In my mind 3: core beliefs

Respect, Love, Compassion

These three words represent the core values I choose to live through. My current beliefs reflect exactly what was taught in my household growing up:

The Golden Rule

treat others the way you wish to be treated

Naturally, I thought everyone was taught this growing up. However, I realized the hard way that this is not true. I took things personally when others did not reciprocate the mutual respect that I expected. Unaware I was doing two things wrong: taking things personally and setting expectations. Living through this unawareness contributed to mental struggle, darkness that was growing each time I allowed another’s disrespect to affect me.

I learned to not take things personally. Others’ behaviors reflect how they feel about themselves, not how they feel about you. You have the power of your reactions, not others actions.

Repeat: I only have the power of my reactions. Another’s behavior or opinion does not define me.

I learned to not set expectations. Expectations generally set up for disappointment; most of the time everything is not going to be as you expect it. That’s the cool thing about life though, so you might as well flow with it rather than attempting to predict each scenario. What you can do, however, is stand strong in who you are, prepared for anything that might come your way.

Repeat: I live through love knowing if another is capable in the moment they will as well / I have compassion for all people knowing each person is experiencing something of their own / I live presently, and I do my best.

These are two things I learned through experience and various books. I share these statements with confidence in you to use them in your life as well. As they did for me, they train your mind to see the light in all things; it’s always there but sometimes requires a perspective shift.

So with all that said, in an evolved way, my values mirror those rooted from childhood. Living through respect, love, and compassion enable peaceful living. There is no taking things personally and no expectations because when you respect and love any person or situation you are faced with, you accept it for what it is. You see the opportunity in any situation to grow or experience more.

I aim to live with intention to respect, accept, and show gratitude for every person and situation I experience.

My core belief is that this experience of life is not meant to be taken so seriously. Life is meant to be full of learning, growing, experiencing, and living as your authentic self. By doing this, we can seamlessly make the world a better, more peaceful place.

With love,

Ra