My
last blog post was on the importance of beliefs. This one, that is to
say this blog post, will be on acting on those beliefs.
Sometimes
we say we believe something, but we're really not sure if we do. Now
some of you may think that I'm referring to religious beliefs, and I
could be, but it doesn't necessarily have to pertain to those beliefs
exclusively. It could pertain to the hopes and dreams we have for our
future. Or it might pertain to our job, or to our families. Often for
many people these things are connected. I know for me they are.
So,
we have different belief systems according to how we were raised and
what we were taught. We, as human beings, say we have these beliefs.
But in my opinion it's a lot more than saying we have these beliefs.
Are we willing to act on them and show people that we really believe
what we believe? Action, then, in my opinion is the key to success
and happiness.
Now
I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect at this principle.
You wouldn't have to go very far to find that. However, I try and I
find that when I try I am much happier than I would otherwise be. You
may say, well that's all well and good Jacob—you don't have the
same problems I do. While that is true, I have respect for your
challenges and how daunting they may seem to you as an individual,
but never forget—there is always someone worse off than you are.
Perhaps you can help that individual, while at the same time finding
the solution to your own problem. If you do so, you will receive an
added measure of happiness and joy, even in the midst of your own
problems.
I
would challenge you to do this. I am challenging myself to do this. I
have up-days and down-days as to how I perform at this. That being
said, ever since I made the decision to make the best effort I
possibly can make, to these ends, I have been a happier person. I
also have been able to accomplish more to assist others in their
challenges. I have not been able to accomplish this on my own. It has
been due to the help of loving family and friends telling me that I
can succeed even after I have made mistakes. It is because of their
efforts that I can say I am who I am as a person. I am still not
perfect, but then again, none of us are. If we were, we would not be
here. So I would urge all of us to be less harsh on ourselves, more
often than not, when we are not perfect or things do not turn out the
way we plan. When it is not our fault, we must learn to take it in
stride and we must learn to serve others. This, in my opinion, is
what it means to live our beliefs.
I
would invite you, again, to take this challenge, and see how it
affects your day-to-day life. I guarantee you, if you give it your
best effort, you will find happiness and joy and fulfillment in your
lifetime. I know I have, and although challenges will come your way,
you will find joy even in the midst of hardship.
Jacob Everette head
