For the last few years I’ve been deconstructing my beliefs around religion. Maybe you’ve been on similar journey. I’ve not been vocal about it because, one, it’s a personal matter and two, I keep hoping I’ll land on an answer. Instead I keep coming up with more mystery. (Personally, I think the mystery part is pretty cool.)
If I’m really honest with myself–and you–there’s a third reason.
I’m afraid of being rejected. I fear some friends or family will treat me differently or not want to be around me.
There. I said it. (That was hard.)
The reasons for this change are many.
I’ve learned new things about how beliefs are formed. No one is born into this world believing anything in particular. We’re all products of our family of origin. We tend to believe what they believe because it’s the only thing we know.
I have a greater understanding of how we attach as infants to get our needs met and how that informs what we believe about ourselves.
I’ve seen things I can’t unsee. I especially notice how patriarchy is infused into everything we do. I’m not talking only about sexism and racism, but also about the way we think about business, the language we use, our propensity toward action and our need to earn rest, and more.
Personally, I feel like I’ve become more compassionate and a better human as I’ve made this shift. I’m more accepting of myself and my shortcomings–and others’, too. I’m able to see things form a greater variety of perspectives. Perhaps this is why I’ve not been able to land on “an answer”–because there isn’t one. I feel more alive than ever before as I’ve expanded what and who I see.
In 2025, I’ll have birthday ending in 0. An article I read the other day reported that the biggest changes tend to occur in the year prior to that. That certainly feels true to me as I celebrate 59 years on Friday. I don’t know what changes lie ahead, but I’m excited about them. Right now, 2024 feels colorful and swirly with ups and downs and twists and turns and I feel compelled to say YES to this invitation.
If you’re still reading, THANK YOU. I appreciate you.
If you want to unsubscribe, please feel the freedom to do so. There will be no hard feelings.
If you’re curious about what’s different or want to talk, I’d love to hear from you. We can email, text, talk or zoom.
What I’m reading right now:
How to Know a Person by David Brooks
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Belong by Radha Agrawal
Original Wisdom by Robert Wolff
Bumpers by Nic Peterson
Yes, I am someone who reads multiple books at the same time! 🙂
