Man is what he believes

Option 1

In everyone’s life a moment comes when they realize that something is wrong. Sometimes it is the whole way of life that must be changed. We begin to ask ourselves, what brings us down?

The things which were important for us no more make sense. We lose interest in everything, feel useless and helpless. So then we recollect our life the way it was before and realize that it seemed to be not very sophisticated. But something has happened that made our dreams and aspirations fade away. It is our personal identity that has been lost. We all face problems that can pull us down. And if we don’t overcome them, the concept that we form of ourselves gets so deeply carved in our conscience that it begins living on its own. We simply forget that we created it and we can change it, too. Our personal identity comprises all the experience we’ve been going through since the day we were born. It is very important to have a clear sense of self. Alas, no more than a few people realize that it is necessary not only to develop one’s self but to maintain it, too. If a house is not repaired in time, it deteriorates one day. Similarly, we should take care of our self-identity, if our objective is to be strong and full of life force.

I was born in Cuba to Cuban-Russian parents. When I was a kid, my family moved to Russia. It was a shock for me, I was reluctant to accept the reality and… I created my own world. As a grownup, I encountered many more intercultural problems inside me. The habit of thinking that I was not like the others, that I was a stranger in Russia and that sooner or later I would leave this country affected my personal identity badly. But one day I appreciated that I was really lucky to be the way I was. I realized that we are what we think and what we believe.

Now I tune myself to positive, inspiring thoughts. And music helps me greatly. I consider music to be a reflection of life, a source of energy, joy and enthusiasm. It sometimes has incomparable fusions, and mirrors my inner condition. I stick to two principles which prevent my identity from splitting and help me harmonize the two cultures inside me. They are the following: Choose your own way and respect your dignity.

Once I used to think that I got lost between two cultures. Now I share Socrates’ words, “I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.” Man is what he believes. The depth of my belief and the strength of my convictions determine the power of my personality.

Option 2 (Udin perspective)

Man is what he believes… When I read these words by Anton Chekhov I had to start thinking what things I believe in. I think to believe means to accept something as true, without any doubts, not only in our mind, but also by our heart. Beliefs form the basis for our motivation, values, principles, activities. Beliefs influence our world outlook and dreams.

Unfortunately, our pragmatic world is full of people who think that beliefs create unnecessary mental obstructions to productive activities. As a matter of fact, so-called freethinkers deprive themselves of true life colours. It is non-belief which creates mental barriers and causes violence, ignorance and intolerance. There is a wise saying, “Your belief determines your actions, and your actions determine your results, but first you have to believe”.

Beliefs develop my fruitful thinking, feeling, acting and living. Being a musician, I perceive the world through beliefs. All the emotions that I have and all my thoughts help me develop myself as a composer, poet and singer in different languages. I am a representative of a very small ethnic group – Udins. My beliefs help me to feel less a stranger among other cultures. They become my source of inspiration and creativity.

I agree with psychologists who believe that our world is a mirror. If we look at ourselves and the world positively we attract more favourable events to our life.

Beliefs make our existence in this world more creative and bright-coloured. Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.