[I realize that I have randomly commented on people's blogs but it's just my way to get my ideas out there. Although this doesn't mean I'll never comment on your posts, but initially I just want to kind of want to let you know what I'm about. Leave some comments and with your interest in me, I will reciprocate accordingly.]

So what are some of my beliefs? Before you continue reading, the only preparation that I request of you is that you have an open mind.

I was once a Christian child who studied the bible every Sunday. I prayed to the Christian god (though probably more often than not, it was to have the newest and coolest Super Nintendo game). My actions were motivated by the pleasing of and loyalty to "him". I never questioned my beliefs and was content with them.

I was once a Buddhist young teenager who meditated and at least tried to follow the Eightfold Path. I did feel peace when I did so and it was especially enjoyable to tell mother than I've chanted a particular mantra over and over for two hours. My actions were motivated by the will to do the right thing and the serenity as a result of doing so. I never questioned my beliefs and was content with them.

I was once an Occultist young adult who longed to discover the truths about universe. I studied various works of literature and even was a practiced tarot reader. My actions were motivated by the will to understand my world and how things worked. I never questioned my beliefs and was content with them.

For each scenario, I was content with my beliefs. So what was it that was responsible for my eventual abandonment of some of the beliefs? I simply questioned them. I challenged them. It was only time until they would fall before my objections. Such beliefs were only unnecessary condiments that I was caught up in choosing before realizing that the dish I already had was perfect. It was missing nothing and had everything I could ever need.

Through my challenges, I discovered that, all along, I've had the will to be a good person and do the right thing. I was human and, therefore, I knew I must be humane. For the longest of time, I was letting my life be controlled and influenced by "condiments" that we're ultimately detrimental to an already delicious meal. I am not the kind of person to look at a deliciously made meal and still have the longing to keep adding things, feeling as if it were never enough. Don't get me wrong, sometimes condiments can certainly add another factor and make a meal better but there are times when it'll come with too great of a price and one ends up sacrificing the integrity of the meal.

A turning point in my perspective on life came because I challenged a belief of mine. I was young and was doing a tarot reading for myself one day. The reading was to determine the actions I should take in order to achieve something. In the middle of laying out the cards, I metaphorically slapped myself in the face and thought "I'm actually letting these cards govern how I should behave. Shouldn't I be able to perceive the necessary paths to take and decide on my own what is best for me?" Because I challenged this belief, I cultivated my mind and realized that by putting my faith in something else, I was gradually losing faith in myself.

Now though this post is chock full of discussions and examples with religion, my ultimate point is that by challenging our own beliefs, we can elevate ourselves and gain a much better perspective and understanding on the world around us. I understand that I can branch off with many things inside this post but for now I just want everyone who reads this to live life with the intent to objectively challenge every being of their existence and flourish through the perspectives gained and lessons learned because you did.