During my darkest times, I read a book that touched me greatly.  You know how sometimes there is something that just comes to you at the right time so you are ripe for it's message?  That is what John Powell's little book Unconditional Love did for me.

I certainly am not in my darkest times now but from time to time, I have to plow through some fog.  That is how it has been lately for me.

When I do, I think of THEN which always makes me grateful for NOW...

..and I go back to that little book which is helpful.

When I did that recently, I found something that seems fitting as we enter a new year.

Maybe it will be a titch helpful to you (which, by the way, is one reason I do this blog).

He asks in the book what your LIFE PRINCIPLE might be.  He says if you know your LP "it diminishes the wear and tear of having to make all decisions from the ground up."

If your LP is safety then when you have a choice to make, you simply apply your LP and do what provides you the most safety.  "NO need to soul search every time", Powell says.  You know your bottom line.   If your LP is financial comfort then you will choose what brings you the most money.  If your LP is having fun, you will choose what will be the most fun.

You get the idea.

Now, here is the interesting part.  Even if we don't consciously realize it, most of us have a Life Principle and most of us act on it and  "with each use it becomes deeper...."

Which is swell if our LP brings health and happiness and wholeness to ourselves and those around us...

...BUT (this one hits me big time at this stage of life)...

"Old cranks have practiced all their lives, just as old saints have likewise practiced all their lives.  They just practiced different Life Principles."

I have known old cranks.

 Not fun.

I don't want to be one.

So I took time when I first read this book to answer the question:  What is my Life Principle? When I look back, what runs through the fabric of my choices?

Hard to pull it out of the fog but I did and it was illuminating.

It made me more aware of my choices because I paid attention to where they came from and how they affected my life and the lives of those I touched.

I made some adjustments and I continue to do so from time to time as I lean into my Life Principle.

Because I want to be happy and healthy and whole for myself and those around me.

Now that may seem like way too much work so feel free to opt out...

....but if it tweaks your interest, consider it for yourself as you enter this new year.

Ask yourself:  What is my Life Principle? When I look back, what runs through the fabric of my choices?"

If you don't like the answer, make some changes.  Even if you need to get help to do it.

If you like the answer, celebrate!

Happy New Year, All Ye Saints...and Cranks!