Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

I’ve always believed that the simplest lessons are often the most powerful ones. My mom often said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” To me this wasn’t just a catchy phrase; it was a rule to live by. She taught me early on that treating others with kindness and respect wasn’t just the right thing to do–it was the way to build better relationships and a happier life. This wasn’t some abstract concept to her; it was something she lived every day, and she made sure we understood it, too.

One of the clearest examples of this was when I was in elementary school. For my birthday one year, my mom insisted that I invite my entire class to my party. I remember thinking, “But why? I don’t even talk to everyone!” She explained that if we pick some students in your class, and we exclude others, it hurts them. Her point was that no one should ever feel left out, just like I wouldn’t want to be left out myself, and that’s “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It seemed like a big task at the time, but looking back, it was such a powerful lesson. Not only did it teach me about inclusivity, but it also showed me the importance of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes–like the golden rule says.

That birthday party was one of the times I truly understood what the Golden Rule meant in action. It wasn’t just about being nice to your friends; it was about making sure no one was left behind, even if it felt awkward or uncomfortable. It’s a lesson that’s stuck with me all these years, and whenever I’m faced with a tough decision or conflict, I hear my mom’s voice reminding me to treat others how I’d want to be treated. It’s a simple rule, but one that makes a world of difference, both in how we treat others and how we feel about ourselves.