If you’ve been here for a while, you know I like to weave writing prompts into my reflections. Today’s prompt asks: “What principles define how you live?”

For me, that question shows up most clearly in how I approach my health—especially in a world filled with conflicting voices. This post is part of my Civicus series, where I step beyond wellness tips and meditation to explore truth, reason, and the shared responsibilities that keep communities healthy and informed.

My Principles, My Compass

I live by a few guiding lights—values that keep me grounded when confusion or fear try to take over:

Truth and Reality: I base my choices on evidence, not rumor.
Reason and Inquiry: I question, research, and verify before deciding.
Care and Responsibility: My choices affect not only me but also my family and community.
Balance: Wellness doesn’t live in a vacuum. It’s about moderation, perspective, and connection.

These principles guide everything I do—from what I eat to how I vote, to how I approach public health choices like vaccines.

The Lesson I Learned the Hard Way

Earlier this year, I landed in the ICU after a severe case of the flu. I hadn’t gotten my flu shot—not because I opposed it, but because I simply didn’t think about it.

That experience changed everything. You can read the full story here:

? Facing Health Challenges Head-On: My Story of Change and Commitment

When I was lying in that hospital bed, barely able to breathe, I realized prevention isn’t just smart—it’s love in action.

So this Friday (my arm is still a little sore today, in fact!), I rolled up my sleeve for both the flu and COVID vaccines.

And let me tell you, I’ve heard some wild things about these shots over the past few years. People told me I’d “die soon after.” That I’d be “injected with tracking chips.” Spoiler alert: I’m still here—and still getting vaxed. My commitment to truth and evidence guided me through that fearmongering.

Understanding How Science Works

It took me years of study and hands-on research experience to understand what science truly is—and what it isn’t. Science isn’t belief. It’s a process. It’s testing, questioning, revising, and retesting until the data holds up.

Here are the concepts that help me separate belief from fact:

Confirmation Bias: We all naturally seek information that supports what we already believe. To counteract this, scientists work to disprove, not prove, their assumptions—that’s what keeps the process honest.
Falsifiability and the Null Hypothesis: A true scientific claim must be testable. Researchers start by assuming no effect exists (the Null Hypothesis) and then gather evidence to see if that assumption can be rejected. If nothing could ever prove a claim wrong, it’s not science—it’s belief.
Weight of Evidence: Real conclusions come from the cumulative body of research across time and institutions, not a single viral video or cherry-picked study.

That’s the part so many people miss: science isn’t about defending personal opinions—it’s about following the data, even when it’s inconvenient.

When Public Figures Mislead

Figures like RFK Jr. have gained attention by challenging established science. But when you dig into the claims, they often crumble under scrutiny. His vaccine statements don’t align with global data or peer-reviewed research—they align with fear. That’s why principles matter. Living by truth and reason doesn’t mean trusting blindly—it means being willing to admit when you’re wrong and to keep learning.

Why I Question—Even Institutions I Generally Trust

Institutions like the CDC and WHO have done incredible work, but they’re also human systems—complex, political, and imperfect. I don’t follow them blindly, but I don’t dismiss them either. I ask: Where does this data come from? Is it peer-reviewed? Are there any conflicts of interest shaping the message?

This isn’t cynicism—it’s accountability. Institutions can falter, but science as a method—transparent, repeatable, evidence-based—remains one of our strongest tools for truth. That’s how I choose to live: eyes open, heart steady, guided by reason and care.

Clarity Over Chaos

When I want clarity instead of confusion, I go to evidence-backed sources—and then I verify what I read:

Cutting Through the Noise

So how do we cut through misinformation when it’s everywhere? Here are a few things that help me:

Slow down before you share. Emotional content spreads faster than truth. If something triggers outrage or fear, that’s your cue to pause.
Look for consensus, not one-offs. Real science emerges from repeated results across many studies.
Check credentials and funding. Who wrote it? Who benefits if you believe it?
Be open to correction. That’s how science—and humanity—evolves.
Remember balance. Information, like food, needs moderation. Too much junk, and it poisons your health.

Closing Reflection: What Principles Define How You Live?

My principles—truth, reason, care, and balance—have shaped every decision I make. They’ve guided me through fear, misinformation, and recovery.

Now I ask you: What principles define how you live?

In a time when so many voices compete for our attention, the best way forward isn’t shouting louder—it’s listening smarter. By choosing truth over fear, and compassion over chaos, we can build a healthier world together.

CherryCoBiz will always be about holistic health and wellness—but also about reality. Because wellness isn’t just green juice and deep breaths. It’s learning how to think, not just what to think.

With gratitude, conviction, and care,

Terra Turner