Happiness Precepts Cont.

The happiness precepts which have been presented prior to  the ones I will complete today has caused me to closer examine my happiness state and make me examine which areas I am able to improve on as I travel down the road to ultimate happiness....

Precept #13- Do Not Steal-  In reading this one the comment which stood out, "Stolen goods greatly reduce in value; they have to be hidden, they are always a threat to liberty itself.  Stealing things is really just an admission that one is not capable enough to make it honestly.  Wow!!  Do you really want to be viewed as someone who didn't have the guts or the courage to make it on your own.  Something to think about- even in using someone's words and not giving credit where it's due is stealing!!

Precept #14- Be Worthy of Trust- Keep your word once given!  In my own words, your word is your bond!  If I can't trust you then I have no room for you within my circle!!  If you can't do something, just be honest enough to say you can't do it or you don't want to do it vs allowing the individual to think that the task will get completed by you knowing all the time you have no intentions of doing so.

Precept #15- Fulfill Your Obligations- Whether you have personal, professional, financial, or spiritual obligations- it is your job to do your part.  If you help to create a relationship that has resulted in another life, business transaction/ expenses, bills, etc- it is "morally" your obligation to fulfill your agreements.  Don't bite off more than you can chew.  If you bit it, chew it!

Precept #16- Be Industrious- The quote attached to this precept- The way to happiness is a high road when it includes industriousness that leads to tangible production!  Get busy, be productive and proactive!!

Precept #17- Be Competent- Look; Learn; and Practice.  "See what you see, not what someone tells you."  Inspect the information given to you, learn the truth from the false- cause and effect; action and consequences......  Learning also requires you remembering what which you were exposed to; good, bad, indifferent.  You can improve ways to make things better and develop an understanding of why things are the way they are.  Practice that which you have learned.  It is sometimes called trial and error.  Sometimes it takes more than one try before you can get it right.  "Any activity, skill, or profession requires practice!"  "The way to happiness is best traveled with competent companions!"

Precept #18- Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others- "Tolerance is a good cornerstone on which to build human relationships."  People have the right to believe what they choose and we must respect their beliefs.  Agree to disagree.

Precept #19- Try Not To DO Things To Others That You Would Not Like Them To DO To You- "The Golden Rule." I simply say Karma!!  It comes back around so if you are doing good by others when Karma visits you won't have any worries.
 
Precept #20- - Try To Treat Others As You Would Want Them To Treat You-  Another part of "The Golden Rule."  It comes back around so if you are doing good by others when Karma visits you won't have any worries.

The last of the 21 Precepts to Happiness #21- Flourish and Prosper- You can not worry about what your fellow man have.  Your job is to obtain your own and be successful in doing so.  Help others where they need help not becoming envious along the way. 

If you should get the time to read the article regarding "The 21 Precepts of The Way To Happiness," (www.thewaytohappiness.org/thewaytohappiness) please do so, you have only been given an abbreviated version through the blogs.  Thanks and have a great day!!!