When my situation forced me to slow down, I finally had time to reflect on what truly matters. I knew that if I was going to grow through this season of my life, I needed a deeper framework — something more than just motivation or mindset. I needed guiding principles.
That’s when I came across Leo Gura’s “37 Core Principles of Living a Good Life.”
These weren’t just ideas — they were mirrors. Some reflected who I used to be. Others revealed who I could become.
I began studying one principle each morning. Not just reading it — but journaling about it, applying it, sitting with it in silence. The more I practiced, the more I started to feel a shift. I wasn’t just learning; I was remembering what it meant to live with clarity, character, and conviction.
Some of the principles that stood out to me:
Radical Responsibility: Taking full ownership of my life — past, present, and future.
Self-Honesty: Facing hard truths instead of hiding behind excuses.
Integrity: Aligning my thoughts, words, and actions — even when no one is watching.
Self-Love: Learning to forgive myself so I could begin again with compassion.
Discipline: Training my mind and body to do what’s right, especially when it’s hard.
These principles became my curriculum — and I treated them like sacred study.
Over time, they helped me:
Regain emotional control
Deepen my faith and inner stillness
Rebuild my mental strength
Reconnect with my purpose
I believe everyone deserves a framework for living a meaningful life — especially in moments of adversity. These principles gave me that framework. And I’ll carry them with me long after this chapter is over.
