Upon the Shelves in the Warehouse of My Mind

I believe that if you don't have anything nice to say...

I believe you shouldn't interfere in the lives of others.
I believe that you should mostly mind your own business.
I believe that if what you're doing works for you then you should just go on and do it.
I believe that we too often worry about what others may think.

I believe that on their deathbed no one will regret learning from their mistakes,
Or offending the neighbors,
Or staying up too late.

I believe that even if you don't like something,
Or disagree,
Or disapprove,
That you should still mind your own business.
Stay in your own lane,
If you will.

I believe reality is far stranger than fiction.
I believe you should believe what you want to believe,
Because it doesn't make any difference.
People will either agree with you,
Or they won't,
But I believe you can't worry about that.

I believe in truth.

I believe my opinion matters,
Sometimes,
But not always,
Actually,
Probably never,
Except to me.

I believe in justice.
I believe in right and wrong.

I believe in the good that resides inside us all,
Well,
In some people.
I believe most people are OK,
But some,
Hmm....

I believe that,
Sometimes,
You should keep your mouth shut.

I believe I forget that advice all the time.

I believe in the universal connectedness of humanity.
I believe we are stronger together.
I believe some people just don't get that.
I believe we have to help ourselves.
I believe you should lend a helping hand.

I believe we should not build our success upon the backs of others.

I believe hard work makes a difference.
I believe that sometimes hard work isn't enough.

I believe there is more than one way to do most things.
I believe some people are very particular about how things are done.
I believe that's called being obstinate.

I believe in honesty.
I believe in reckonings.

I believe your prayers are your own business,
As is who you love.

I believe age and experience are correlated,
But experience is not always dependent upon age.
I believe wisdom is achievable at any age.
I believe our society has a tendency to glorify youth,
Except when youth runs counter to established beliefs.
When that happens youth is viewed as being spoiled and ungrateful,
Misguided,
And under the influence of unsavory ideas.

I believe children are more capable than we give them credit for.

I believe that I now know less than I did.
I believe that I once had an over-inflated sense of my understanding of the universe.

I believe that love is just about all that matters in this life.
I believe that if you are charmed enough to have love in your life,
Well,
Congratulations,
Celebrate and thank your lucky stars.

I believe that you should always speak up for what's right,
Not what's popular,
Always.
I believe that is a difficult thing to do.

10-10-19