How to Remember the Golden Rule: Tips for Happiness in a Scary World

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, the infamous golden rule. You know, the one that so many are forgetting right now in the heat of the moment. As word wars rage and we’re increasingly afraid to turn on the news, more and more people are losing trust in humanity. I don’t know about you, but I’m more worried about the way we’re treating each other than anything else. Once we’ve lost our love and concern for each other, what’s left? Nice homes, fancy cars, cool shoe labels and vacation plans…and a ton of lonely people. But not if we remember the golden rule.

I’ll admit, I’ve gotten into a few discussions on Facebook that I later regretted. There was no name-calling, no inherent rudeness, but they really didn’t get anywhere either. They changed nothing. People are too caught up right now in their own fight and we’re not yet at a stage, as a society, where we’re really listening to each other. So I’ve decided I’m going to try and let my actions speak for me. I’m going to do my best to remember the golden rule and a few others that help me to be nice no matter what’s going on in the world.

Show compassion. You don’t know everyone’s story, history or experiences that have shaped them. You know only what they tell you.
Bite your tongue and remember that your feelings and thoughts aren’t any more valid than others’. Having a thought doesn’t mean you need to say it. Sometimes honesty is an excuse to let out things that don’t need to be said.
Say thank you. Being thankful for people that are in your life and think of you takes two seconds. DO it.
Lower your expectations; not everyone gives in the same way.
Get off your butt. We’re not entitled to anything, so we better get out there and work for it.
Family isn’t just those related to you by blood. Show your gratitude to those who enrich your life since they entered it.
Accept invitations graciously and offer them in return. Life is a two-way street.
Respect is just a word. You aren’t promised respect; you have to earn it, no matter how old you are.
Say no. You aren’t a victim and you have choices.
Stop making assumptions and ask. We’re adults, we can use our words to ask before we judge. Even though, don’t judge.
Learn something new every day.
Set boundaries. You don’t need to put up with everything.
It’s normal to have a “me” day where you lay around and watch TV or eat the bad food or whatever allows you to recharge yourself.
Separate from the mess on social media. You can always go back to it later.
Smile and laugh more. Life’s only as serious as we make it, and being serious doesn’t necessarily fix things.

Life is short. We have a responsibility to make it as good as possible, for others in addition to ourselves. As a mom, I want my kids to help the world around them while being as happy as they can be. Happiness doesn’t happen in a vacuum though. Remember the golden rule, as it’s critical to everything. Even in a climate of fear or hate or uncertainty, we can help cultivate an environment of peace, one person at a time.