“Our beliefs are like a lens we use to view life; we see what we convince ourselves is true.” – Vex King
Have you ever read or heard something that resonated so deeply that it felt like a truth you always knew, but just couldn’t articulate? I often find myself in such moments, where words from others mirror the experiences and emotions I’ve held within.
This makes me wonder: If our beliefs shape our reality, doesn’t that mean that by changing our beliefs, we can change our lives?
I grew up in humble circumstances, where life wasn’t always easy. Yet, through my mother’s unwavering strength, faith, and perseverance, she created a life for us that seemed to defy the odds. Her belief in love, hope, and the possibility of brighter days shaped not only her reality but mine as well. She found light in the darkest of times, and even when I couldn’t see any hope, she held onto it fiercely.
Her belief that love could heal, inspire, and overcome any obstacle was a lesson she lived every day. This belief system, deeply rooted in her heart, became the foundation of the life she built for us. As the youngest, much was hidden from me, including our financial struggles. But even as a child, I observed and sensed more than I understood. My mother’s beliefs – her conviction that love could make anything possible – became my guiding light, motivating me to strive for a better life for my family.
I am who I am because of her. The thoughts I think, the words I speak, the experiences I live – they all stem from the beliefs she instilled in me. I lived the brighter side of life because she shielded me from the storms, believing that I deserved to see the world through a lens of love and hope.
When my mother’s soul left this world, I learned stories of her life that shattered me. I could finally understand the silent battles she fought during 50 years of marriage, battles that were laid bare in her final days. The suffering I witnessed in her last 38 days will stay with me forever, a torment I carry in my soul. Yet, even in her suffering, her belief in love’s power never wavered.
My mother, a woman of immense strength, sacrificed her desires and needs to shape me into a better person. Her belief in me, in our family, and in the power of love, is the root of my inspiration.
My father, the only graduate of his generation, also held beliefs that shaped his life. He aspired to continue his studies but was denied by his parents. Life pushed him into the business world, where he faced many trials and was even expelled disrespectfully. Yet, he persevered, eventually finding his path in the insurance business. Even now, at 70+, his belief in hard work and resilience imparts strength to me.
Through the beliefs my parents held and lived by, I’ve come to realize that the deepest roots of my inspiration are found at home, long before I seek them elsewhere. Their beliefs shaped their lives, and in turn, they shaped mine.
Through the beliefs my parents held and lived by, I’ve come to realize that the deepest roots of my inspiration are found at home, long before I seek them elsewhere. Their beliefs shaped their lives, and in turn, they shaped mine.
I cultivated a habit of reading in the last few years, immersing myself in stories and ideas that challenged and expanded my understanding of the world. These stories, filled with diverse perspectives and wisdom, further fueled the evolution of my belief system. I’ve come to appreciate that while our foundational beliefs are often inherited from those we admire, they can and should evolve over time. We must remain open and adaptable if we are to truly take flight in life.
To grow and soar, we must embrace new ideas that reshape our beliefs and reality. Just as my parents’ beliefs shaped my life, I must evolve mine to navigate the future.
