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What do you believe in? What beliefs make you you?
A personal philosophy is something that everyone should have. I’m not talking about religion. No, personal philosophies are much more complex than that. Not that religion isn’t important, but this isn’t a post about religion in the traditional sense. While philosophy and religion can go hand in hand, one greatly influencing the other, there is much more to a person than religion and that is what I want to discuss. Our experiences not only make us who we are, but inspire how we perceive situations and how we react to what happens to us. While some beliefs may be silly, others are much stronger in molding our character and ourselves into the kind of people we want to be.
And with that said, these are some of the things that I wholeheartedly believe in.
Gratitude should be expressed and shown.
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I remember having to write thank you cards as a kid whenever I received a birthday or Christmas gift and it was always such a pain for younger me. I didn’t understand why saying thank you at a party wasn’t enough. Now, I get it. When someone does something nice for me, I make it a point to show my gratitude. Hand-written thank you notes are mailed out within 72 hours and baked goods are often included. For the man who I met once but gave me a free copy of my complex’s amenity key when my HOA wanted to charge me $125, he and his wife received a card and a box of two types of homemade cookies. Because one type was just not enough.
Music heals the soul.
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With every heartache or stressful time, I’ve always turned to songs to convey what I cannot express. there is something about a melody and lyrics that can calm even my craziest of emotions. Lately, I’m digging Taylor Swift’s new album 1989. My favorite songs being “Blank Space” and “Clean.” With lyrics like, “So it’s gonna be forever/or it’s gonna go down in flames,” Taylor knows exactly the fear that can come with dating and relationships. Something I can definitely relate to these days.
Actions mean everything.
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Whoever said that actions speak louder than words couldn’t have been more correct. You can’t always believe what someone says, but you can believe what someone does. A person can be the smoothest talker, but if their behavior doesn’t reflect their words, it’s best to listen to what they do. And even more importantly, what they don’t do.
Time is a valuable commodity.
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There is nothing more sacred than time. No amount of money or jewels will ever be able to replace hours that have passed. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a piece of you that you can never get back. Be careful of who and what you give your time to. Make sure the cause and person is worth it. You never want to regret a moment of your life.
Sleep is crucial to survival.
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I am such a proponent for a good night’s rest. The mind and body need a chance to recharge and reset. You can’t expect to function at your full capacity when you’re tired. Take that nap. Go to bed early. Wake when your body is ready. And get some comfy pajamas while you’re at it.
I could go on and on about all of the other quirky things I believe it, but I want to hear from all of you. What do you believe in?
I just might learn something.
Defining Wonderland 
Great post, Jessica. You got a follow
Why thank you, Rex!
: D
That’s why I appreciate the time it takes to leave a comment. Many don’t!
Oh I hear ya, Susie. I’m guilty of liking posts without leaving comments. Sometimes I just don’t feel like I have anything to add, but I want the writer to know that I enjoyed their post so I’ll just click the like button rather than pull something out of my butt. 🙂 Thanks for reading AND commenting!
Reblogged this on lalithanatarajan.
Thanks for the reblog!
Finally.
I’ve been missing mah Jess.
And thanks for the snowflakes………..
Love you,
Auntie Kathy xo
You’re so welcome, Auntie Kathy! I figured you weren’t getting enough snowflakes out in MA. 😉
Interesting thoughts !! Thanks for sharing.
Please read in your own time.
http://universesings.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/7-things-to-keep-in-mind-to-reinvent-yourself-be-the-changebecome-the-chosen-one-by-aakash-girdhar/
Thank you for stopping by! I’ll be sure to check out your post too. 🙂
I believe people are accountable for their own actions, regardless of outside influences. When I hear excuses for bad behavior I think, “But did you do it?”
And I believe in bacon.
And this is why I need you around a little more, Icarus (since when did you change your name?). You bring reason to madness.
Bacon is something to believe in without a doubt!
Here here!! I am standing and applauding. I agree whole-heartedly with everything you said. Amen, Sista!!
I also believe that there is goodness and beauty are everywhere, we just need to keep our eyes and ears and hearts open to receive it. If you can’t find something good or beautiful, you’re not looking hard enough.
What a nice post to kick off the season of giving. Thanks for the reminders, Jessica.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Why thank you, Patricia! I love your sentiments on goodness and beauty. So true! ‘Tis the season to be thankful for what we have and give to those who have not. 🙂