My rules of the road

My values have always been important to me. I thought I’d jot down my own values that help bring and maintain peace in my life, outlined below:

• Whenever you give help to someone do it with good grace;
• When you apologise to someone say it as if you mean it;
• We all have lessons to learn, but we also have to be aware of what those lessons are;
• Failing a lesson opens other doors but first we need to understand why we failed;
• Never belittle another person’s beliefs or thoughts;
• When talking to someone, always make sure you have eye contact; that way they know you’re listening;
• Be attentive and show you care by using compassion;
• Get to know someone first before you pass judgment. Better still try not to pass judgment;
• If someone isn’t willing to meet you half way, their friendship clearly isn’t for keeps;
• Always be yourself;
• It’s important to think about yourself;
• But it’s also important to think about those who need more emotional support;
• Be a shoulder to cry on; you never know when you might need one back;
• Don’t judge others by your own standards. It’s important for others to have a fair trial;
• Don’t pull other people down because you’re feeling badly;
• Work on seeing only the positive, and if the positive turns out to be less than positive, always look for the silver lining;
• Speak your own truth;
• Don’t compromise on your own values or morals just to please others;
• Never leave something unsaid in anger. Going back in to make amends is always the best policy.