When I lost the religion of my birth, I lost so much more than a belief system. Walking away wasn’t just a simple choice—it was like leaving behind the foundation of how I understood the world and myself. For someone who is neurodivergent, where structure and patterns bring comfort, this belief was woven into every thought, every moment. God was my constant until, in an instant, I found myself unsure of what to believe.
In that moment of doubt, the realities of my world crumbled. The certainty of gravity, of up and down, dissolved. My whole world was gone, and I didn’t know what to trust anymore—especially when those I trusted most proved unworthy of the faith I had placed in them.
To rebuild, I had to remove religion from my constant thoughts and prayers just to regain clarity.
I discovered that I no longer believed in laws or dogmas. Instead, I found truth in principles. “Teach correct principles, and let the people govern themselves.” These principles became the foundation for my new reality. They weren’t rules, but manifestations of truth—pillars on which I could build my world again.
Here are the ten principles I chose to guide my life:
1. Integrity
2. Empathy
3. Honesty
4. Humility
5. Gratitude
6. Kindness
7. Self-Love
8. Legacy
9. Generosity
10. Living with an Abundant Mindset
These principles have served me well, carrying me through some of the darkest, most difficult moments. They helped me remain steady in my actions when everything else felt uncertain.
Yesterday was a big day for me. In truth, these past few months have been full of monumental days. I’m entering a new chapter of my life, and as I do, I feel called to add new principles to my foundational ten.
New Principles for This Next Stage of Life
1. Be Bold Enough – Let your dreams be so big that they inspire wonder and hope. Believe in the impossible, and let your vision add light to a path for others to follow that brings hope.
2. Be Passionate Enough – Let your hopes fill your heart and guide your days. Let your passion ignite inspiration in others, and let your dedication be a source of strength for those around you.
3. Be Committed Enough – Stay steadfast on your journey, pouring your energy and love into your dreams. Know that every challenge is part of the process, and every step brings you closer to making your impossible vision a reality.
4. Be Kind Enough – Stand for what is right with courage and grace. Choose love and fairness, especially when it’s difficult. Walk away from things that don’t align with your values, no matter the cost.
5. Be Gentle Enough – Remember that your perspective is uniquely yours. Listen with an open heart, understanding that others see the world through different lenses. Embrace their views with kindness, and let understanding guide you.
6. Be Enough – See your infinite worth. You are enough—just as you are. We are each created with an eternal purpose and hold immeasurable value.
7. Be Enough love…