What’s a personal mantra or philosophy you live by?
I didn’t discover my life philosophy in a book, during a meditation retreat, or while sitting dramatically on a mountain contemplating the universe. I discovered it in ordinary moments—some beautiful, some painful, and some so absurd that all I could do was laugh.
Over the years, I noticed something about myself. Whenever life didn’t go according to plan, I had two choices: I could spend my energy asking, “Why is this happening to me?” or I could ask, “What can I learn from this, and what good can I still do?”
I haven’t always chosen the second question immediately. Sometimes I have taken the scenic route through frustration, overthinking and a little unnecessary drama. I am human, after all—not a motivational poster.
But eventually, I return to a simple belief: positivity is a choice.
I don’t mean pretending that everything is wonderful. Life can be unfair, disappointing and exhausting. Positivity, for me, is not wearing rose-coloured glasses; it is remembering that even when the sky is grey, I can still decide what kind of person I want to be beneath it.
As I like to remind myself, “You may not choose the weather, but you can choose the umbrella.”
That philosophy naturally led me towards kindness.
I believe we should knowingly help others whenever we can. Not because someone is watching. Not because we expect something in return. Simply because we can make another person’s day, burden or journey a little easier.
The Alchemist beautifully explores the idea that our journey shapes us as much as our destination. I find that comforting. Perhaps life isn’t only about reaching somewhere; perhaps it is also about who we become while getting there.
The Bible says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31
The Bhagavad Gita offers complementary wisdom: focus on your actions rather than becoming attached to their rewards (2:47).
For me, both point towards the same beautiful idea: do good because goodness itself is worth doing.
And then there is empathy.
Everyone is carrying a story we cannot see. The person who seems rude may be hurting. The quiet person may be struggling. The person who tests our patience may be fighting a battle we know nothing about.
So I try to replace “What’s wrong with them?” with “I wonder what they’re going through?”
I don’t always succeed. Occasionally, my patience also needs patience.
But I keep trying.
Because perhaps a meaningful life isn’t built through spectacular moments. Perhaps it is built through small choices—to be kind, to help, to understand, to forgive, and to leave people a little lighter than we found them.
Thought to Ponder
If everyone you met today carried an invisible sign saying, “Please handle my heart with care,” would you speak to them differently?
Perhaps the sign is already there. We just haven’t learned to see it.
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