What "Guiding Principles" Mean to Me
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What "Guiding Principles" Mean to Me

We all have our own set of core values, these just happen to be mine.

142
What "Guiding Principles" Mean to Me
Sarah Smith

By definition, a principle is a fundamental truth that serves as the foundation for a set of beliefs or behaviors in which we each live our lives by. Principles and values vary from individual to individual, and as we go through life, our principles and values may change, although, the general ideas stay the same.

I try to live my life in accordance with eight core virtues: open-mindedness, honesty, kindness, respect, integrity, commitment, and loyalty.

I will always hear someone out. I am a strong believer in second chances when appropriate. I am an incredibly loyal person and was raised to always follow through on previous commitments, even if something more ideal comes along.

I treat everyone I meet with tact and dignity because a little kindness can go a long way. I am also making more of an effort to be completely open and honest with my loved ones, simply because it is the right thing to do.

I used to be quite private and secretive, as a defense mechanism to protect myself from possible judgment and rejection.

When anyone asks me what religion I belong to, I tell them that I grew up Roman Catholic and that I will go to church with my family for Christmas and Easter, more out of familial tradition than religious belief.

I do enjoy the people that make up the community of my church, however, I consider myself more spiritual than religious.

The church I grew up in was extremely liberal and accepting, unlike other more traditional Catholic churches, so I had an easier time being open to Catholicism growing up, though that belief has changed as I've gotten older and been exposed to other ideas.

Point being, when it comes to such a sensitive topic as religion, I try to reiterate and emphasize that I have absolutely no problem with what other people believe. I just ask that my beliefs be treated with the same equal respect that I give out to others.

This concept is universal in my life. I am an extremely liberal individual and as long as everyone is healthy and safe, and their decisions are in line with what their best interests are, I will never judge.

I will never give them a hard time. I will not tell them that I don’t agree with what they’re doing just because I personally wouldn’t do it. I also won’t tell them what they should do, either. That is for them to decide.

I’ve learned now that it is better to be my complete, honest self with everyone I encounter, detaching myself from others’ negativity, as opposed to being fake.

I aim to live a life filled with light and love; I hope to inspire others to do the same. Only then, can our lives in this world be simpler and happier. Through treating others with compassion, and most importantly, treating ourselves with compassion, can we really make a difference.

Even though it can be difficult, it is so important to do what is right, even when no one is looking. Without my guiding principles, I would not have the foundation to be my best self, which I am always aspiring to be.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57991
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37355
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959022
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192467
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments