Vivid Views is my series of articles, blog posts and press releases show-casing my work as an author and reflecting my many years in business and self-employment. They are a blend of my real life experiences, professional insights, personal views and fun stories.
My hope is that in them you find enlightenment and inspiration. 'Six Little Words is the 13th in the series.
When sometimes reflecting on the paths taken, and not taken, in my life, three thoughts occur to me.
The first is that, despite an extensive back catalogue of folly, willfulness and sheer stupidity, I harbour very few regrets.
The second is that, if I find myself at this stage of life's journey in a shady nook by a babbling brook rather than in a monster infested dark forest, then this cheerful state has little to do with foresight on my part but everything to do with mindset.
Alas, I could not see clearly the way ahead much of the time nor forecast outcomes. I could however choose to set my mind on a positive course. This commenced with the realisation that I was no genius. But this admission of my own ignorance marked the beginning of my wisdom!
I saw in those who displayed the trait, that modesty is marvelous and a rare quality. As a result I determined to allow no controversy into my life nor permit others to engage me in theirs. Nor do I choose to forcefully express opinions. I feel that it matters not that others know of, or agree with, what I do or do not believe. It matters only that I honour my beliefs.
Which brings me to my third thought - that central to what does matter is having confidence in my own integrity; nurturing, protecting and projecting it. This entails listening to my inner spirit, thinking accordingly, saying what I think and doing what I say. To keep myself on course in this respect, I have memorised and repeat aloud to myself daily, six little words which encapsulate the personal qualities I aspire to. They are -
Duty, Freedom, Honour, Hope, Justice, Mercy – six seemingly little words but which sum up what it is to be human.
The values they represent are what makes those who embrace them beacons of light in a sometimes murky world. They represent everything that you should resolutely aim to be. It may seem like a tall order but exercising such integrity in your life becomes easier the more that you do it. Eventually, behaving according to their diktat becomes second nature. It's also fun and feels good!
So, set your mind to the application in your daily life of the qualities that the six little words stand for. Happiness, success, wealth in all their forms will follow – guaranteed. Genius not required!
I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.
My latest novel is 'Too Early For A Glass Of Wine?' Claim your copy by clicking on the image below.
SIX LITTLE WORDS is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this Vivid View and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.
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