The Ten Commandments were proclaimed by God as a set of principles and rules, regarding moral and ethical standing in otherwise flawed human beings. They set out to provide guidance and a code of conduct for millions around the world, religious and non religious alike over thousands of years; because let's be honest, 'thou shalt not murder' is a pretty obvious one right?
But in this society, where popularity is decided by numbers on a scale, by clothes worn, and music listened to, perhaps an alternative vision of the Commandments is exactly what is needed. It's harder than ever to be a woman in the 21st Century; salaries still aren't completely equal between the sexes, a female football referee was humilated and even jokes about women belonging in the kitchen have lost their humour because now most top chefs are men. Women of today are downtrodden, their self esteem is in shatters because of the expectations they are limited by. This new set of updated and relevant commandments ones which I try to live by, it doesn't mean they'll work for you, but here it goes.
1. Thou Shalt be graceful
Be graceful in your achievements, do not boast, be quietly proud, there is no need to scream them from the rooftops. Show humility around anybody you meet, but in particular around your friends and family, you are lucky to have them, let them know it. Say please, and thankyou. I love you doesn't go amiss either.
2.Thou shalt push yourself
Being content is admirable, being happy is desired, being comfortable is exactly that, comfortable. We are put on this earth for reasons unknown even to us. One thing, however we can be sure of, is that amongst other things is that as human beings, we grow. Never allow yourself to be in a position where you're not growing as an inidivudal. Progress is essential, always strive for more, to be better, but ensure you strive for things that will make you smile. Aspire not to have more, but to be more.
3. Thou shalt forgive quickly.
Fear, anger and self loathing are powerful emotions which often are shrouded behind viscous words, unkind actions or looks which could kill. Forgive quickly and remember that not everybody is trying to upset you on purpose, their worst enemy is most likely their own reflection. Anger is unbecoming,, it signals a lack of self discipline and disregard for the other person or people involved. Forgive before the sun goes down, and the sunrise will be brighter. Much like my ginger hair.
4. Thou shalt not dismiss your childish ways
Children have no worries, they go up to others and make friends in five seconds. They say what they feel with no second thought, cry when they need to and laugh at anything which makes them smile. Live your life the same, life is stressful enough as it is.
5. Thou shalt not be afraid
Be yourself, and show people that you care, whether it something in your professional or personal life, passion is not something to be feared. (Unless your passion in life is Adrian Chiles, or Piers Morgan) It is not a weakness to admit defeat, nor is it to expect better from yourself and others. Do not be afraid to speak your mind. On a more frivilous note, do not be afraid to laugh at yourself, to do something a little stupid, or treat yourself to a new dress or pair of shoes. The world will not stop turning, it will spin madly on.
6. Thou shall dream a little bigger
We wish upon stars, on birthday candles, on a certain amount of magpies, for our hearts deepest desires. Growing up we dream of being firefighters, astronauts, chefs, fairies, princesses and more. Why should that ever cease? It is not going to make you less respectable, less loved, or a lesser person to have a dream which may seem unobtainable, or that others may regard as ridiculous. It's a dream for a reason, chase them. Dreams are not as ephemeral as a butterfly, they can adapt, change or grow into something we never thought possible.
7. Thou shalt not be jealous
This is easier said than done, but jealously is the garden weed of all emotions, it drags you down, it strangles and suffocates any positive. Looking at someone who is always wanting more, who is so deeply unsatisfied with themselves and their own life is not an attractive quality in anybody. Wanting someone else's relationship, their lifestyle, their money or in my case, their hair, will NOT change what YOU have. It'll only feed off the feeling of wishing to be somebody else, it;s corrosive and damaging. However, at least it's reliable, you always know what to expect.
8.Thou shall take time for yourself ( but do not forget your friends)
It's not a crime to need space, to ask for some time alone, or to enjoy your own company. Sometimes, you need to be by yourself in order to move forward and be the best friend you can be. Relishing your own company is a sign of inner strength, it allows you to reflect on your day, accomplisments, failures and plans for the future. Sometimes the best days, are spent in bed, watching t.v/reading a book and painting your nails, because otherwise you wouldn't have time.
9. Thou shalt not live your life on other people's terms.
Have the strength of character to fight for what you believe to be right. Have conviction in your actions, and stand up for yourself. You make decisions based on what is best for you, not your friends and family. There of course, is no need to disregard their opinions, but ultimately it's your life and not theirs. They do not know the darkest corners of your mind, not the depths of your heart. Do what is best for you, stay humble and do not compare your lives with others. 10. Thou shalt believe in magic and not be cynical about love.
“Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” —Roald Dahl
Love is perrenial, it is independent of country of origin, of race, religion or creed. It is a universal truth, which speaks louder than anything other in the world. It is louder than the pressure to be perfect, your nightmares, and your insecurities . Love who you choose, do not be bound by the perceptions of others or fear of rejection. Take every opportunity it brings, it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Love is the last remaining magic we have. Do not be cynical, believe and wish for it with all your heart.
But in this society, where popularity is decided by numbers on a scale, by clothes worn, and music listened to, perhaps an alternative vision of the Commandments is exactly what is needed. It's harder than ever to be a woman in the 21st Century; salaries still aren't completely equal between the sexes, a female football referee was humilated and even jokes about women belonging in the kitchen have lost their humour because now most top chefs are men. Women of today are downtrodden, their self esteem is in shatters because of the expectations they are limited by. This new set of updated and relevant commandments ones which I try to live by, it doesn't mean they'll work for you, but here it goes.
1. Thou Shalt be graceful
Be graceful in your achievements, do not boast, be quietly proud, there is no need to scream them from the rooftops. Show humility around anybody you meet, but in particular around your friends and family, you are lucky to have them, let them know it. Say please, and thankyou. I love you doesn't go amiss either.
2.Thou shalt push yourself
Being content is admirable, being happy is desired, being comfortable is exactly that, comfortable. We are put on this earth for reasons unknown even to us. One thing, however we can be sure of, is that amongst other things is that as human beings, we grow. Never allow yourself to be in a position where you're not growing as an inidivudal. Progress is essential, always strive for more, to be better, but ensure you strive for things that will make you smile. Aspire not to have more, but to be more.
3. Thou shalt forgive quickly.
Fear, anger and self loathing are powerful emotions which often are shrouded behind viscous words, unkind actions or looks which could kill. Forgive quickly and remember that not everybody is trying to upset you on purpose, their worst enemy is most likely their own reflection. Anger is unbecoming,, it signals a lack of self discipline and disregard for the other person or people involved. Forgive before the sun goes down, and the sunrise will be brighter. Much like my ginger hair.
4. Thou shalt not dismiss your childish ways
Children have no worries, they go up to others and make friends in five seconds. They say what they feel with no second thought, cry when they need to and laugh at anything which makes them smile. Live your life the same, life is stressful enough as it is.
5. Thou shalt not be afraid
Be yourself, and show people that you care, whether it something in your professional or personal life, passion is not something to be feared. (Unless your passion in life is Adrian Chiles, or Piers Morgan) It is not a weakness to admit defeat, nor is it to expect better from yourself and others. Do not be afraid to speak your mind. On a more frivilous note, do not be afraid to laugh at yourself, to do something a little stupid, or treat yourself to a new dress or pair of shoes. The world will not stop turning, it will spin madly on.
6. Thou shall dream a little bigger
We wish upon stars, on birthday candles, on a certain amount of magpies, for our hearts deepest desires. Growing up we dream of being firefighters, astronauts, chefs, fairies, princesses and more. Why should that ever cease? It is not going to make you less respectable, less loved, or a lesser person to have a dream which may seem unobtainable, or that others may regard as ridiculous. It's a dream for a reason, chase them. Dreams are not as ephemeral as a butterfly, they can adapt, change or grow into something we never thought possible.
7. Thou shalt not be jealous
This is easier said than done, but jealously is the garden weed of all emotions, it drags you down, it strangles and suffocates any positive. Looking at someone who is always wanting more, who is so deeply unsatisfied with themselves and their own life is not an attractive quality in anybody. Wanting someone else's relationship, their lifestyle, their money or in my case, their hair, will NOT change what YOU have. It'll only feed off the feeling of wishing to be somebody else, it;s corrosive and damaging. However, at least it's reliable, you always know what to expect.
8.Thou shall take time for yourself ( but do not forget your friends)
It's not a crime to need space, to ask for some time alone, or to enjoy your own company. Sometimes, you need to be by yourself in order to move forward and be the best friend you can be. Relishing your own company is a sign of inner strength, it allows you to reflect on your day, accomplisments, failures and plans for the future. Sometimes the best days, are spent in bed, watching t.v/reading a book and painting your nails, because otherwise you wouldn't have time.
9. Thou shalt not live your life on other people's terms.
Have the strength of character to fight for what you believe to be right. Have conviction in your actions, and stand up for yourself. You make decisions based on what is best for you, not your friends and family. There of course, is no need to disregard their opinions, but ultimately it's your life and not theirs. They do not know the darkest corners of your mind, not the depths of your heart. Do what is best for you, stay humble and do not compare your lives with others. 10. Thou shalt believe in magic and not be cynical about love.
“Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” —Roald Dahl
Love is perrenial, it is independent of country of origin, of race, religion or creed. It is a universal truth, which speaks louder than anything other in the world. It is louder than the pressure to be perfect, your nightmares, and your insecurities . Love who you choose, do not be bound by the perceptions of others or fear of rejection. Take every opportunity it brings, it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Love is the last remaining magic we have. Do not be cynical, believe and wish for it with all your heart.
<3
This is so lovely, I really like it. It's like a mini Desiderata xxx
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