We are at word #6 on this journey to replace perfection. Principles is a special word, as it is the lighthouse that stands tall every day and shows the way. Principles are our values – what we hold most dear in our hearts.
These words are often simple statements or declarations of the emotions or characteristics that are seen as the most worthy elements of living authentically. When you see them, or hear them spoken, they create a spark, and a fire begins to burn. Every time you honor them, the fire burns brighter – lighting the path you are on and guiding the way.
Not Negotiable
Principles are the one word on the list that once you know them, they are not negotiable. Principles are the pillars of life. They are often a simple list of just a few words, and yet the power they hold is immense.
With your principles at your side, you can navigate any situation – any weather pattern that life puts on the radar. They are the guides on what to do and what not to do. They help identify situations to avoid, deals to take or make, how relationships should look and feel and so much more.
Principles should never be bent – and no one should ever ask you to bend them, or worse, break them. Once bent, you may lose a part of yourself. I know I did. I lost all of me by the time I was 50. Always the people pleaser, I fell into the roles I thought I was supposed to play, who I thought I was supposed to be. The good daughter, the good sister, the good employee, the good manager, the good wife… on and on. Following the principles set by others, superimposed on me from different sources, I woke up one day not knowing who I was. Getting clear on my principles was the game changer.
Basis for Boundaries
Now that I am clear on my values, I know what my non-negotiables are, and I am meeting me! Saying yes, saying no, being clear on what I want and don’t want in my life. Boundaries are the path to honoring these principles.
With my principles as my guide, and with clarity and kindness as my communication tools, I am learning a whole new way to live. With my principles clear, and my boundaries defined, life feels freer and more beautiful.
The Lighthouse
Principles are the lighthouse, standing tall and strong, and the beautiful part is that they’re always there to help guide us. Our principles stand every day. They stand in the light, and in the darkness. They stand whether waters are calm or rough.
There is so much beauty in the fact that each person can have their own set of principles. In this crazy, beautiful world we need different kinds of lighthouses, in different places, and different kinds of waters. Stoke the flame, stoke the fire, help it burn bright! The light it emits ensures that people know and see this is what you stand for.
It is another beautiful, amazing, and imperfectly perfect part of the journey. Knowing your principles is another great word to replace perfection, as it becomes that guiding Light in your life. When some clouds roll in or a big storm hits, which means that things aren’t going to go as we planned, the beacon of light that is our principles helps to guide us through the storm.
Change the thought, Change everything Tip!
The Principles Path!
As a Willingness Warriors, we already know you have a beautiful light inside you and bring your amazingness to this world! With the Principles Path, we find the words that create that light. Find your Ten Touch Timer, or use the timer on your phone or PC, and get ready!
- Set the timer to 5 minutes and write down 10 – 15 words that describe your values. What do you value? Commitment, honesty, kindness, balance?
- Set the timer to 3 minutes and cross off 3 – 5 of the words. Are their words that include some of the other words on the list? Eliminate at least 5 this round.
- Set the timer to 2 minutes and cross off words until you are left with 3 to 5 words. Which ones are the most important?
- Make a clean list of the remaining words.
These are your principles – they will light the path on your journey. All answers are correct. Then print them out and put them up somewhere you will see them every day! Create a mantra, post it on your mirror, or make it the background on your phone. They are the non-negotiables that will help you create your best life.
Meet the Author
Fran Attilio is the Chief Integrative Marketing Strategist at Ten Touch Creative. Fran is Reiki 2 attuned (currently in master mentorship program), and 200-hour trauma informed yoga teacher. Fran’s approach integrates her learnings in energy and yoga training, and she is here to change the way we think about our businesses. Business cultures traditionally have used “it’s not personal, it’s business” as a shield for years. The first thought to change – it’s all personal. Everything we do in and for our businesses is rooted in who we are and what we believe. Entrepreneurs go out on their own to do things differently, and we are here to help them find success doing what they love.