Peace and Joy: The Next Twelve Commandments

Many people honor the Ten Commandments and try to live by them. The belief is that a long, long time ago, God gifted us with these guidelines. In this more complex world, we can use twelve more to steer us in positive personal and global ways.

The following are my ideas for the next Twelve Commandments. To be consistent with the first ten, I started with "Thou Shalt." However, if you have a problem with that, just read the rest of the sentence. Your hearts will probably resonate with these positive courses of action that help create peace and joy.

1. Thou Shalt Be Free to Be Thy Unique Self.

When we are being and expressing who we are, we feel happy and fulfilled. This means exploring our interests, desires, skills and talents and deciding what is right for us. Effective parents help us have high self-esteem, inspire us to be who we are and then support us to live our unique lives, just like mother birds encourage their babies to fly from the nest when they can.

2. Thou Shalt Speak Thy Truth In A Loving Way.

It is more important how we say something than what we say. When we begin our communication with "I" we take responsibility for what we are saying. Speaking from our hearts with kind words is very powerful, because people can hear us and feel good about what we are saying.

3. Thou Shalt Focus On Being Kind and Loving.

Positive words and actions are contagious. Be the person you want others to be. If you want your partner, children and others to be kind and loving then act that way with them.

4. Thou Shalt Allow Thyself Abundance and Share.

Prosperity is your birthright and you deserve abundance. There is a belief that the more you give, the more you receive. It also feels so good to give to others unconditionally.

5. Thou Shalt Forgive Thyself and Others.

Revenge and holding grudges will hurt you. Accept that we are all human beings, hopefully learning from our mistakes. It is very healing to forgive others and yourself.

6. Thou Shalt Seek Win-Win Solutions.

If both parties are not okay with the solution, then, it will not be effective. No one likes to lose. It is best if all parties involved feel heard, considered and okay with the decisions.

7. Thou Shalt Respect All People's Beliefs.

Everyone is entitled to their beliefs. When we honor them, we have more peace and harmony. Be open to accept other people's opinions. You do not have to understand everyone's beliefs, but it is important to respect them.

8. Thou Shalt Accept Everyone As Global Family.

We are all human and have the same basic emotional and physical needs. When we accept everyone as our brothers and sisters, we will live in a wonderful, peaceful world.

9. Thou Shalt Honor and Take Care of Mother Earth.

Planet Earth is our home. If we devastate it, we will also destroy ourselves. To truly live a healthy life, we need a healthy earth that is kept clean and considered in everything we do.

10. Thou Shalt Balance Thy Life Between Work and Play.

In order to be healthy and happy, we need to balance our lives. We are actually even more effective and efficient when we take the time to play and rejuvenate.

11. Thou Shalt Be Healthy, Happy and Fulfilled.

We are not here to struggle and suffer. It takes healthy, happy people to make a healthy, happy family, neighborhood, city, state, country and world.

12. Thou Shalt Live in Love, Joy, Peace and Harmony.

I believe that our God Beings, whoever and whatever that is for us, wants us to live in love, joy, peace and harmony. We are a microcosm for the macrocosm of the world. If we all choose to live this way, we will create a loving, peaceful world.

Living from the 22 commandments can help us all live better lives and enjoy peace on earth. Each one of us has the power to make a difference. These guidelines can help you create the joyful life and world you desire. Go for it!