Three Principles I Choose to Live By

Posted by On September 17, 2026 1 Comment
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Three Principles I Choose to Live By

As I have grown older, I have realised that life is not only about what we achieve, but also about the principles we choose to live by. Experiences teach us lessons that books cannot. Some lessons come through beautiful relationships, while others come through disappointment, misunderstandings, and moments when we realise that our energy has been invested in the wrong places.

Over time, I have become very particular about three things in my life. They may appear simple, but for me, they define the way I respect myself, treat others, and build relationships.

1. If I Commit, I Fulfil

The first thing I am very particular about is commitment.

When I give someone my word, I take it seriously. I believe that a commitment is not merely a sentence spoken in a particular moment; it is a responsibility that I willingly accept. Whether it is a promise to a person, a responsibility at work, or even a commitment I make to myself, I try my best to fulfil it.

I don’t believe in making commitments just to please someone or to escape an uncomfortable situation. If I know I cannot do something, I would rather be honest about it than make a promise I cannot keep.

For me, keeping one’s word is a matter of character. Circumstances may change, difficulties may arise, and sometimes things may genuinely become impossible. But even then, I believe in communicating honestly rather than disappearing or making excuses.

I have learned that people may forget many things about us, but they remember whether we stood by our word.

2. Be Good to Everyone, But Don’t Be Too Close to Everyone

The second principle I strongly believe in is being good to people without feeling the need to be close to everyone.

I genuinely believe in treating people with kindness, respect, and dignity. I don’t need to dislike someone simply because we are not close. Everyone deserves basic respect, regardless of how much space they occupy in my life.

At the same time, I have learned that kindness does not mean unlimited access to my life.

I believe in maintaining healthy boundaries. I don’t feel the need to know everything about everyone, nor do I believe in interfering in other people’s lives unless they ask for my help. Everyone has their own journey, their own choices, their own struggles, and their own lessons to learn.

If someone wants my opinion, I am always willing to share it with sincerity. If someone needs my help, I will try to be there. But unless I am invited into someone’s personal space, I prefer to respect their boundaries.

I can care about people without controlling them. I can wish well for someone without becoming a part of every decision they make.

For me, distance does not mean indifference; sometimes, it means respect.

3. Where I Am Not Valued, I Don’t Keep Investing Myself

The third thing I am particular about is knowing where my energy deserves to go.

I believe relationships should have some form of mutual respect and appreciation. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, praise me, or constantly make me feel important. But I do believe that when someone repeatedly makes me feel unwanted, unappreciated, or insignificant, I should recognise it.

Earlier, I might have tried harder. I might have explained myself repeatedly, given more chances, or continued investing my time and emotions, hoping things would change.

But life has taught me something important: I should never have to constantly prove my worth to someone who has already decided not to value it.

Walking away doesn’t always mean anger. Sometimes, it simply means choosing peace.

I can forgive someone and still maintain distance. I can care about someone and still stop investing myself where my presence is not appreciated.

My energy is precious. My time is precious. My emotions are precious. And I have learned to be more conscious about where I place them.

These three principles have quietly shaped the person I am today: I honour my commitments, I respect people’s boundaries, and I protect my self-worth.

I don’t want to be close to everyone. I don’t want to be important to everyone. I don’t need everyone’s approval.

I simply want to be someone whose word can be trusted, whose presence brings kindness rather than interference, and whose absence is peaceful when there is no value for the relationship.

For me, that is not being selfish.

That is learning to live with integrity, boundaries, and self-respect.

This blog is sprinting its way to the finish line with Piyush’s Plotters as part of The Blogchatter Half Marathon!

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