I believe it is sometimes hard to get a handle on what we truly believe. But thinking about it is worth the effort. It is important to examine why we believe as we do and to realize everything we've been taught to believe is not necessarily truth. We should never become so locked into to a cherished belief that we throw new light out the window. We should allow ourselves to be flexible and open to grow with the times and to remember how little we actually know about anything.

I believe there is something worthwhile about everyone who exists, but even the best of us is capable of making serious mistakes which could lead to our downfall. It is important not to take ourselves too seriously and to realize how vulnerable we are. We need to recognize and acknowledge there is a higher power at work which can override our most ambitious intentions or our greatest failures.

I believe both good and evil exist and that the choices we make on a daily basis are important and can determine which direction our lives will take. The temptation to take the easy way out of a situation will not be conducive to building good character.

I believe that all of us need other people in our lives. Close friends are hard to find, and maintaining the connection we have with them will take some effort on our part. When connections are broken, it is usually not the fault of just one person. Every relationship has many facets. It is human nature to put the blame for failure on the other party, but if we were able to see the situation through their eyes, we would likely see our own shortcomings. A lot of broken relationships are caused by lack of communication.

I believe that focusing on the positive side of everything and being truly thankful for the good we encounter will lead to a happier life and will draw other people to us. A negative attitude will do the opposite. I believe airing our grievances will reinforce them and cause others to see us as boring people. Life is too short to waste on hating anyone. I believe in treating others as we would like them to treat us. All life is a miracle and even animals have a right to exist and to be treated with kindness and respect.

I believe joy is a fleeting thing and can only last for a brief moment, but contentment can be a way of life, only if we adjust our thinking to focus on what is possible rather than what is unattainable. I believe most discontentment comes from unrealistic expectations. I believe it is never a good idea to expect another person to fulfill our needs and make us happy or complete. I believe all the money or power in the world could never lead to happiness. I believe happiness doesn't come from things but from within the mind of each of us.

I believe aging is a process all of us must face unless something else cuts our lives short. I believe pain is a natural part of life on this planet, but how we deal with it makes all the difference. I believe we can fight the ravages of time best by keeping our minds active and engaged in learning new things and maintaining an interest in the world around us. I believe we are never too old to learn something new and even if our brains are not as sharp as they once were, we can use whatever faculties we have left for as long as time allows. I believe in being the best we can be.

I believe that every human being is unique and that none of us will ever agree with everything another person believes. It is important to recognize that everyone has a right to their own opinion and that we should not condemn them for seeing things in a different light. I believe that these words will resonate with some who read them, but others will find them simple and naive. I believe this is as it should be.