cartoon cow writing at a desk

I Believe (11.28.16)

Many years ago Ashlee told me, “God created the world in seven days.” I said, “Who told you that?” She said, “Blair.” Blair was our nanny at the time when the children were younger. I know that Blair told the kids this information with good intentions based on her upbringing, but it rubbed me the wrong way. As an open-minded, spiritual person, who was raised Methodist, for some reason this revelation stuck in my craw. First of all, I don’t want anyone telling my children absolute statements when they are young and impressionable especially Bible stories that are taken out of context. For Pete’s sake, adults disagree on how the world was created! Most theories range from Bible stories to scientific data. It all depends on what you want to believe. Secondly, my goal as a parent and as a mother is to raise my children to be open-minded, listen to their guts, listen to their hearts, think, research, listen to other viewpoints, and then make their own decisions as to what to believe in. I’ve been talking with my children since they were young about brainwashing and how important it is for them to use all of their senses and their brains to figure out life. For example, I tell them, “If I told you that the sky was green every day, eventually you might believe it.” I have also had discussions with them about my spiritual beliefs. I tell them that as they live their lives, they have the freedom to choose whatever they want to believe. They do not have to think, feel, and believe in everything that I believe in.

Soon after this “how the world was created” revelation, I went on my first writing retreat to rest, relax, and experience peace and quiet. I took books to read, a spiral notebook, and a pen. I intentionally did not bring my computer. I began reflecting on why this statement from our nanny riled me up so much. I remembered reciting the  Apostles’ Creed in the United  Methodist Church:

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary…

I felt compelled to write my own “I Believe” statement.

I Believe (August 2011)

In a Higher Power, Great Spirit, God, Creator.

In treating all things – people, animals, nature – like I wanted to be treated – The Golden Rule.

Love conquers all.

Love and Divine energy heals all things.

There is a time and season for everything.

People are given the highest responsibility and opportunity to care for all people, animals, nature, and the earth.

In free will – freedom to make our own choices.

Fear creates blocks to growth.

Like attracts like. Positive energy attracts positive energy. Negative energy attracts negative energy.

It is important to find and listen to my Inner Voice.

In Jesus, Mother Theresa, and other Master Healers and Teachers.

We are all each other’s teachers.

In the afterlife.

In reincarnation.

In angels, fairies, saints, dolphins, mermaids, Goddesses, unicorns and all other Spirit guides and helpers.

In heaven and hell.

In Reike energy and other Healing energy.

In possibilities.

In balance.

In creative solutions.

In creativity.

All people – infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and the elderly -are valuable based on each individual, their perspective, their gifts, and their experience.

Treating my Body like a temple.

Love.

Healthy, nutritious, beautifully prepared food.

Supporting small businesses.

In community.

Peace.

Harmony.

Music.

Diversity of people and cultures.

Art.

Nature.

Recreation and play.

Learning.

Curiosity.

Compassion.

Wisdom.

Prayer.

When two or more people are gathered together in prayer, the energy is amplified.

Respect.

Freedom of choice.

Freedom to express oneself.

Free speech.

I invite you to write your own “I Believe” statement. You might be surprised at how it changes your life.