The Philippine Printer Volume 2 | Page 17

EDIT ORIA BY: LOL I THE GOLDEN RULE TA G UIL AS L When I look back at any success I’ve been able to achieve, or anything that went “smoothly” in my life, I can see one simple law at work. When you follow it, everything becomes seemingly easy...and that’s because it truly does, when you practice this one fundamental truth in everything you do. I’m talking about the “Golden Rule”, and no, it’s not just some cliche. Although many people have become apathetic toward the most important law in history, the words of the Golden Rule still hold as much power as they did when they were originally spoken more than 2000 years ago. You see, when you actively think about it, and practice it, it can and will change your life. Now, we’ve all heard this age-old rule a million times: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...or more simply put: Treat others how you want to be treated. Put other people first; yourself a distant second. I like this one translation best: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, and then take the initiative and do it for them. If we all thought about this simple rule before acting or speaking, think about how POWERFUL that would be. It would literally change the world. And while taking on the world may seem like an overwhelming task, there’s one place we all can start that will have a dramatic impact on everyone we interact with: ourselves. And so, what is the most important thing you can do today? Why should you ask yourself this question? Because it matters. Because we live in trying times and the answers are more critical than ever. Because you need to get in the habit of defining “importance” in your life. Because YOU “CAN” ask yourself this question. Because you have probably “NOT” been asking this question often enough. The answer does not have to be BIG. Sometimes the answer will seem small, but think about it carefully...it may be bigger than you think. Example: Should you help your daughter with her homework today? Sounds small? It’s not. You are creating a lifelong bond with your child. You are spending valuable time with your child, time that can be used to instill values in her that can last a lifetime. Another version of the Golden Rule says: GIVE people what you need. Wow, how powerful... Read that again, and let it sink in. And guess what? When you do just that and give (love, forgiveness, a cold glass of water, sympathy, grace, encouraging words, a smile) to others first and foremost, all your needs have a funny way of working themselves out. Your words and actions can tear down or build up. Today, I encourage you to start consciously making the Golden Rule the backbone of your speech and decisions. I mean really, truly, consciously. Go ahead and start by sending someone an encouraging email or text message today. Make someone else feel good. Be positive and joyful when interacting with strangers...the security guard at the airport, the clerk at the grocery store. It’s not always easy to do, but you’ll be surprised just how much easier your life becomes when you truly live by this one simple rule. And even better, you’ll enhance the lives of everyone you interact with. On the occasion of our Golden Anniversary, let’s all practice the Golden Rule! ********** 15 / THE PHILIPPINE PRINTER