Holly Linda DelHousaye's Rules to Live By
Maybe you are a fan of NCIS like I am and you have heard Leroy Jethro Gibbs refer to his rules, an extensive series of guidelines (50+) which make up a code that he lives by and teaches people he works closely with.
Apparently, when Gibbs met his first wife, Shannon, she told him at their first meeting that, "Everyone needs a code to live by." Years later, after their marriage, Gibbs began writing his code of rules down, keeping them in a small tin inside his house.
I discovered that some fans pay such close attention to every detail in the NCIS scripts, that they can actually point out which programs make references to the individual rules, their rule numbers and even when there are discrepancies.
With all this stimulation to think about rules of engagement with life, I have been evaluating if I have a code of rules that I live by and what they are. I discovered, of course, that I do have a code that guides me but I have never taken the time to write my thoughts down before.
The last couple of days I have been busy gathering a few of my personal rules and, if you don't mind, I would love to share them with you:
Rule # 1: Whatever you do, do it with all your heart.
Rule # 2: Wherever you are, be all there.
Rule # 3: Don't just take up space - make your life count.
Rule # 4: Pay attention when God speaks.
Rule # 5: If you can bless a worthy person, do it.
Rule # 6: Respect authority and submit to it.
Rule # 7: Hang around good people and they will rub off on you.
Rule # 8: Chase every detail down when people are involved.
Rule # 9: Stick together - it's safer!
Rule #10: If you can pray with someone in the moment, do it.
Rule #11: When faced with a choice to encourage or discourage, always encourage.
Rule #12: Value compassion - it brings people together.
Rule #13: Embrace informal authority as far more valuable than formal authority.
Rule #14: Use the HUG - SLUG - HUG approach if forced to correct someone.
Rule #15: Understand that being the boss leads to even more restraints - not less.
Rule #16: To be successful you must build a strong support system and maintain it.
Rule #17: Cherish laughter - it is an instant vacation.
Rule #18: If you are in charge of a meeting, end at the posted time.
Rule #19: When you lead, do so excellently by being diligent and careful.
Rule #20: Life brings strange twists - adapt!
I know there are many more where these came from. I am wondering if I will eventually have 50+, too, that will help others know me and what I value. I think Leroy Jethro Gibbs is a fascinating character and so, apparently, do many others. We are drawn to someone who stands for something instead of falling for everything!
