22 Principles to Live By: A Guide for Strength, Peace, and Purpose

Life can feel overwhelming at times — full of choices, challenges, and distractions pulling us in every direction. Over the years, I’ve discovered that having a set of principles to guide my decisions helps me stay grounded, focused, and aligned with what truly matters.

Here are 22 principles I live by — reminders that keep me anchored in faith, connected to others, and committed to growth in body, mind, and spirit.

1. God — Seek God’s Counsel

At the center of everything is faith. I’ve learned that wisdom, direction, and peace flow best when I put God first in my decisions.

2. Family — Family First

No success outside the home makes up for failure within it. Relationships with family should never take the backseat.

3. Integrity — Don’t Compromise on Integrity

Our reputation is built over years but can be destroyed in moments. Integrity means doing what’s right, even when no one is watching.

4. Peace — Seek Peace in Every Situation

Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of inner calm, no matter the storm.

5. Balance — Maintain Balance

Work, health, relationships, and spirituality — each requires attention. Balance creates sustainability.

6. Gratitude — Gratitude Over Entitlement

When gratitude becomes a daily habit, joy multiplies. Entitlement robs us of appreciation.

7. Humor — Keep a Sense of Humor

Laughter heals. A light heart keeps us resilient, even when life feels heavy.

8. Presence — Focus on the Present

The past can’t be changed, and the future isn’t guaranteed. Growth happens in the here and now.

9. Goal-Orientation — Start with the End in Mind

Clarity of purpose keeps us moving in the right direction. Every choice should serve the bigger picture.

10. Curiosity — Infinite Curiosity

Never stop learning. Curiosity keeps the mind young and the spirit alive.

11. Understanding — Seek to Understand

True listening goes beyond hearing words — it seeks the heart behind them.

12. Proactiveness — Be Proactive

Don’t wait for life to happen. Step forward, make decisions, and create momentum.

13. Accountability — Take Personal Accountability

Blame weakens us; responsibility empowers us. Owning our actions brings growth.

14. Relationships — People Over Material Things

At the end of our lives, what matters most is not what we own, but who we’ve loved.

15. Generosity — Give Unconditionally

Giving without expectation brings freedom and abundance.

16. Forgiveness — Forgiveness Over Bitterness

Bitterness chains us to the past. Forgiveness unlocks our future.

17. Mutual Benefit — Seek Mutual Benefit

Healthy relationships thrive on reciprocity — giving and receiving with fairness and respect.

18. Love — Love Heals, Fear Kills

Love builds bridges; fear builds walls. Choose love every time.

19. Bless — Bless Rather Than Condemn

Words hold power. Speak blessing, not curses. Lift others up instead of tearing them down.

20. Recycle — Save Rather Than Destroy

This principle applies beyond the environment — in relationships, time, and resources, choose to restore rather than waste.

21. Don’t Judge — Judge Yourself First

We all fall short. Humility means examining our own lives before casting judgment on others.

22. Mindfulness — Be Mindful

Awareness of our thoughts, actions, and words helps us live with intention and clarity.

Final Thoughts

These 22 principles aren’t just words on a page — they are daily anchors. They remind me of who I want to be, how I want to show up in the world, and the legacy I want to leave behind.

I don’t live them perfectly — none of us do. But every day is a new chance to realign, to grow, and to step closer to the life God designed for us.