October 29, 2009
This I believe…
I’ve been catching up on my NPR podcasts and listening to a lot of the “This I Believe” essays. Here’s how they describe the essays on their site, thisibelieve.org: “This I Believe is an international project engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. Over 60,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, are archived here on our website, heard on public radio, chronicled through our books and television programming, and featured in weekly podcasts. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.”
There are lots of essays from famous people, like Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Mead, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates and Gloria Steinam. But the ones I like best are the everyday people, the people who, although they may not be rich or known around the world, have found the words to share a belief in a poetic, thought-provoking or inspiring way. Here are some of my favorites (you can read the essay, but I really recommend listening to the audio for the full effect):
Always go to the funeral: Deirdre Sullivan writes about her dad’s motto, which is about much more than just going to the funeral, and about the payoff that comes from doing meaningful things for others, even if it’s not the easiest or most convenient thing for you.
Pathways of desire: I heard this at a time when I was fighting an uphill battle with a man. He was the apple tree, and I was the horse, oblivious to the cattle guards and barbed wire he kept putting up in our relationship. This essay set off a lightbulb in my head and my heart.
Thirty things I believe: I’m telling you, this kindergarten’s depth will blow your mind.
I’m in the midst of shaping my own belief statement, and I’ll share it soon. What do you believe?
(And, if you are as moved by these essays and others on the site, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support This I Believe.)
