No matter the culture, and even sans the religious tone, it is a morally acceptable truth to "not do unto others what you don't want them to do unto you." Our generation calls this The Golden Rule. This principle can be traced back to thousands of years in the Scriptures.
This same principle is my motivation for my version of a Reverse Bucket List.
Photo by pepe nero on Unsplash
What's a Reverse Bucket List?
It is a list of things you wish you would never have to do, ever.
And here are the things I strive hard not to commit against people around me, and to myself.
Would tell a lie
I don't want to be lied to. It breaks my trust and ruins relationships. Relationships are built on honesty and genuine concern, and lies and deception are their exact opposites. In all my endeavors, I see to it that I present factual information and tell the truth. I don't want to be a purveyor of deception, especially to people who depend on the truth to make informed decisions.
Oversell myself
I know my capacities and abilities. I know my weaknesses as well. And never will I ever oversell myself just to please others. I don't want to brag about something I cannot do, I do not have, or I do not know about. I want to be known as someone genuine, who doesn't have to live in false pretensions.
Break a friendship
Far be it from me to sever my friendship with the people who have been with me through thick and thin. I value people and relationships. As an introvert, I only have a handful of friends, but I make sure they are for keeps! And I will move heaven and earth to prove that I am their friend. Because that's what friends are for, right?
Give up my faith and principles
I have my faith and principles, and I know not everyone around me shares the same beliefs and principles as mine. However, I will strive not to compromise myself just so I can go along with others. I believe in mutual respect despite differences and I don't have to give up what I believe in just to gain social approval.
Fall out of love with books
I love books, and my pile of books is turning into a library of some sort. I may not be able to read all of them right now because I have several things to attend to, but yeah, books are my best friend! And don't see myself losing interest in collecting books that catches my attention.
These are just some of the things I would never have to do, ever. How about you, what's on your list?