Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness by Living the Paradoxical Commandments - By Kent M. Keith

You may not know this, but most likely, if you’ve never heard of Kent M. Keith, you know of his work. You’ve probably received an email (maybe even repeatedly from loved ones and friends) featuring this man’s remarkable work.

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.

Look familiar? I bet it does. Mr. Keith’s work has been circulating the world over since 1968 when he first wrote what is known as “The Paradoxical Commandments” for a student leadership manual. They were featured in Wayne Dyers book “There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem,” and the commandments were even found on the wall of Mother Teresa’s children’s home in Calcutta.

Mr. Keith’s newest book, “Do It Anyway,” is based on the ten paradoxical commandments, and offers us ways to live our lives with meaning, even though we may have a multitude of excuses for not doing so.

This is a very sweet book, and I really enjoyed reading it. It was a very quick read, and I managed it in two days. The book is four parts; Part One: You Can Do It Anyway, Part Two: Paradoxical People, Part Three: Making A Difference, and Part Four: An Interview with Kent Keith.

Each part has personal stories relating to that section, and then a set of questions to ask yourself about living the paradoxical commandments. The personal stories are touching, and the questions help to guide you toward living a life of meaning.

What I really liked about this book is that it is a beautiful guide for those who believe that there is just so much wrong with the world that we could never possibly make a difference. “Do It Anyway” is about making changes in our own homes and communities. Then, without our necessarily being aware of it, that good radiates into the world around us.

This book also serves as a reminder for us to be in the world, and not just of the world. When we find that we are only doing things for the recognition we will receive, or we do something because we will get something out of it, we are no longer serving humanity or ourselves. Even when we believe the world is just giving us its worst, by living the paradoxical commandments we learn that by giving our best, anyway, we can live a life filled with personal meaning, happiness and fulfillment.