RULE 2

Rule 2 : Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.

The second rule sounds simple. In fact, all twelve rules sound simple come to think of it. 

Peterson begins this chapter with the astonishing fact that the average person takes better care of his or her pets than themselves. He then launches into the reasons behind this laissez faire-ness when it comes to our own well-being.

Simply put, we don't think were worth it. Two thousand years ago, when violence was a way of life, the admonition to love one's neighbor as yourself was seen as a radical message. These days,however, it's the loving yourself part that's the challenge for many.

The book explains that each of us has a sense of our propensity for evil and many of us live with an underlying sense of guilt. Christians call it original sin. I call it core selfishness. As well, as the author writes "we all have a palpable sense of the chaos lurking under everything familiar."

But how to overcome that negativity.

I have a feeling that's what the rest of the rules are about.

Peterson preaches that we have to learn to accept our limitations and then use our self awareness to make moral decisions that embrace goodness. 

Self awareness is a tough one. 

And from my standpoint, it doesn't usually come from following a set of rules. Rather it often comes from breaking them.

Let me explain. When I was a kid, I learned to ride a two wheeler at the age of 5. One day, as I was riding along the sidewalk, I noticed two elderly ladies (probably in their thirties now that I think about it) walking toward me. As I drew closer, I decided to try to ride right between them instead of riding around them as my father had taught me. Bad decision! As I passed between them, my pedal caught the leg of one of the women and in the next instant, both the lady and myself were on the ground. Quickly, I regained my feet and dashed for the front door of my nearby house, not looking back to see the damages. Minutes later, in safety under my bed, I heard a knock at the front door and then my mother trying to placate two angry voices. Apparently I had torn the nylons of the struck woman and had traumatized the other. My mother paid $1 for the stockings and after an interminable length of time, the loud voices subsided.

The life lessons I learned that day have stayed with me for a lifetime.

It taught me not only to ride a bike safely but also to respect my elders and to take responsibility for my messes. It also made me thankful for my mother's unconditional love and support.

Indeed, every broken rule, failed enterprise, lost friendship, or even challenging illness can be a door to self discovery.

Hopefully, Step 3 will help open that door just a bit wider.