Beliefs that are serving me well

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

~ Viktor Frankl

The following 3 beliefs serve me well.

1. Everything happens for a reason.

2. Challenges present opportunities.

3. Love heals all.

1. Everything happens for a reason

I trust that everything happens for a reason, even if we are not wise enough to see it.

~ Oprah Winfrey

How I perceive and react to whatever happens to me helps shape who I become.

Humans have the capacity to reflect. I like to ask myself why something is happening for me.

By embracing this mindset, I increase the likelihood of finding meaning in every experience, including tragedy and adversity.

Although I still suffer, believing that a challenging event has happened for me helps me manage the pain and encourages me to look for the hidden lesson.

2. Challenges present opportunities

Circumstances do not make the person. They reveal them.

~ James Allen 

The idea that we choose the families and circumstances we are born into for soul growth and redemption is not universally accepted. But, it is a popular concept in spiritual and philosophical circles.

Although I have had trouble wrapping my rational brain around this notion, it can be very empowering.

Adverse childhood events are a leading cause of suffering in adulthood, but when we reframe challenges as opportunities and channel pain into purpose, we prosper.

When we let go of victim stories, the need to blame and complain, we become victors. 

Our lives are not predetermined by fate but rather by the choices we make and the actions we take.

Every challenge creates an opportunity for growth.

3. Love heals all

Love cures people - both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.

~ Karl A. Menninger

Fear increases vulnerability. Love is healing.

Some people experience a lot of adverse health events because they run subconscious programs that make them feel most loved when sick.

When busy parents and caregivers fear the loss of a child due to illness, they put life on hold to prioritize the child's care.

This can lead to the child subconsciously associating sickness with getting the love and attention they need.

Disease can become an attention seeking mechanism throughout life for those who felt most loved when sick.

When we feel unsafe, activating the fight, flight, or freeze branch of the nervous system, we become vulnerable to adverse health events.

Love and support relax the nervous system and activate the production of healing chemistry in the body.

 Closing thoughts

Eventually, you will come to understand that love heals everything, and love is all there is.

~ Gary Zukav

Because of these beliefs, I have learned to embrace discomfort.

I welcome challenging relationships into my life and send them loving thoughts.

I have been able to convert resentment into gratitude.

For example, rather than resent highly argumentative people, I am grateful that they have challenged me to develop critical thinking skills.

They have also taught me that letting go of the need to be right is key to health and happiness.