Daily writing prompt

What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

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Whew. This one is easy-peasy.

Well… ok, getting to the point where I solidified and can actually share this hasn’t been. This “holy” trinity of moral guideposts has been forged in the fires of a lifetime of trauma and abuse, which led to a LOT of curiosity and self-reflection (and omfg the therapy), and was sprinkled generously with raising a special needs child to adulthood.

Moral Guidepost #1

• Harm None: “a foundational principle in Wicca, derived from the Wiccan Rede: “An ye harm none, do what ye will”. It essentially means that individuals are free to act as they wish, as long as they do not cause harm to anyone, including people, animals, plants, and the environment. The principle emphasizes responsibility for one’s actions and their consequences.”
  • Now, I go a step further with this and posit “including yourself.” Intentional acts of harm, imho, cause so much pain in the self and to others that I honestly can’t abide by them. I am probably one of the least petty and vengeful people you could meet. That isn’t to say that I don’t have thoughts about it once in a while, but the key factor is not acting on it. I find zero purpose in causing harm, no matter how angry or hurt I get.

Moral Guidepost #2

• Treat Others How THEY Wish to be Treated: For reference, the original Bible quote (The Golden Rule) is Matthew 7:12 – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
  • Ope! I did a Bible quote (ew)… with a much-needed twist. And, while I mostly agree with the original, the problem arises when someone isn’t capable of adhering to Moral Guidepost #1.

Moral Guidepost #3

• Respect Autonomy in All Things at All Times: Period. Respecting your own autonomy and that of others is legitimately one of the best and most important ways people can exist in the world. Without autonomy, we are not our true and authentic selves, and the same goes for respecting everyone else’s (keep in mind that following the other 2 guideposts must go along with this one). Not allowing someone their autonomy is shit and constricts them into someone else’s “ideal” of who they should be. And don’t get me started on should’ing others. Blegh.

BONUS GUIDEPOST – MANTRA:

• “I am not responsible for anyone else’s shit but mine.”
  • I really had to add this one in, because it’s been something that has taken years for me to learn – and I’m still not great at it. I call it a “Mantra” because, not only did I cringe and run away from it when my Mentor told it to me, but once I finally accepted it (Recovering People Pleaser), it literally became a Mantra that I had to repeat to myself over and over (and still do), and far too many times to count. Thing is… it feckin works. So often, those of us that have been conditioned into people-pleasing cause harm to ourselves by never setting boundaries, no matter how much it hurts or sucks. We shoulder the responsibilities of other people’s shit and – shocker – it doesn’t do US any good whatsoever. Thus, when I was able to recite that to myself, it gave me a chance to take a step back, truly consider what I wanted, and make a decision based on my best interests. And beyond that?! I use it with the people I love and care about.

And there you have it. In an attempt to head off sounding conceited, I wish to impart that I do live by these things myself, as much as humanly possible. However, I truly believe that the world – and society as a whole – would be so much better off if these Moral Guideposts were something everyone followed.