Honesty
Being honest with others starts with not fooling myself. Looking straight at what I actually feel, even when it is not pretty.
On an ordinary day: Saying “I don’t know” when I don’t. Saying “I was wrong” a little sooner.
Chapter I
What I hold on to
One mission sentence, four values. Not a slogan for the wall — a compass to come back to whenever I drift.
Live true to myself, and pass on what I have received from this world.
Perseverance
Not trying terribly hard for one day, but showing up again the next. Rhythm matters more than intensity.
On an ordinary day: Still going to the gym today, even for a light session. Still writing today, even if it’s three lines.
Rationality
Emotions are data, not orders. Pause for a beat, ask “what’s the evidence?”, then decide.
On an ordinary day: Writing down my assumptions before arguing. Changing my mind when the facts change.
Compassion
Everyone is carrying something I can’t see. Compassion is being firm with ideas but gentle with people — myself included.
On an ordinary day: Hearing the whole sentence before replying. Forgiving myself when today didn’t go well.
Buddhism teaches that everything is impermanent — these values included. I will rewrite this page many more times, and that is a good thing.