| |
| |
| |
| |
For a long time, people have realized that our beliefs about others and our surroundings are often self-fulfilling. Someone who believes that the world is a dangerous and threatening place finds a world filled with fear, unhappiness, and disappointment. Someone who believes that the world is filled with vast opportunities and wonders to be experienced finds the very same world filled with endless variety, richness, and satisfaction.
Even more important than these beliefs are the beliefs that you have about yourself, because your self-concept goes with you everywhere, and affects everything that you experience. If you believe that others are mean and stupid, you can retreat to the solitude of nature and be nourished. But if you believe that you yourself are mean and stupid, there is no escape—except the temporary ones of overwhelming stimulation, mind-numbing drugs, or sleep. On the other hand, if you believe in your own kindness and intelligence, these beliefs can sustain and support you, even when events and people around you are very difficult.
| |
| |
| |
| |
