I Believe

Living in a culture where the majority of people around you have a clear cut set of beliefs can be interesting. When people around you find out you don't share their beliefs, they tend to react one of four ways: They can try to convert you, they choose to no longer associate with you, they assume ambivalence, or they try to get to know more about your beliefs. Lately I've been getting a lot of questions from friends old and new about what I believe in. It's true; I don't have a clear cut set of beliefs. I don't subscribe to any particular religion or guided way of life. This isn't to say that I think religion is bad. I just think it serves a purpose in some people's lives that may not be needed in the lives of others.

I thought I'd write an "I Believe" post to show that, while I do have morals, opinions, and a dos and don'ts list, I'm kind of making it up as I go and doing what I feel is best for the situation I'm in and for the people around me.

I believe that, when the opportunity arises, you should always help people. Even if the act seems small, I think it can turn a person's day around. This spans from holding a door open for a stranger to helping a classmate study for a test to helping a friend move to being available to talk when a friend has a problem. You'll never regret helping someone out.

I believe in the idea of "what goes around comes around." I think if you help people as often as you can, you'll receive help when you're in need. I think too often people expect to receive help when they are unwilling to do the same for other people.

I believe in working hard. I've had a job since I was 15. I work to get the grades I want and to accomplish the goals I've set for myself both at work and school. I don't understand the idea of people showing up to work and just standing around. I believe people should earn what they receive.

I believe in being honest. I used to have a problem with exaggerating. I'd tell stories and exaggerate them into these phenomenal epics until they barely resembled the actual event. I made a conscious decision to stop doing this and to be straight forward and even blunt with people, and it's worked out so much better for me.

I believe in putting relationships first. I think family and friends should be the first and second most important priorities in your life. There's nothing wrong with trying new things and moving away and working hard, but if you ignore your relationships they'll quickly dwindle and may not always still be there when you get back. I believe that relationships take time and effort from both parties.

I believe that people should be allowed to make their own choices unless they infringe on someone else's personal space, safety, or happiness. To this effect, I don't think drinking is wrong unless you put yourself in the situation to hurt someone while you're doing it. I don't think swearing is wrong unless the words are being used abusively towards someone or the words make someone in the conversation uncomfortable. I don't see anything wrong with having tattoos or extra piercings or unnatural hair colors or wearing two piece swimsuits and tank tops.

I believe in a god, although I don't think he or she has as much to do with our day-to-day lives as we often think. I came across this quote in an Ellen Hopkins book some time ago and it has stayed with me ever since. "God is love. And he respects love, whether it's between a parents and child, a man and woman [a man and a man, a woman and a woman], or friends. I don't think he cares about religion one little bit. Live your life right. Love with all your heart. Don't hurt others, and help those in need. That is all you need to know. And don't worry about heaven. If it exists, you'll be welcome."

I hope this clears things up for those of you who have asked me questions. I hope I've written something that you can ponder upon and maybe strikes a chord. Or maybe you think I've written a load of garbage and you want to stick to your own beliefs. That's fine too. I think the most important thing about this post is that ultimately, it's actions that matter more than beliefs.

21 Reasons My Best Friend is Better Than Your Best Friend (yes, this is a competition)

1) Dani can dance like there's no tomorrow.
2) I've never seen a human being alive with more love for babies and little kids than Dani.
3) I admire how persevering and strong Dani is. She keeps trucking on, even when things are tough.
4) Dani gives PHENOMENAL advice. She is always level headed and her opinion matters more to me than anyone else.
5) She can cook pancakes like nobody's business.
6) She is a fantastic mother and wife.
7) She lets me organize her belongings.
8) Dani isn't afraid to look stupid. She'll sing her heart out and dance like crazy if it means she and the people around her are having a good time.
9) She reaches out to people. She was the one who initiated our friendship, for which I am eternally grateful.
10) She lets me vent to her at any time of the day or night.
11) She is willing to try anything once.
12) She'll watch stupid youtube videos with me for hours on end.
13) Dani is reliable. She is always available when I need to talk to her and she keeps her promises. Always.
14) Dani is the least judgmental person I've ever met. You could tell her you just murdered a pregnant Mother Teresa and she wouldn't judge you.
15) She drops everything and watches Grey's Anatomy with me every time we feel the desire.
16) She's seen me at my gross, sweaty, braless worst and still loves me.
17) She is loyal to a fault. She would never consider breaking a promise or betraying anyone in any way.
18) She has a great relationship with her family and friends.
19) Her laugh and smile are contagious; you can't help but laugh when she's laughing.
20) She has an incredible ability to memorize song lyrics-this is important because when we're singing along to songs in the car she can do all of the fast rap parts.
21) She knows literally everything about me. She knows the good, bad, and the ugly, and still she stays around.

How lucky am I?

Happy 21st, Danyelle. I hope you have many more prosperous years; know that I will be here for all of them.

Love, Katy