I have come to the realization that I can do nothing about what other people think or believe. I could try to persuade them to see a different point of view, but for some, they do not want to see anything different than what they believe. They are steadfast in their beliefs thereby having no reason to change their point of view.

Yet to grow emotionally, physically, and spiritually, we owe it to ourselves to challenge our beliefs. I’m not saying everyone needs to agree with what I believe. I’m talking about taking a step back to see if what we believe helps us live fulfilling lives.

The thing about our beliefs is they may have been taught to us at a young age by those who claim to love us. Because of this, we choose not to question what we have been taught. We want to feel their love, so we accept their beliefs as ours and go on our way without much thought.

Little do we realize, these beliefs begin to shape who we are. We may not notice it at first but our life may not be turning out like we had planned. We could be living a life contrary to what brings us true joy. Although we may not even know what true joy feels like or means.

Only then do we recognize our life is based on the beliefs of others. Now comes the task of sifting through our beliefs to see what resonates deeply within us and what’s keeping us from the life we’ve always wanted.

This work is not easy. Those who love us believe their point of view is the only right choice, yet we don’t want to disappoint them by having thoughts, ideas, and beliefs that may make them uncomfortable. But we will not live a truthful life by accepting their beliefs as ours. In a way we are stuck between upsetting those we love and living authentically. What do we do?

As difficult as this may seem, to live to the fullness of who we are we must challenge our beliefs. Questioning what we think and the life these thoughts help create, is the work of discovering who we truly are.

One way to challenge a belief is to think of any negative comment or putdown someone said to us that prevented us from pursuing our dreams. Look at it this way, their comment is their opinion based on their life experiences. They may have failed at something we want to pursue, using their failure as a way to persuade us to do something different. They love us so they don’t want us to go through the same pain they went through.

Oftentimes the beliefs of others are based on a limited view of the world. Why would we take advice from someone who has never walked a path similar to ours? Only we know what is true and right for us. This knowledge comes from trying new things more than once. Think of how many times a child falls while learning to walk. Have you ever seen a child give up, living the rest of life on the floor? Of course not!

To know what is true and right and what beliefs align with our truth, we have to go through a learning process. Just because we have eaten one sour apple, doesn’t mean all apples are sour. We just have to find those that suit our tastes. The same goes for all aspects of life. We have to test life to see what aligns with our truth, what brings us joy and fulfillment, and what does not serve our higher good.

We can’t rush this because what once made us happy may have been only temporary, a moment of pleasure, not something that will stand the test of time. Beliefs may change as we gain more knowledge, wisdom, and inner strength.

We may disagree with what others think, yet the more we uncover our inner truth the stronger we will be emotionally to speak honestly. This is when we begin to have a positive impact on the world around us. Because we are courageous enough to stand up for what we feel in our heart is true.

Is it easy? No it never will be. But there is no lasting happiness living a life separated from the truth of who we are. How others live and what they believe is their business. Living life in alignment with our inner truth is the only way to create a life that has real meaning.

~

Are you courageous enough to question your beliefs? Let me know what you think. Leave a comment below. I’m always interested in hearing your point of view.

I’m happy to announce that my book, “Abundance to Zen: Wisdom for a Fulfilling Life” has won the Distinguished Favorite Award from the 2024 Independent Press Awards. I truly humbled, thank you. Although I must also thank those who helped get this book into print, Mary Dado, Elisa Tanaka, and of courses, my lovely wife Jane. Click the link to read more.

https://www.independentpressaward.com/2025favorites/9781735766911

If you would like to follow me on Blue Sky Social here is the link,

https://bsky.app/profile/paul-hudon.bsky.social

Thank you for being a part of this wonderful adventure called life, I appreciate your company.

Peace and well-being, Paul

Copyright Paul Hudon 2025