1. WALK IN YOUR TRUTH AND INTEGRITY.

What is your truth? It is possible that we will view things differently and embrace a ‘truth’ that does not appear to be like anyone else. According to our ‘soul contract’ and the goals of this life, we will seek and hold onto our ‘truth.’ Whatever that is, it will be important for you to walk that path as long as it does not infringe on the rights of another person. In all things, you should be a person of integrity and honor. You have the right to feel the way you do; equally, another person has the right to be in disagreement with you and feel differently. It is not our differences that get us into trouble; it is the actions we take because of these differences that dissention occurs. Always honor the confidentiality of others. Be a person of compassion!

2. ASK NOT WHO YOU ARE; LISTEN AND OTHERS WILL TELL YOU WHO YOU ARE.

Who am I? It is normal to ask that question and sometimes beneficial to know the answer. In truth, you are the total of all things you have ever been, both good and bad. While there is sometimes value in remembering the past, it is infinitely more important to walk in the present. Whoever you may have been in a past life, you are not that person now. The most honest definition of who you are is in the things others say about you. When someone remarks on how you have changed his or her life, you have been a mentor or perhaps a teacher. When a person is able to walk through the darkness because of you, you may have been the ‘light’ for them. If a child cries in the night because of your abuse, you have been the perpetrator. If you do not like the person you are at this moment, it only takes a second to change the path you are on.

3. FORGIVE YOURSELF AND FORGIVE OTHERS.

The ultimate shame in making a mistake would be not learning from the situation, and repeating it over and over. Unconditional forgiveness is the most important gift we can give to any person; forgiveness is the perfect gift we can give ourselves. You cannot move forward with your life and expect it to be better when you have not learned how to forgive. Forgiveness is not condoning a wrong that has been done to you. It is only the action of setting yourself free so the pain no longer binds you. It is how you retake authority over that painful situation. When you want your life to improve, and be better, you will have to forgive yourself for anything you may have done wrong. There is strength in your ability to forgive ‘self’ or ‘others.’

4. TEACH BY EXAMPLE, NOT BY WORD.

Do as I say, not as I do; a very old saying that has no more power today than it did when our ancestors used it. We teach by example, and imprint on others every moment of every day. The question, for some of us, will be whether or not we are good teachers. Walk your path! Live your life as if every moment is being judged by the actions of those who learn from you. We have a tremendous responsibility to be the best person we can be. In doing so, we set the best possible example for those who are watching and learning from us. What you say may go in one ear and out the other, but your example lives on. How you live your life creates a marvelous path for any that needs your help and guidance.

5. GIVE MORE OF YOURSELF THAN YOU RECEIVE FROM OTHERS.

There is such a thing as fair compensation for a person’s work. At times, it will be necessary to redefine the meaning of ‘compensation.’ The more we give of ourselves; the more we receive of others. In most cases, as you walk your path you will give away much more than you receive. When we come from the heart and give completely of ourselves, the blessings are greatly multiplied and returned to us. Having said this, if you give because you expect to get something in return, you have changed the flow of the energy. What you receive will have the same conditions you placed on your gift, but greatly magnified and returned to you. When you give of yourself and your work; give because you care, not because you expect to receive something in return. The bottom line… it is not what we have, but what we give away.

6. DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS.

It is so easy to see a tragic situation and make a judgment about the people involved. While some of our best guesses may be correct, we do not stand in a place that allows us to see the whole picture. In most cases, the laws of the land will prevail when someone commits a crime against humanity. Even if the system is not working perfectly, there is a judgment that each soul will face and become accountable for. The ‘truth’ is seldom as visible as we may think. You are entitled to your feelings. Ultimately, the only person you will judge is yourself.

7. FIND SOMETHING POSITIVE IN EVERYTHING, ESPECIALLY IN THE DARKNESS OF PAIN AND SUFFERING.

This may be one of the most challenging things you will accomplish. There is such a fine line between ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ and in many cases it is our own perspective that decides which is which. There are many horrific things that occur in life and we cannot take away the pain or grief associated with that. What we can do is rise above the pain, or painful emotions, and find something positive within the situation. Admittedly, it may take a long time for some things, but when we reach that moment - it becomes very freeing. Is the glass half empty or half full? It is all in how you choose to view it. Everything in life is about choice; this may be the most important choice you learn to master.

8. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WALK EVERY PATH TO KNOW EVERY LESSON; THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

It is given unto each of us that we will have many opportunities to learn and grow from our own experiences. Just how many lessons of life do you think you can handle? For many of us we will learn many lessons of life through others, we will share in their growth because we care enough to be involved. Would you rather walk 100 different paths, each filled with some level of pain or, walk the ones you must, and learn from another? It is about the choices you make, and where your heart truly is.

9. BE PRESENT AND BE ACCOUNTABLE; GET OUT OF THE WAY.

We seldom know when a moment of greatness is about to occur. This is not about our being ‘great,’ but it is because we made the choice to allow it to occur. I have learned that it is not who I am, but whose I am! Each day may bring endless opportunities to touch someone’s life in the very words we say. In the simple gestures of ‘giving’ that we make – we allow someone to receive just what they need. When we are willing to take a moment for someone else; when we become accountable for ourselves and our actions; when we get out of the way, incredible things occur for those that are on their path and interacting in our journey.

10. SEEK GREATNESS IN ALL THINGS; FIND IT WITHIN YOU.

God did not create an imperfect soul! Therefore, it is reasonable to assume there is greatness within you. Within each of us is everything we are seeking! When your journey is about finding ‘unconditional love,’ you will always find it within yourself. Sometimes the most difficult part of our journey is in accepting that these great things are within us, we often feel unworthy. Not everything we see is beautiful, but within everything, there is beauty. It is up to us to be in allowance of this and to find it. Those who are around us will rise to our level of expectation. We will fulfill those things we expect of ourselves. How much better for each of us if it were greatness we sought in all things!