Life’s Guidelines
Philosophies To Live By - Lessons I've learned
By I.A.H | February 10th, 2001I 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. 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. (Actually, the story behind how I learned this one is quite interesting, maybe I’ll tell you about it sometime!)
(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 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 like these.
(5) Accept that the world is not perfect.
Admittedly I’m still struggling with this one…but I try. I tend to think that things are ‘perfect’ and then I think of Verizon, one of my old supervisors, the city of Boston, and so on. “Let it go, the world is not perfect” I tell myself.
(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. See (1) for more along these lines.
(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.
The End
Ya for now.
