My Guiding Principles

About a year ago I defined three guiding principles for my life. The hope was that I would recall them often and they would lead me. Problem is, I forgot them. So today I was out driving around Hagg Lake, and thought about how I love nature, and see God's hand in it everywhere. I realized that the elements of nature are a perfect representation of my life-guiding principles. So I chose to associate my guiding principles with the elements of nature. It's an easy way for me to remember them, and because nature is all around me, it will be a constant reminder where ever I am. here they are, defined...


Earth
It is the foundation for all life.

• For me, it represents family and friends, and loving and fulfilling relationships, since all things are rooted there. It is also a reminder of the wonderful gift the Creator has given us, and of our mortal probation here.
  

• I connect this element with my goal to have a lasting and committed marriage and family.
  

Water
Flows in and around us, and through us. It is a part of every living thing. Without it nothing would live. It has a cleansing power, and can move the earth.

• For me, it represents the Gospel of Christ, and his Holy Spirit. It is a reminder of his love for us, and the attonement he made to pay for all men's sins. It is also a reminder to refresh myself often through scripture and prayer, and acknowledge my shortcomings to my Heavenly Father.
  

• I connect this element with my goal to always give service to others when I can, since God gave everything he had for me.

Fire
It has a destructive component, and a productive one. It can destroy a home, a building, or a forest. But it also powers our cars, heats our homes, cooks our food, and propells our rockets into space.

• For me, it represents the human soul. It represents passion, creativity, and love. It is a reminder to constantly indulge my dreams and aspirations and believe in myself. But also that these things need to be bridaled, and to keep myself in check.
  

• I connect this element with my goal for continued self-improvement and morality.