“Nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so.” – Shakespeare
Beliefs
If I were to ask the question, “Who are you?” What would you say? How would you describe yourself?
Are you an optimist? Or do you carry a pessimistic view of the world?
Do you believe you a have a purpose? Or do you subscribe to the idea that you have no purpose? (If you chose the latter I suggest you continue reading my blog.)
Are you religious? Or Atheist? Perhaps you’re somewhere in between.
Quite simply, your being is ultimately determined by one word: Beliefs
Your beliefs determine your reality. You are literally the creator of your world.
If you believe you’re going to succeed, more than likely you will end up being successful. On the other hand, if you believe you’re not worthy of happiness and wealth, you will more than likely continue living an unfulfilled life. Have you ever thought about what you believe?
As human beings we have an obligation to take the time to determine what we believe. This is our job. Not our family’s, not our friends’. But ours.
What many fail to realize is that we are in complete control of our beliefs. We are the captain of our own ship. We are the author of own story. We are the master of our life.
Regardless of your view of the world, realize that you are responsible for your reality. Every choice, every thought originates from you. The power that lies within you is extraordinary. How you choose to use this energy is solely up to you.
I’m not here to tell you what to believe–that is something you must decide–however, I am here to encourage you to explore various belief systems, particularly ones that challenge you to grow.
Developing Your Own Beliefs
It’s unfortunate, but the majority of society fails to take the time to contemplate what they truly believe. This results in their beliefs being superficial rather than originating from the soul.
When developing your own beliefs it is important that they are just that: Your own beliefs. Your beliefs must resonate with you. Not your family or friends but you.
Soul searching takes time. There is no shortcut. There will be bumps in the road. Searching within yourself can be a very difficult task. Yet it must be done. Understanding who you are at the core is essential for enlightenment.
Up until a few years ago, I rarely bothered contemplating the big questions like:
Who am I? Why are we here? Is God real? Are human beings innately good?
I instead allowed social conditioning to mold my beliefs for me. This isn’t to say I didn’t think about these questions from time to time, rather I never scratched the surface of these life-altering questions. It wasn’t until my friend passed away that I sincerely began contemplating these powerful life questions.
Are you having trouble determining what you believe? Believe in yourself first. Go on a walk. Connect with nature. Meditate. Just listen.
I realize it is quite tempting to simply turn on auto pilot and just exist, however, this is the least efficient way to live. I sincerely believe that life is meant to be an exciting journey, not one in which we just live day to day.
The past few years have completely transformed the way in which I view the world. I still don’t have all the answers, nor will I ever be able to say I do, however simply contemplating my purpose has proved to be very beneficial.
We were given the ability to think for a reason, therefore it is essential for us to consciously decide what we believe.
Adopting Empowering Beliefs
Empowering beliefs aid you in living life to its fullest potential. Looking at the world from a positive state of mind is essential in achieving happiness, wealth, and spiritual contentment. Yet unfortunately many choose not to adopt beliefs that empower them.
Right now at this very moment you have the choice to be happy. It doesn’t matter if you have just been laid off. It doesn’t matter if you just ended a long term relationship. Happiness is a choice.
You truest self knows how to be happy. Are you listening?
In a society of more-more-more we often forget that right at this very moment, we have everything we need to flourish. Any belief otherwise is simply an illusion.
This isn’t to say there are not hundreds of powerful products and purpose driven individuals who can help guide you to your path. They are however simply a guide.
Some beliefs that I have found to be particularity empowering are:
- Oneness: The idea that humanity is one single organism. Individuality is an illusion. This belief has completely altered my perception of the world. This belief is a bit abstract but it has empowered me to live to my fullest potential nonetheless.
- Service: What can be more empowering than living a life of service? A life of service also compliments my belief of oneness.
- Spirituality: I may not be considered “religious” yet I am deeply routed in my spirituality. Connecting with the source has empowered me in ways I cannot even begin to explain. I spend a great deal of my time connecting with the higher power that flows within.
- Unconditional Love: While I subscribe to this belief I’ll be the first to admit I’m not always the best at living it. Learning to love unconditionally is one of the most difficult yet fulfilling beliefs you can ever adopt.
Those are just some of the many empowering beliefs that I have incorporated into my life. Again those are beliefs that empower me. You must determine the beliefs that empower you.With the help of empowering beliefs nothing can stop you from changing the world.
What empowering beliefs will you choose to adopt?
Dropping Negative Beliefs
While it is important to adopt empowering beliefs, it is equally, if not more important to drop the beliefs that hinder your growth.
Do you feel like you’re not good enough? Do you simply go through the motions? The solution? Drop your negative beliefs.
The average person (myself included) subscribes to numerous negative beliefs:
- “I’m not good enough”
- “Power is bad”
- “Money is bad”
- “I’m all alone”
- “I have to ____”
- “No one likes me”
Notice how subscribing to these beliefs does nothing but harm. Notice how these beliefs make you feel.
Negative beliefs are the single greatest cause of misery and unhappiness, yet the majority of society continues to subscribe to such beliefs.
One of the worst things you can do is subscribe to a belief system that negatively impacts your being. If a belief doesn’t resonate with you drop it immediately. You might meet some resistance from family and friends who want you to believe
Subscribing to negative beliefs systems prevent you from connecting with humanity.
Dropping your negative beliefs does take time, especially considering many of us have been conditioned to accept these negative beliefs as fact. Simply accept where you are currently and strive to improve. The important thing action. Read inspiring literature. Surround yourself with encouraging individuals. With time your negative beliefs will slowly suffocate within the presence of empowering beliefs.
What negative beliefs can you drop today?
What Do You Believe?
Consciously choosing your beliefs rather than having society decide them for you is an important first step to personal growth.
Over the next few days,weeks, or even months, set aside some time and contemplate what your current beliefs. Do they resonate with who you are? Or are they the result of social conditioning?
While many claim to have all the answers, the truth is only you hold the answers to which you seek.
Are your current beliefs empowering? Or do your current beliefs hinder you from truly connecting with humanity?
Remember, your beliefs begin within you.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great article Bud!
You know from my blog that I’m a huge believer in the power that we all have to take meaning and find positivity in any situation no matter how unpleasant it may be. While many people disregard this concept, it’s really true that we have an innate ability as humans to choose how we perceive our surroundings.
The less you need to be happy, the happier you’ll be, and if more people were to live this way, the world would be a happier and friendlier place!
Wow Bud! This is a great post that I really connected with. I bet you would really enjoy one of websites that is ALL ABOUT belief…in yourself, your friends, your world. Check it out at http://www.theahaexperience.com and let me know what you think, OK? In the meantime, keep up the good work and congrats on today’s post at http://www.theuniversitykid.com That was an exceptional post as well!
Bud – what an inspiration you are. I feel so blessed to have found your work. Absolutely – in each moment we have the decision to be happy – or not – our choice – no matter how impossible that seems. Thanks for the great reminder – and I so look forward to spending more time with your posts