My seven truths (sat nam).

This manifesto is a work in progress as am I. There are certain things that I know to be true, at least for now.

First, I believe in a higher power. I haven’t determined whether that is God or the Universe, but most of my teachers haven’t decided one way or the other, so why should I?  I believe what matters, though, is that we have faith and strive to connect with it everyday whether that be through prayer, meditation, or simply being a dope ass individual.

Second, I believe that the most important thing I learned in school was how to learn. School doesn’t prepare you for half the shit you have to do on a day-to-day basis and you know what I mean: writing emails, filing taxes, asking for a raise. I don’t remember half the dates, data, formulas, or vocab words I was taught, but “I bet I can add up all the change in your purse very fast.” But seriously, the one thing my brain did pick up on was how to think critically and that’s gotten me everywhere.

Third, money can buy you happiness. This is a complete 180 from who I was three years ago, and if you disagree with me, I won’t argue with you. I’ve been there, I get. But the person I am today needs to supply my own basic needs, and food, shelter, and peace of mind all require money. I have a pretty awesome job and a roof over my head, but there are still some days when I go into work like, “why the fuck do I have to do this?” The obvious answer, is because, “I don’t have the money to make my own schedule.” When you’re financially free, the answer changes.

Fourth, positive thought will get you everywhere. An idea paired with desire leads to action which leads to results. There are no impossibilities, just things you don’t want badly enough. I want to be like Henry Ford or Thomas Edison – so confident in my dreams that no amount of hardship or failure can keep me from attaining them.

Fifth, I’m my own best friend. I used to say this repeatedly ages ago and it was completely void of meaning. I would proclaim that I loved myself and then seek validation from others and get upset when I didn’t receive it. I’m not at a point where I’ve completely shaken the desire, and I’m not sure I ever will be, but I do know now that I’m responsible for my life. If I want something, I have to go get it. If I’m afraid of something, I have to conquer my fear. If no one else will believe in me, I will.

Sixth, the key to a long, healthy life, is conquering the mind, body, and soul. Every day I strive to eat a balanced diet, exercise, and connect with my spirit. One of the craziest things to me is that I went from hating yoga to loving it. I wasn’t always in a place where I could enjoy yoga, but now I find myself using words like shavasana across the conference table at work. Then again, shavasana is the best thing since child’s pose.

My seventh truth is perhaps the hardest to practice – stay true to yourself. This is extremely difficult for me, and not because I’m a complex individual (I’ve accepted this). What I can’t figure out is if that voice in my head telling me to stop or go is my heart, my brain, my ego, my inner child, my subconscious, conscious, ancestors, or God. If I figure this out, though, I’ll probably be one badass motherfucker. I mean I am already, but imagine the things I could do!

If you want to get to know me, this is a great place to start, but to stay up-to-date you’ll have to keep reading. 😉