JULY 30, 2021
BELIEVE AND ACCEPT YOURSELF
I once read; “You cannot rise above your belief system.” Being one that loves a challenge, I sat down and thought about it for a while. Being the big feeler that I am, rather than the big thinker which I am working on diligently, I had to be more abstract in my thinking rather than just having a black and white answer. I even googled belief system to think about what my answer might be. After some time of reflection, my mind became too full of possibilities as to what I thought about belief. I have my own beliefs based on such factors as my personality, my genetic make-up, the agreements I made as a child growing up in Kearney, Nebraska, (Still trying to be a child) and my perception of why God created me. (My purpose) Some of those beliefs are pretty much pounded into my heart so I need to make sure I can be objective about what life throws at me and how I react.
The “Belief” theme is one of the 34 Themes according to the Gallup organization with their Strength Finders program. “Belief” is in my top 10 and is near the top of many of those close to me. If Belief is not in your top ten, that doesn’t mean you don’t have strong beliefs. For me, these were God given talents or skills that have been honed over many years of my life. According to Gallup, “People exceptionally talented in the “Belief Theme” have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these virtues emerges a defined purpose for their lives.” (Do you know YOUR purpose?) People strong in the belief theme are guided by those virtues which gives them purpose. Their beliefs provide clarity, conviction and stability in living their values. WOW! If we only had a stronger belief system, (Faith) we might be more at peace with WHO we are and WHO we are becoming as a person and a country. Something very personal but requires being vulnerable and open with others if you really want to understand yourself.
Gallup reminds us that people with strong belief honor their values because their beliefs keep them on course during tough times and we ALL will have tough times ahead. Gallup reminds those with Belief, to keep reminders of your personal mission in front of you from time to time. (Try every day with our Daily 7) In difficult times, these reminders will help you focus on your objective and the valuable contribution you make to the world. Deep down, we ALL want to make a difference in the world and be significant. Try doing it for OTHERS and not just yourself. Yes, you might feel good about yourself but I can guarantee you, it feels better helping someone else, at any stage in your life and not just waiting until you “have it all together.”
When studying and discussing beliefs with our Band of Brothers and others, I often like to ask a lot of questions. Not in a challenging way but in a curious way of trying to understand someone rather than judging them. (This helps me find out WHERE they are in their lives at the present time) With every so called strength come blind spots. (Beware) If someone is passionate about their own beliefs, others might view you as stubborn or set in your ways. Keep in mind that everyone has a unique worldview and often, it will not be the same as yours. (After almost 50 years of marriage, Ms. Teri and I share a lot in common but a worldview is not one of them) Be careful not to pass judgment on another person’s principles and motivations. Their values and belief system deserve your respect, even when you don’t agree with them.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “The only way to store information is by agreement. The belief system is like a Book of Law that rules our mind. Our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive. Humans punish themselves endlessly for not being what they believe they should be. We have the need to be accepted and to be loved by others, but we cannot accept and love ourselves.” Miguel Angel Ruiz author of “The Four Agreements.”