These are notes from a toastmasters’ meeting

Have you ever felt there should be a manual of daily living? Practical things? The right way? The proper way to replace toilet paper. What shapes our attitudes about the right way?
The way we are raised.
She is a Tide and Downy girl because grandma said they were the best. Only drives foreign cars because her grandfather said they are the best.
How do we decide the right way? What do we do when we discover our right way isn’t right at all. When used to strive towards the ideal of perfection. What do we believe and what do we want out of life?
Three simple practices.
1) Gain new knowledge and combine it with the old. How do you decide what works for you? Room to experiment.
2) Try different practices. Maintain an open mind to new ideas. Use philosophy until you don’t need it. Your beliefs will evolve. Practice new ideas with no judgment. “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.” –Ian McClaren. We will bumble about our journey. We can draw line in the sand as much as we want to. We pay a self-imposed penance for wrongdoing, but instead, cut ourselves some slack. Acknowledge negative thoughts and move on.
3) Have a sense of humor and laugh at yourself. Kinder to self and avoid self-judgment. Give up the idea of perfection and will gain the confidence to laugh at self. Even when mistakes seem unforgivable. Can venture into the unknown.
Be willing to open mind to new possibilities. Relinquish self-judgment. Exercise humor and will find the right way.