frawley, Julia E Hubbel, and Aurora Eliam, CMP.