By Di Smith

We are often anxious to improve our circumstances, but if we are unwilling to improve ourselves we cannot move forward to living to our highest ideals. If you wish to get the most out of life there is one essential requirement – a deep, driving desire to learn and the determination and discipline to apply certain principles daily.

The only way to learn and improve is by doing. Genuine change does not happen overnight. Good behaviour patterns and the art of choosing them come step by step with gradual familiarisation. By self-analysing and applying the following principles at every opportunity in your daily life, you will be on the path to discovering your true self.

Until you make peace with yourself, you cannot be content with who you are.  It was Neale Donald Walsh who said: “So long as you’re still worried about what others think of you, you are owned by them. Only when you require no approval from outside yourself can you own yourself”.

I have outlined below some of the principles which will take you down the path of self-discovery.  Should you require a more comprehensive study of these principles they can be found in my book You’re Awesome – Living a Fulfilled Life.  Go to the online shop at www.awesomesa.co.za or purchase the book from any of the South African book stores.

Principles in Living your Life with the Correct Choices

1.    Take time to be still and silent
This is the path to discovering your true self.

2.    Accept Yourself
You are unique with your own unique looks and talents. There has never been anyone on this earth who is exactly like you and there never will be again.

3.    Develop Self-discipline
Dignity is closely connected with self-discipline. Self-discipline gives you freedom from the temptations of greed, passion and prejudice.

4.    Let go of Your Ego
“If you want to reach a state of bliss, then go beyond your ego and the internal dialogue. Make a decision to relinquish the need to control, the need to be approved, and the need to judge. These are the three things the ego is doing all the time. It’s very important to be aware of them every time they come up” – Deepak Chopra

5.    Conquer Your Fear
Desmond Tutu explains: “All of us experience fear but when we confront and acknowledge it we are able to turn it into courage. Being courageous does not mean never being scared; it means acting as you know you must even though you are undeniably afraid”.

6.    Honour Your Family
The foundation of community is the family.  Your family and your community give you the emotional stability and support that empower you to go out into the world with confidence and become all that you can be.

7.    Live in the Moment
“For yesterday is but a dream and to-morrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope” – Kalidasa

8.    Learn to be Humble
Nelson Mandela says: “If you are humble, you are no threat to anybody. Some behave in a way that dominates others. That’s a mistake. If you want the co-operation of humans around you, you must make them feel they are important – and you do that by being genuine and humble. You know that other people have qualities that may be better than your own. Let them express then”.

9.    Count Your Blessings
In a world driven by self-gratification we live with feelings of not being good enough, not having enough and with the endless treadmill of striving for more, bigger and better. By counting your blessings, you will open the pathway to the feelings of comfort and joy. You will feel complete and at peace.

10.  Embrace Ubuntu
By harnessing the concept of Ubuntu, you will step up to the true measure of your greatness and will receive the most rewarding blessings of all – a life filled with family, friends, laughter, joy, love, peace and spiritual success.