This I believe...

This I Believe is an international project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. These short statements of belief, written by people from all walks of life, are archived by NPR. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.  A short time ago, I attended a get together in my hometown. The focus of the gathering was to participate in this project, and to get our belief systems out into the world, archived for posterity. My submission is below.  

This I Believe

I believe a birth certificate shows we were born, a death certificate shows we died and pictures show we lived!

I believe that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue doesn't mean they do.

I believe we don't have to change friends if we understand friends change.

I believe that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. The same goes for true love.

I believe you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of consequences.

I believe money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and still have the best time.

I believe that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe sometimes when I'm angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others; sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for whom we become.

I believe you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you--you will find the strength to help.