10 things you won’t regret reading 

Listology is becoming an online craze. The lists range from the 20 Things You Need to Do in Your 20s to 7 Things You Need to Stop Doing Every Day. Lists push me to try new things, pull me into breaking bad habits and encourage me to expand my travel horizons.

The most dominant lists on Facebook lately have been about happiness: 21 Things Happy People Do Differently, 10 Simple Things You Can Do to Make You Happier Today and the most shared list this month 21 Habits of Supremely Happy People. These lists give me things to think about every day.

But when you boil them down, they all say similar things: laugh, be yourself, don’t sweat the small stuff, save your money, enjoy the present moment, etc. In the famous words of The Magic School Bus’ Ms. Frizzle, “Take chances, make mistakes and get messy!”

I receive at least three lists a day and, I have to say, it can be overwhelming. Which list is the best one? What do I listen to? Are they universal or are some only relative to middle-class Generation Y? Will “taking a foreign trip without planning it” or “faking a smile, even if I don’t really mean it” really quench my thirst for true fulfillment and happiness?

It reminds me of the original list designed for human happiness, the Ten Commandments. I see people withdrawing because they are intimidated by the list of seemingly stern rules of Catholicism. But to me this seems a misguided view of what is naturally a beautiful guide to joy. Let’s break it down with an examination of conscience:

1.    I am the Lord your God, you shall not have strange Gods before Me. (Ex 20:2.3)
Paraphrased, it seems to me He’s not just saying the negative — don’t put other things before — He’s also exclaiming the positive — put me first. He's saying that putting your energy into Me will fulfill your deepest longings and make everything else fall into place. He’s making a promise.

2.    "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." (Ex 20:7)
Simply put, “That’s my name, don’t wear it out.” Would you speak disrespectfully about a loved one or even a stranger? I think He's saying we should treat God with the same respect. This can also mean sticking to your word, keeping a promise or honouring an oath — say what you mean and mean what you say.

3.    "Remember that you keep holy the Sabbath Day." (Ex 20:8)
This is permission to keep one day a week for R&R. I’m fairly certain resting and enjoying the moment are included in many of those online happiness lists.

4.    "Honour your father and your mother." (Ex 20:12)
Parents are only part of this equation. Respect and learn from your elders and those who care for you. Chances are they’ve been around the block more than you have.

5.    "You shall not kill." (Ex 20:13)
Seems pretty self-explanatory, but I think killing can come in many forms apart from murder, euthanasia, abortion or suicide. Did I harm someone? Was I killing my best work with laziness? Did I fail to recognize the beauty and honour of human life?

6.    “You shall not commit adultery.” (Ex 20:14)
Have I had disrespectful or demeaning thoughts about someone? Did I rob someone of their dignity?

7.    "You shall not steal." (Ex 20:15)
Did I use something good for bad intentions? Did I take something that wasn’t mine?

8.    "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour." (Ex 20:16)
Was I trying to be someone I’m not? Stay honest and truthful. It keeps us out of trouble and a lot less stressed. Lying creates all kinds of unnecessary problems. As Shakespeare said, “to thine own self be true.”

9.    "You shall not covet your neighbour's wife." (Ex 20:17)
Have I cheated my spouse or partner of love? Have I cheated on them with another? Have I chased something temporary, sacrificing something holy in the process?

10. "You shall not covet your neighbour's goods." (Ex 20:17)
Did I use my time wisely and for good? Have I taken things that someone else has worked hard for that aren’t mine? Have I destroyed something belonging to someone else, a possession or a reputation? Have I been generous instead?

As I see it, this “list” of commandments isn't a set of rules to limit us, it's a set of guidelines to free us. The commandments are not conditional based upon culture or hierarchy, they’re universal based on human need and desire. If God created humanity, He knows how we best function and care for each other. He has given us some good hints into our own blueprints, but it’s up to us to choose how to live.