Introduction

There’s never a day that goes by that I don’t think about God. More than thinking, I experience the presence of God in most of my waking moments. It’s a feeling of contentment and satisfaction that’s beyond anything that I might convey in a book. I’ve come to know the peace of Spirit in my life, and because of this knowing, all of my concerns, problems, accomplishments, and accumulations diminish in importance. In this short book, I will elaborate on principles to success and inner peace, which, if mastered and practiced on a daily basis, will also guide you to this same sense of tranquility.

These principles are valuable for anyone who has decided to consciously be on their life path. Each of us makes that choice depending on our individual time clock. For some, it’s early in young adulthood; and for others, it happens in the middle or mature years. The principles apply whether you’re just beginning your life path, are nearing the end of it, or are on the path in any way.

Most books of this sort stress the importance of hard work, dedication, financial planning, relationship strategies, choosing the right career, listening to one’s elders, being respectful of the rules, setting realistic goals, living a healthy lifestyle, and being in a state of gratitude. This is good advice and certainly benefits those who choose to listen to and apply this wisdom. It is my experience, however, both as a lifelong teacher and a father of eight children ranging in age from 11 to 33, that this kind of advice by itself leads one to wondering, Is that all there is?

So, I have no advice on goal setting, putting your nose to the grindstone, planning your financial future, listening to older folks, respecting your culture, and so on. In fact, I’ve almost always listened to my own impulses, paying the price for taking the road “least traveled” and resisting enculturation, so it would be somewhat hypocritical of me to now tell you to do what I say and follow my rules. Instead, what I offer you are principles that allow your spirit to guide you.

In my experience working with a variety of people over several decades, far too many individuals choose to be anonymous members of the pack, therefore suffering from the inner remorse that makes them feel like failures, filled with conflict and resentment and wondering what the meaning of life is.

So, I’ve written this book in the hopes that it will help you avoid those feelings of inadequacy and help you feel the peace of God that truly defines success. Read these principles with an open heart. Apply the ones that resonate with you, and discard those that don’t.

When you feel peaceful and successful, you want to extend and export that peace and love. The violence, hatred, prejudice, and judgment in our world suggest that we have miles to go to reach a world of inner and outer peace.

I send you love and all green lights.