When you are busy living, who has the time to think about principles?

But when you slow down, and start living life consciously, that is when life puts you through a series of tests. And each one helps unfold a mystery that has been the guiding light marking the trajectory you have charted so far.

1. Courage – Loneliness gives you two choices, the fear to succumb into weakness so that people accept you or the courage to stand up for your thoughts and actions no matter what the world makes of it. I have always chosen courage. Courage has this fascinating quality of helping me stay content I am on the right path.
2. Confidence – when things don’t go your way, you may be forced into overthinking. You may doubt the path you choose. You may re think your thoughts and actions. While some retrospection is important, no one needs to change themselves completely. Simply because, and I heard this on a podcast- other people are busy living their lives and no one has the time to focus on you. Other people may act the way they do because they are less aware of themselves. Other people may lack the courage to fight their own demons. Overthinking gave me confidence, every time I chose to leave it aside. And I have always lived with confidence. I don’t remember being tentative about anything, I either believe it I don’t.
3. Intent – the most important karma is that of intent. When your intention is pure, circumstances may have power over you temporarily and impact your actions. But ultimately, your intention will bring about the right action.
4. Conscious choice – I choose to think my thoughts consciously and create my life. I no longer drift away like a flying leaf. This has come after years of trying to figure out if life is destiny or a matter of free will. And I have realised, it is a mix of both. And while destiny may shove you in a direction, it is a matter of free will if that is what you really want.
5. Instinct – I listen to my instincts. We are all blessed with a subconscious that has recorded the impact of everything big and small across many lifetimes. As a result we feel feelings as we go through experiences. Most instincts do not come backed up with logical reasoning. And that’s okay as long as it serves its purpose. You are not answerable to anyone except your own true self.

“To thine own self be true“, is a famous quote from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, spoken by the character Polonius, which means to be authentic and act with integrity according to your own principles and morals, as being true to yourself means you can then not be false to others. The advice is to be honest with yourself, use your own judgment, and not conform to external pressures that go against your genuine beliefs and desires.

And that is something I strictly adhere to.

P.S. living a life that feels truthful and happy has always been my mantra. What’s yours?