Believe in something

Today’s quick note comes from this thread:

In this thread, Katherine is making the case for a decline in beliefs that institutions such as patriotism, religion, family, and community is correlated to a increase in depression and loneliness.

And, I'm inclined to agree.

Why?

When my Dad died, I realized that much of my beliefs came from him.

I had never worked them out for myself.

And I spent about a year tossed by whatever wind was pulling or pushing on my sails the strongest.

I only realized what was happening when my family life started falling apart, my career stagnated, and my physical fitness hit the lowest point it's ever been.

Once that truth, that I didn't have a core set of principles, values, or beliefs, smacked me in the face, I woke up.

So for the last 2 years, I've been on a mission to define my beliefs.

My life has been better for it.

It's been a constant process. And I fully expect to spend the rest of my life working on it.

And that's the way it should be.

"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." - Phillipians 2:12

Every action I take should be intentional. And that intentionality comes from a principled stance rooted in beliefs that you have worked out very carefully.

I'm going to be writing more about what those beliefs are for me in future editions.

In the meantime, thanks for being on this journey with me.

Happy Saturday,

Swanagan