Personal Operating Principles

Many years ago, inspired by Steven Covey's '7 Habits of
Highly Effective People' I created a personal mission
statement. In order to fulfill that mission, I also
developed a set of 'Operating Principles'. I think of
these operating principles as the yardsticks by which I know
how closely I am living that mission. Although these are
very personal, I choose to share them hoping to inspire you
to develop your own.

1. I RECOGNIZE GOD IN EVERYONE.

I unconditionally love and accept others, and in so doing I
unconditionally love and accept God and myself. I respect,
without judgment or reservation, the beliefs and decisions
of others as well as their right to those beliefs and
decisions.

2. I WALK WHAT I TALK.

All of my actions are in harmony with my innermost beliefs
and values. I keep all commitments I make to myself and
others.

3. I SEEK EXCELLENCE IN ALL I DO.

I approach every aspect of my life with the sincere desire
to do the very best I can, using the appropriate combination
of skills, talents and resources to produce superior
results.

4. I INSPIRE THROUGH EXAMPLE.

I use all of the love, talent and wisdom within me to
maximize my potential and to experience life as a rich
tapestry, full of love, joy, wonder, abundance and mystery.

5. I EMPOWER THROUGH LOVE.

I use all the love, talent and wisdom within me to serve
others by helping them uncover the wisdom, strength and
power within themselves. I give each person what they need
in whatever form they are most comfortable receiving it. I
am able to impact every-larger groups of people while
maintaining time and space for me.

6. I ALONE AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY LIFE.

I gracefully accept the responsibility for everything
present in my life today and graciously claim the power to
create everything in my life tomorrow. I employ my
imagination, conscience, independent will and
self-awareness to create a joyful, harmonious and integrated
life. I recognize my greatest power as being the freedom to
choose, in every situation. I consciously, proactively
determine the best alternative and most appropriate
response, basing my decisions on conscience educated by
principles.

7. I EMBRACE THE JOURNEY.

I interpret all of life's experiences as opportunities for
learning, growth and contribution. I choose to move without
faltering on an upward spiral of growth and change,
improving continuously. I desire at all times to be free of
limitation.

8. I HONOR MY SPIRITUAL SELF.

I am a clear and open channel for God's divine peace, love
and light. I carry the inner peace of being connected to
God's abundance and energy into every moment of my life.

9. I HONOR MY PHYSICAL SELF.

I am a radiant expression of God. I am perfectly attuned to
the needs of my body and joyously respond to those needs. I
nurture myself with healthy food, rest, exercise and
relaxation. My life is full of grace, comfort and
cleanliness. I enjoy financial security. I recognize that
material abundance is a manifestation of the richness of my
true self and does not represent a choice between having
and being.

10. I HONOR MY EMOTIONAL SELF.

In all relationships, I freely give and graciously receive
love, nurturing and support. Honesty is the cornerstone of
all my relationships. I enjoy a warm, loving relationship
with a principle-centered person who cherishes me. Our
relationship is based on sharing, and choosing to share,
our lives, our time and our space with each other.

11. I HONOR MY MENTAL SELF.

I seek to constantly expand my knowledge and awareness of
life by regular exposure to new thoughts, ideas, people and
places. I explore the world, joyously and without fear.