This I Believe…

I believe in coffee and its power to make any day better at any time.

I believe in yoga — in the power of connecting with your breath, your emotions and your power, as well as the power of being quiet on your mat. I believe there is no sound more lovely than the final “om” in an amazing class.

I believe that everyone deserves love, equal rights and respect, regardless of gender or orientation. I believe that everyone is entitled to help and dignity while receiving it.

I believe in the power of a new journal and a favorite pen. I believe in songs that make you feel things, and I believe in keeping those songs on repeat until you don’t like them any more. I believe in the transformative power of a quiet afternoon and a good book.

I believe that when bad things happen, it’s okay to admit how much it sucks, and to cry and yell and get really mad because life is unfair and ugly. I believe that the sooner you can do that, the sooner you can get in there and live through it. I believe that you learn a lot from those times, even when you’re lost in a fog of the terribleness.

I believe that when your heart breaks, it will heal. It might not be exactly the same ever again, but it will get better. It always does.

I believe that staying in bed on Sunday mornings for cuddles is one of the best things in the world. I believe in real hugs where everything touches, not those half-hug awkward back pats. Don’t come at me with that weak business.

I believe that making fresh, healthy food should be a joy, and I believe that learning how to feed yourself well can change your life. I believe that sometimes you have to say “Screw it!” and eat the ice cream instead.

I believe in thanking people who make your life better, and in always letting people know how glad you are that they’re around. I believe everyone loves to feel needed and wanted, no matter how adored or confident they seem.

I believe that everyone deserves to be looked in the eye. I believe we’re better off not judging the shoes anyone else walks in, and I believe we shouldn’t make decisions for others that are theirs alone to make.

I believe that you should be nice to your parents, and if its within your power, to have a good relationship with them, this time as grown-ups. I believe in calling your grandma.

I believe that a night on the dance floor with your girlfriends and a fancy drink can solve a lot of problems.

I believe that everyone needs a friend they can call at 3 AM, and everyone should strive to be that kind of friend to at least one person.

I believe in setting goals. I believe that these goals don’t have to be the same as anyone else’s, but they have to matter to you, or you’ll never achieve them.

I believe that there are few things that can’t be cured by getting your body into water of some form. I believe that sweating every day makes a difference in your mood.

I believe in looking for ways to help, and then helping.

I believe that the best teachers are ones who show us how to be more ourselves, rather than insisting we be more like them.

I believe in creating small rituals in your life: a weekly stop for coffee on Friday mornings, a favorite brunch spot on Sunday, a standing phone call with your grandma. I believe in leaving room for magic, too.

I believe that if you have something nice to say, you should say it. I believe in being quiet when you know you’re going to say something you’ll regret. I believe this is something you have to practice, minute by minute. I believe that you should never repeat something that will hurt someone’s feelings.

I believe that you can agree to disagree and still be friends in the mean time.

I believe in the power of a well-timed mental health day. I believe in chucking the to-do list once in awhile in favor of a spontaneous outing.

I believe that if you are lucky enough to find someone to love and share your life with that at least once a week, you need to forget about emptying the dishwasher and who’s going grocery shopping and just have fun together. Relationships are work, but I believe they should involve a lot of play, too. I believe it’s important to remember why you like one another.

I believe in deep breaths and the benefit of the doubt.

I believe that everyone needs something to believe in.

 —

Inspired by this.