Manipulate

   

      A sculptor can manipulate clay: pull, stretch, push, squeeze, shape and create the desired results.  Pull on emotions.  Stretch the truth.  Push toward fear.  Squeeze until stressed. Shape opinion and create the desired results.

Why We Believe

   
     Why we believe what we believe often doesn't cross our minds.  After forming beliefs about philosophy, religion, and politics, we may refuse to change our minds.  Perhaps we have a strong loyalty to our parent's beliefs and a stubborn overconfidence in our own thinking.   Perhaps we associate primarily with like-minded people and believe those who disagree with us are just wrong.  Perhaps we only honor what confirms our beliefs.  Perhaps we don't want to leave the comfort provided by our beliefs and fear the consequences of changing our mind.  Correct and incorrect beliefs may be the consequence of many factors.
     Be aware of why you believe.  Imagine being raised with completely different parents and surrounded by a majority who don't agree with you.  Giving up the comfort and rewards of a present belief may be replaced with accepting the idea that you could be wrong and that it is possible to live with the unknown.
     Doubt about present beliefs usually comes before changing our mind.  When we doubt the correctness of our own opinions, we may build empathy for those with different beliefs.  Doubt is not a sign of weakness but can be a step toward better understanding.  Questioning may add to and clarify beliefs or lead toward changing your mind.
      Let your mind travel to many destinations so you can find or create a path to follow.   Allow yourself to change directions or go back to your original path.   
   
   

   
       
   
     

Your Story

   
      Your story is unique yet has similar components as the story of others. What you experienced, what you thought about, and how you felt may influence others to follow your steps or go in another direction.  Sharing your story now can begin communication, allow others to ask questions, and deepen understanding.
      Don't you wish you knew more about family members who have passed on, whose voices are now silenced, especially if only a few written records exist about their lives?  Look at the popularity of finding out more about ancestors, discovering bits and pieces of family history.  Many legal documents reveal statistics, but what a gift it must be to find something actually written down by an individual in her or his own words.
     Most of us have relatives who have been in the military, combat or not.  You may have experienced war; you may have experienced waiting for a loved one to return or suffering when their life was  taken.  Peacetime also provides important stories to tell: challenges met, struggles and accomplishments, sorrow and happiness, opinions and beliefs.  Ordinary life can be very significant and informative.  This often is omitted from history books.  We all have a story to tell.
     Too busy, not the right time, too private, too emotional to relive, No one would be interested,  I put my stories on social media: Excuses!  Conversation is one method of telling your story, but the written word is more permanent.  It does take thought, time, and effort, but what a beautiful gift for your family.  History of individuals combine to make the history of the world.

Crime and Punishment

     In St. Petersburg, Russia, Rodion Raskolnikov plans and commits a crime.  His objective was to rob and murder a pawnbroker in order to leave his life of poverty and get a fresh start, but when he realizes his "mistake," his conscience begins a self-punishment of anxiety, guilt, remorse, and a fear of discovery.  He must live a lie which causes problems with health and relationships.
     Sonia is a loyal friend to Raskolnikov.  He confesses to her first, and she helps him deal with his situation. Porfiry Petrovich is in charge of investigating the crimes.  He uses patience and clever techniques that cause Raskolnikov to finally go to the police to confess. 
     Fyodor Dostoyevsky creates many characters who inhabit 1860's Russia who live the mores of the time but are also much like us.  Losing compassion can lead to actions that create harm and suffering to others and to yourself.
     Reading a classic novel can open your imagination to other times in history and add to your understanding of the human condition.   

Comparisons

   
   

   

     The more years you have lived, the more varied your experiences, the better comparisons you can make.  Your mind is a living history of the many ways it was.  Of course, we can read history and learn from the history of others, but appreciate what is in your memories.  On the other hand, when someone older than you, perhaps generations older, relates their past, realize you are being given a gift.  The perspective they are sharing is invaluable.  As a relative shares their history, your own story is being expanded.
     The present seems the most pertinent especially to the young.  They naturally believe "their time" is the most valuable.  Often the older generation may believe nothing was like the good old days.  Nostalgia can paint a rosier picture than the actuality.  Of course, many of their family members were still alive and life seemed simpler back then.  The older generation may also feel present times are worse than ever especially regarding political matters.  A broad perspective can produce positive and negative reactions.
     Value your own history and graciously listen to other generations.  What you know and what you learn will provide more valuable comparisons.