I'm not a religious man. I do, however, hold to the theory that the universe is a living system, and we, by extension, are a reflection, or possibly the evolution of the universal consciousness.
I picked up and read The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz again this week. It's not a long read, but it is very relevant to this post.
Here's what the book is about.
The Four Agreements is a simple guide to living with more peace, freedom and authenticity. Its core message is built around four principles:
Be impeccable with your word. Speak honestly and use your words to build, not harm. Avoid gossip and say what you truly mean.
Don't take anything personally. Other people's actions and opinions usually reflect their own beliefs and experiences, not your worth.
Don't make assumptions. Instead of guessing what others think or mean, ask questions and communicate clearly.
Always do your best. Your best will vary from day to day. If you consistently give your genuine best, you'll avoid regret and unnecessary self-judgement.