Most people have strong looks on life, politics, religion, iPhone vs Android, and pizza. Beliefs of all types mold who you are, and who you will become. Beliefs are just like opinions in that there is no right or wrong belief, but it is great to explore yours from time to time. I as well have my own beliefs, and thought it would be worthwhile to share a few of my own beliefs.
Everyone has something to bring to the table; listen.
We are all unique, with special skills and talents. When everyone gets a voice, and others listen, great things can happen. Some times you won’t be heard and you may get frustrated, but we cannot control what others are doing. Instead of shutting down, listen to them and offer advice. Over time, your advice might be heard. If this becomes the case, those people will hear you more often.
Recently when Maya Angelou passed away, I couldn’t help to think about a quote she once said:
When you learn, teach. When you get, give. – Maya Angelou
We are all teachers.
I can usually learn something new from every person I encounter. I believe that everyone has the ability to teach something new to someone else. I love it when that happens, and watching it happen for others. If you are not learning from others, you are not paying enough attention to those around you. Keep an open head and heart, you will learn.
I believe in lifelong learning.
Learning continues throughout a lifetime. I love the quote:
“I’d rather know some of the questions than all of the answers.” – James Thurber
What you see is what you get.
I don’t like pretending. I will strive to put myself out there in the most honest, transparent way possible. Even if it’s not the most popular method. And I tend to gravitate toward people who share the same philosophy.
Cooperation beats competition every time.
Exciting stuff happens when we pool our talents together. I love sharing back and forth with my colleagues who are in the same industry. We all have different skills and backgrounds, but putting those different talents together make amazing things happen.
A sense of humor will get you through almost anything.
Laughing—at myself and at the weird stuff life which can be thrown into my life sometimes is the only way to make it through the times. Laughter is good for the soul, and feels good. Take advantage of it, and use it often.
It is better to look for what we have in common than what divides us.
I won’t go near the political discussions on social media because I truly believe that it builds walls, because I would rather be a bridge for getting people together. For years I would help others find their own bridges, but I built walls around myself and didn’t really understand. Finally I discovered it was because I was insecure and afraid what would happen if those walls came down. Over the last few years, I’ve let many of those walls down and opened up more. It feels wonderful, and I wish others would try it more often.
Don’t try to find the division between each other, even though it is extremely easy to do so. Take a little time and effort and see what you have in common with your neighbor, it will be worth it.
People are basically good.
I have found that most people are honest, kind and wanting to do the right thing. If I go into this expectation when meeting a new person, I am rarely disappointed.
Go. Explore. Learn.
