Introduction

You are a law enforcement professional. You face many challenges, some more serious than others. Putting your life on the line for the protection of others is a sacrifice found in very few professions. Whether a critical incident or responding to a report, you are constantly handling other people’s problems. Unfortunately, this has a cumulative effect on you. However, there are ways to develop protective armor to help combat the physical and psychological stresses associated with your work.

The Operation Longevity Creed, written by Port Authority PBA Police Stress Counselor Dr. Peter Killeen, is a simple 21-day practice of reflection that will immeasurably change your life. It will help you change your perspective of how you view the world and, most importantly, how you view yourself.

Dr. Killeen would appreciate your feedback if you complete the 21-day exercise and recognize any significant change in your feelings. You may contact Dr. Killeen at pjkil9265@gmail.com. 

The Operation Longevity creed

A creed is a formal statement of beliefs, a proclamation of sacred aims, created to help guide one’s actions. The goal of a creed is to experience a more fulfilled life. Even if you encounter difficulties or challenges in life, success is possible with faith and pure intentions. Your inner strength and fortitude will guide your journey from this day forward. You will never be alone.

The Operation Longevity Creed can be a travel companion and a beacon of light throughout your passage. Your journey may be challenging at times, but by committing to practicing the 12 beliefs of the Operation Longevity Creed each day for 21 days, your rewards will become plentiful. You will begin to see the world with greater clarity and with a much lighter heart. Your happiness will be abundant.

Reflect on all 12 beliefs each day for 21 days. The transformative power will be extraordinary. They hold the power to bring you insurmountable joy and to change your life in unimaginable ways.

Operation Longevity offers a special way to find yourself on a path of genuine happiness and self-fulfillment. If you yearn for inner peace, practicing this creed will fulfill this desire.

Thank you for being a part of Operation Longevity. Remember, your commitment and practice of this creed will lead you to self-fulfillment. Enjoy your personal journey and remember that “Operation Longevity changes the person; the person then changes the world.”

The 12 beliefs of the Operation Longevity breed

First belief: I believe in the power of my creator

My divine creator formed me unlike any other of his magnificent creations. He breathed life into my body and soul and placed me in the hands of my loving family. I was their miracle of love. How exceptional I am. Today, I will reflect on how loved I am by my creator and by those close to me. I will set aside time this day to give thanks for the blessings I have received in my life.

Deep in my heart and soul, I know and believe that I am loved both now and from the beginning of time.

Second belief: I believe I am unique and special

From the depths of my being, I believe I am a unique creation borne out of goodness. Today, I will embrace the unique person I am, made in the image of the one who created me. I can improve the world because of who I am. I recognize this can be done only if I genuinely believe I am special. I will allow no one to say otherwise.

Third belief: I believe I can change the world for the better

If I possess a grateful heart, I believe that I will be changed from within and will show the world the special person I am. With gratitude, I will shine and brighten the journey for others to change. Gratitude is infectious. When gratitude begins with me, I can change the world for the better. I will remind myself daily that a grateful heart creates a grateful world.

Fourth belief: I believe truth builds character

Truthfulness is the richest quality a person can possess. Without truth, I cannot live with a sincere heart. Today, I will make amends for any falsehoods in my life, and in doing so, the burden I have been carrying throughout my life will become infinitely lighter. By allowing myself to come out of the shadows and into the light of truth, the world will become a profoundly brighter place.

Fifth belief: I believe that by healing past resentments, happiness follows

Today, I will examine my life and identify any resentments I carry in my heart. I will ask myself: “Do these hurts make my life easier, or do they weigh me down and place roadblocks in my path?” If they are weighing me down, I will release them. Once I have made amends, I will begin to move forward in my life. This change will be within me, and my experience of peace will be plentiful.

Sixth belief: I believe that quiet and solitude enriches my mind and soul

I will allow myself time throughout this day to experience quiet. I believe that solitude builds strength within the mind. Quiet allows my brain — a beautiful God-given gift — to settle and relax. Racing minds make solitude challenging, but I will commit to beginning each day by repeating this positive affirmation: “I have a grateful heart,” followed by a deep breath and smile.

Seventh belief: I believe that I alone will determine my life’s course

As I move through my daily routine, it is easy to get caught up in life’s challenges. I am now confronted with the task of making healthy choices. I will begin to identify my life’s purpose. I believe that I am in control of my destiny, and only I can determine the outcome of my life. I understand that I am the navigator of my life’s ship, and I chart its course. I believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to if I have a plan in place. I will set aside time at the start of each day to reflect on positive affirmations.

Eighth belief: I believe my body is sacred

Today, I will remind myself that my body is unique and sacred. Trillions of molecules have come together to produce this miracle of creation, which is me, and I know I am special. I can love, care, laugh, cry, create, succeed and change the course of my life. It is me alone that can make this happen. My body is a gift from my creator, and I will treasure and offer thanks for it each day.

Ninth belief: I believe my mind holds infinite treasures

My mind is a vessel for many of life’s miracles waiting to be revealed. Each day in my life, I am offered another opportunity to discover the abundant riches that await me. I will begin each new day with a commitment to embrace one new challenge. I will not give up, whether I succeed or fail. I will stay on course and repeat to myself, “I will succeed.” This mindset will distinguish me from those looking to live life to the fullest and those who settle for mediocrity. I will continue this journey of exploration, which will bless and enrich my life beyond my fondest dreams.

Tenth belief: I believe that a simple life leads to happiness

Today, I will begin eliminating some of the unnecessary clutter in my life. I recognize that my natural tendency is to make things more complicated than they need to be. I find I often become overwhelmed by my daily routine and have begun to accept that it is the norm in my existence. Today, I will recognize that the excess I’ve been collecting is a distraction and impedes my journey to happiness. I will commit to simplifying my life by removing the clutter that is weighing me down.

Eleventh belief: I believe that moving forward in life is the only option

When reflecting on life, I often focus on my mistakes and my regrets. This accomplishes little and will cause me to become complacent. From this day forward, I will commit to live in the present and enjoy the here and now. I will revel in my many successes, both big and small, and learn from my mistakes, promising myself not to repeat them. I alone control my destiny, and I know that moving forward will bring many wonderful opportunities and successes. I will not accept another option. Life is a brilliant gift given to me by my creator. I will treasure this gift and hold it close to my heart, changing the world for the better along the way.

Twelfth belief: I believe there is no greater gift to others than kindness

From this day forward, I will remind myself to do something special for another person each day, with or without recognition. By acting with kindness, I believe I will increase my happiness a hundredfold and will help change the world for the better.

“The ideals that have lighted my way and time after time have given me the courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty, and truth.” —Albert Einstein