On Belief and Cotton Candy

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Since the beginning of 2010 and the kickoff of my personal quest for happiness, one of the things I have struggled with is a precise definition of what I believe in. I think having something to believe in contributes a lot to one’s life having meaning… and from meaning comes that oh-so-coveted happiness.

What I discovered is that a simple definition does not cover my personal belief system. So after months of making lists in my notebook, scribbling all over the back of my church handouts and writing notes on meeting agendas as ideas come to me, this is the belief system that I prescribe to.

I believe in the power of friendship and the importance of a good support system. I believe in my mother and my sister and the strength they bring to my life. I believe in a loving God who is always there, even when I do my best to ignore him.

I believe that treasures are found in the most unlikely of places and that when you are open to them, they will find you.

I believe in the power of laughter and that cotton candy is always a great idea. I believe sometimes it’s better to cry than to pretend everything is perfect and I believe that when things seem like they can’t get any worse, an upswing is just around the corner.

I believe that one needs stillness from time to time to really think things through and that living a healthy lifestyle leads to clarity of mind. I believe in the power of a good hug and that you shouldn’t put too much stock in what fortune cookies tell you.

I believe in fairy tales and happily ever after and that I am living mine now.

That is the short list… and by no means complete.

I am still searching and would love to hear what things bring belief and meaning to your life… If it’s not cotton candy, what does it for you?

Thank you Flickr user Indrani Soemardjan for the beautiful image!


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15 Responses

  1. Fayza says:

    I believe that it's okay to be someone you never thought you'd be. I believe in myself, which is easier said than done. I believe that all people serve a purpose in your life, even though it might be hard to see, and even if it's not forever. I believe that animals need to be spoken to in animal voices, but babies do not need to be spoken to in baby voices. I believe that cheese holds the key to eternal happiness. I believe that shoes and clothes are overrated. I believe in being true to yourself, even if it's unpopular. I believe that not all people are inherently good. And I believe you have to learn that one the hard way.

    And I believe in quite a few of the things you believe in, too :)

  2. Fayza says:

    I believe that it's okay to be someone you never thought you'd be. I believe in myself, which is easier said than done. I believe that all people serve a purpose in your life, even though it might be hard to see, and even if it's not forever. I believe that animals need to be spoken to in animal voices, but babies do not need to be spoken to in baby voices. I believe that cheese holds the key to eternal happiness. I believe that shoes and clothes are overrated. I believe in being true to yourself, even if it's unpopular. I believe that not all people are inherently good. And I believe you have to learn that one the hard way.

    I like this post :)

  3. Brian Truax says:

    I've struggled with this for years; I had a crisis of faith when I started studying religion at the University of Houston. Eventually I realized that life is about experiences – regardless of what happens later, we're here for the sole purpose of living our lives.

    My belief structure is centered around that – It's to constantly push myself out of my comfort zone, to reach for something greater, try new things, meet new people, and love those around me.

    I've found that living my life in this manner has led to a permanent state of gratitude. I'm grateful for EVERY experience I have, the good and the bad. It's hard to do at times, and sometimes there's an unfavorable emotional reaction to deal with. But looking back, I am grateful for everything I've done, feeling I've felt, and person I've met.

    Especially you. Great post Mags, glad you're blogging again.

  4. I believe in leaving a tambourine in the back of the car. It adds to the song when you drive over a speed bump or hit a nasty pot hole, but otherwise remains silent.

  5. I believe that it's ok to fail. In love. In business. In friendship.

    It's what I do with that failure that drives me.

    For this reason, I believe in living in the moment. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that it will happen despite me, but hopefully with my guidance.

    I believe in good friends.

    Thanks for the post Mags. Keep 'em coming!

  6. Great post! I believe in a lot of the things Brian mentioned above, and I agree that living my life that was does give me a permanent sense of contentment and gratitude. Also I do believe in the God described in the Bible, and that my life is meant to be lived through that point of view. That means working to defeat the selfishness that is natural in being human, and working to do hard things that help people who need it. I believe that people and relationships are more important than anything else. I believe that beer and chocolate are worth the calories…in moderation of course. I believe all women are beautiful. I believe in seeing the glass as half full. I believe positive humor and encouragement are smarter and more true than snark and sarcasm. I believe you can be nice and selfless without being a doormat. I believe you can be ambitious and content at the same time.

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