I had to write this quickly for a freelance entrance application last week and thought I may as well post it here, mainly so I remember … 

Humanity is bent towards self-improvement as a general posture.  Most healthy, well-adjusted people want to see themselves become better humans in some way or the other. What is sometimes missing in the inspirational or motivational invitations to becoming a better person is the ‘how’. Let us look at three simple ideas that could help bring about that much-desired change in your life and make the lives of those around better too.

1. Remember the old adages ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself’ and “do to others what you would want them to do to you.’ This is a really simple but very effective filter and plumb line for any person wanting to become a better person. Would you like someone to do this to or for or with you?

2. My grandmother always used to say, “Before you say something think about whether it passes the test of these three questions: Is it nice? Is it necessary? Is it true? And if one says no to any of the three, one should probably avoid saying it. Words can cause so much harm – whether it’s a secret shared, or a morsel of gossip enjoyed now but regretted later, or a rumour misplaced to cause harm. There is much power to cause destruction and harm in the words we speak. Conversely, there is enormous potential for love, encouragement and inspiration too.

3. Think more about how your life and how you live it impacts on your loved ones, others, strangers, animals, and the planet. Does what I choose cause harm or exploitation to any of the above? Minimise the negative impact your life has on others as much as you can in your daily life.

Simple but good filters to think about as we move through the world.