Blog #711: Things That Make Us Tick

“What do you believe in?”

A reader asked the question.
I’ll open myself up and answer it.

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Hey Shawn,

I wonder how you consistently keep writing with so much positivity. What makes you tick? What do you believe in that keeps you filled with passion? How do you stay positive in this shitty world?

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Dear Friend…

What do I believe in?

I believe in being kind to all living creatures.
I believe in nature and the power that it has to heal my head and heart.

I believe in moving my feet because it is the best way to see the day…and world.
I believe that every day I wake up, I have a miracle in me to share with someone else.

I believe in never giving up on myself even if sometimes I feel the world has.
I believe in saving worms and snails off hot sidewalks and busy walking paths.

I believe in aging with grace.
I believe in traveling to as many countries as I can because “the earth” is my home address.

I believe it’s better to live with gratitude than bitterness.
I believe in the power of “going the extra mile.”

I believe in not letting fear sit in my driver’s seat.
I believe in clapping loudly for others.

I believe in living with purpose every day for all the days of my life.
I believe that if I don’t keep stretching my mind, it will slowly shrink.

I believe that every day that I walk there’s a new adventure to be lived.
I believe in the magic of butterflies and the positive memories they remind me of when I see one.

I believe that the most authentic love is the love in a dog’s eyes.
I believe that there is something better in a human being than they can even see in themselves.

I believe in saying “hi” to a stranger who might become my friend.
I believe a failure does not mean that I should quit.

I believe my direction changes when my attitude does first.
I believe that if I don’t use my body, my body will stop being of use to me.

I believe that the best conversation is one that makes the other person smile.
I believe there is better in me today than I did, gave, or lived yesterday.

That’s two dozen things I believe hard.

90% of this list took me only three minutes to recite and record with my phone. When our message lives deeply in our head and heart, it rolls easily off our tongue and through our fingers.

Definitely…

It’s easy to get discouraged and frustrated by what’s happening in the world. But when I take the time to connect with what’s in ME, I can always see something bigger, better, and brighter…ahead.

I know…

The world is too big for me to change. But I also believe I have the power to encourage at least someone I meet today with my words, actions, and kindness.

When the world feels like it’s falling apart…that doesn’t mean we have to.

May you live with passion.
May you live with purpose.
May you live what’s on your list.

Thank you for your question.

With kindness and gratitude…

S.

(Audio version)