Over the past couple of months, I realize that my posts have been more sappy and sentimental than they have in the past. I’m not apologizing for that; I’m just recognizing that they’ve been like that. Today, I was going to write this post, but I held off thinking that it wouldn’t be interesting. Too bad.
I think that people aren’t defined by what they say, who they think they are, or how they want people to see them. People are products of what they believe and what they do. With that said, I have a very sappy, sentimental idea. I’d like some of my fellow bloggers, friends, and readers to follow suit with this idea: What are 10 things that you believe? Here are mine:
- I believe that the sooner you realize how important family really is, the better. When we are kids, it’s easy to feel embarrassed by our family. We try so hard to be “cool” that it’s easy to create an individual identity by distancing ourselves from the people we are closest to. But when you really step back and look at it, family is the one thing that is constant.
- I believe that if you allow yourself to be open-minded, you will learn more than you can ever anticipate. When you decide not to like someone or something because you’re not familiar or you’re afraid, you’re robbing yourself of an experience and knowledge that can change your entire outlook. When you realize your fear is irrational, you allow yourself to go outside your comfort zone and really learn something.
- In relationships, find someone that makes you want to be a better person.
- The difference between being outstanding and average is a matter of effort. A very wise man told me this, and every day I notice how much this is true. No matter what you do, whether you are a professional athelete, a salesperson, or anything at all, you’ll see that the difference between being adequate and extraordinary is not as huge a gap as you’d think. It’s the little things that differentiate the okay from the legends.
- I believe that if you’re wrong, the best thing you can do is admit it and try to learn from it.
- I believe that learning is one of the most satisfying things a human being can do.
- I believe that if you don’t step back and recognize the little things in life, you’re really missing out.
- I believe that the fear of embarrassment is something that stops many people from recognizing their full potential, and that’s too bad. There are so many times where I’ve stopped myself from doing something because I was afraid I’d look like an idiot. But, I have to say, there have been many times when I have looked like an idiot, laughed about it, and went on with my day with no further consequences.
- If you can’t laugh at yourself, that’s okay. Everyone else is going to do it for you. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and you’ll be much happier along the way.
- Take risks. Someone said it’s important to do one thing each day that scares you, and that’s pretty much spot on. Be spontaneous. Tell people how much they mean to you. Bungee jump. Speak in public. When you fail, you’ll know that at least you tried. When you succeed, you’ll realize that you have more potential than you ever thought you had.
Sappy enough for you?
Well good.
Now, I’d like to hear your 5 or 10 beliefs. If you’ve got a blog, well, now you’ve got a topic. If not, put something in the comment section. I don’t think I’ll hear from a lot of people, though I’d love to. So let’s see what you can do.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Erin // Oct 25, 2006 at 7:11 pm
I believe…I’m glad you’re my brother. I believe we came from a great family and we’re very lucky to have them.
I believe if you’re going to do something, you should do the best damned job you possibly can, no matter how silly the task may be.
I believe in the innocence of children. When Kai does anything at all, from talking to sleeping to whining, she lights up my world.
I believe your friends can become almost family, and you should work to keep them around no matter how busy you are. I also believe in breaking up with friends when they aren’t worth it.
I believe you can be financially poor but rich in so many other ways.
I believe in living. I believe in enjoying everything and everyone you encounter.
I believe in appreciating people.
I believe in having a good time, listening to good music, drinking good wine now and then, setting goals high, understanding that you always have a choice, crying once in awhile, letting yourself be vulnerable sometimes, and seeing the good in a bad situation.
I believe it’s ok to be teary-eyed in Hallmark.
I believe in saying I love you.
2 Gina // Oct 25, 2006 at 8:21 pm
I believe a person must eat good food.
I believe a person must *not have* to appreciate what a person has.
I believe in laughing.
I believe in being alone and learning to be comfortable with that.
I believe absense makes the heart grow fonder.
I believe there is something to learn in every moment you realize there is something to learn.
I believe in talking to people, out of the blue, with whom I haven’t spoken to in years.
I believe in experimenting.
I believe in my mom.
I believe someone’s looking out for me. And I believe I know who it is.
3 sarahnicole // Oct 25, 2006 at 10:13 pm
this may have been sappy, but i also found it 1) awesome and 2) inspiring. i look forward to recreating my own version of this list in my blog. in the mean time: much love to THE BEACH
4 Barry Freed // Oct 26, 2006 at 9:43 am
Wow.
Thanks so much for putting in your “I believes” here in the comments. That’s awesome. These really are great, and if I’m feeling annoyed or sorry for myself, I now know I’ll be looking here!
5 KTina // Oct 26, 2006 at 11:17 am
Here are mine:
http://www.swirlingsnow.com/?p=113
6 Mom // Oct 26, 2006 at 7:07 pm
I can’t possibly write as well as those who have posted but have learned alot from reading these beliefs and I will work on sharing mine.
7 Brooke // Oct 27, 2006 at 10:26 am
OK…here’s mine:
I believe in love. I don’t think there’s any greater force in this world, capable of so much good and bad.
I believe in ANIMALS!! Their behavior is so pure; free of the horrible human tendency to be so ugly….
I believe in saying your sorry.
I believe in getting over it. People waste years being angry, sad, afraid…it poisons your spirit.
I believe in logic, reason, science….evolution.
I believe if you smile, people will smile back.
I believe in being the bigger person.
I believe in Karma.
I believe in tipping 20%
I believe in love at first sight, soulmates, and marriage.
I believe in astrology.
I believe in vacations, eating dessert, and trying new things.
I believe I will try to LEARN how to relax; Americans stink at this! My husband is from South America and they LIVE life….businesses may be closed half the day, there may not be alot of money, but they eat, drink, dance…and don’t STRESS.
I believe I am a good person.
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