Thursday, December 9, 2010

Believe In Life

Copyright (c) 2010 Scott F Paradis

What do you believe in? Do you believe in destiny? Do you
believe in the system? Do you believe in yourself? In life
after death? In God? We typically think of the word belief
as an opinion or conviction about something - an existence
not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof. The truth,
however, is that your beliefs shape what you experience in
this reality. What you believe matters.

The origin of the word "belief" offers a telling verse.
Belief is a compound word with parts synonymous to: "be" -
"by" and "lief" - "live." Taken together, the meaning of
something we "believe in" is something we "live by". This
etymology sheds light on the age old debate between the
advocates of faith as a means to salvation and those that
assert works are key to a full and fulfilling life. The
word belief means that acts and faith are inextricably
linked. What you do, the actions you take are in accordance
with your beliefs. The proof of your faith is in your works
- the truth of your words is in your deeds.

Relying on this meaning of the word suggests "beliefs"
determine a worldview inextricably linked to how you live.
Rational explanations (or intellectual fabrications)
notwithstanding, beliefs organize your life. You do what
you believe.

So, again: What do you really believe?

You can determine this only by observing how you live, how
you respond to others, how you respond to the world around
you, and what you in fact do.

Honestly making this assessment: Do you like what you see?
Is it time to change?

By nature we are a nostalgic breed. It may be the distance
of time, but it seems the only thing people prefer to the
way things are, is the way things were. We seek security in
the past and attempt to prolong the glory of prior
triumphs. We resist change. But life doesn't work that way.
You see, life is on the move, life is constant change. You
are on a journey from where you are to where you are meant
to be.

Instead, of reminiscing or pining for the past, begin where
you are now. Though you may temporarily succumb to doubt
and fear, or mistakenly take a path of least resistance,
recognize progress in this reality entails struggle and
involves risk. It is time to act; it is time to change
beliefs, to be what you really are, to become whole.

The purpose of life is to grow and expand. Sometimes, you
might say often, the prospects of growth, with their
attendant trials and tribulations, are uncomfortable and at
times painful. The thing about life though is - you cannot
get from the start to the end without going through the
middle. So if you aspire to grow, if you aspire to learn,
if you aspire to be and become - aspire to life. Believe in
life and you will act accordingly.


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Scott F. Paradis, author of "Promise and Potential: A Life
of Wisdom, Courage, Strength and Will"
http://www.promiseandpotential.com publishes "Insights" and
a free weekly ezine, "Money, Power and the True Path to
Prosperity", subscribe now at http://www.c-achieve.com


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