I cannot remember where I first saw those words. I only know that they have become very important to me as I explore a whole new life in a new home. Today I am in a new and wonderful place both spiritually and emotionally, the woman that downsized her old life and built a better one. What better time than the start of another new year to take a look at these statements and see how making the time and space to look at "the other side of the coin,” can make a huge difference in how we live our lives.
Quality rather than appearance - I remember that every year as a child, when my mother would take us shopping for our new winter coats, that she would opt for something that was a good buy and would serve us in the long run even if she had to spend a little more. She always taught us that it was worth it because "quality was more important than fashion."
I now use that yardstick in every aspect of my life, especially when it comes to the subject of eating and dieting. I know countless numbers of folks have listed losing weight as one of their top New Year's Resolutions. I also know that countless numbers of them will have that resolution fall by the wayside before the month is over. So I have decided to apply this idea to how I take care of my body. I will eat what is healthy for me, not what the latest diet fad tells me. I will participate in exercise that gives me energy, is fun, and makes me feel good about myself. I will not judge my body by what size I am (or am not), but by how I feel in my own skin.
Ethics rather than rules - One of the most important teachers in my life was Dr. Wayne Dyer. Of all the things he taught me, the one I remember most is this one:“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” To me, that also means that just because our culture, our families, or our friends, tell us that we need to follow the rules if we want to get ahead, it doesn't mean that they are right. My truth may not be the same as your truth, but my truth includes behaving in a way that does no harm to anyone in thought, word or deed. How society sees me has no influence over my decisions. The only one I have to answer to is the person I see in the mirror each morning. Remembering to be kind extends to ourselves as well as to the rest of the world.
Integrity rather than domination - So much of what is going on in the world today is a huge mirror image of what goes on, for the most part, everywhere, every day, only on a much larger stage. When did we decide that the only way to get what we want was at the expense of someone else? When did it become okay to belittle or demean someone to make ourselves feel better? When did we determine that in order to secure our own happiness, we had to make others lose theirs? I have always been a pro-peace/non-violence person, but when I decided to become a vegan, this idea became even clearer to me. In the morning, when I say my daily affirmations, I know that when I say, "I am whole and complete as I am," I am not only certain that this is true, but that no one else
The Other Side
of the Coin
By Barb Parcells
Quality rather than appearance,
Ethics rather than rules,
Integrity rather than domination,
Knowledge rather than achievement,
Serenity rather than acquisitions.
December 2016 | ElementsForAHealthierLife.com | 41