life as poems 'n letters

Life does not go on without problems. People let us down. Plans don’t work out. When that occurs and everything seems to be out of control, one can easily get lost. That’s why I truly believe that having certain beliefs is crucial. Not to flaunt. Not for recognition. But for your own direction. When times are hard, have something to hang onto.

It doesn’t matter if your belief system is Christianity, Buddhism, Stoicism, or even a set of personal values you live by. What matters is that you have something that offers meaning, direction, and a sense of emotional resilience.

When Life Breaks You Open

Last year I lived through one of the worst periods of my life. I felt absolutely lost when a friend betrayed me. Furious, wounded, and lost—I felt awful. It was then that I understood the need of having a personal belief system. Without it, I think I would have turned depressed.

I had to go back to something, though. Something that helped me remember that this pain is common and that I am not alone in it.

I remember a stoic quote. Though I can’t remember who exactly said it, it was this: “What you are experiencing right now is not new. Others have faced it before, and they survived. So can you.” Having a set of beliefs helped me stay cool and clear in that situation.

Choosing Between People and Principles

In the fall of that year, I had to make a tough choice: I cut ties with a close friend. He told me to betray another friend by telling other people about private talks that could be used against them. It showed me how important it is to have core values, like being honest and having ethics, and a set of beliefs that keeps you in line with those values.

That event made me remember that belief systems aren’t just for thinking about God. They show up in the choices we make every day. They change how we act when no one is looking.

What Is a Belief System?

A belief system can be a religion, a philosophy like Stoicism, or even a set of rules for living your life. It doesn’t need to be at a temple or church. It could just be something that gives your life meaning and keeps your emotions in check when things go wrong.

Some people have trouble with the idea of believe because they only think of religion when they think of it. That’s not the whole story, though. A belief system is not the same as a church of course. While religion is often sacred and shared, a belief system is very personal. Both can make you stronger, but they don’t need to be the same.

My Personal Belief System: Stoicism

Stoic thought has been that support for me. Surprisingly, I found out about it in 2016 because I had a crush on a friend who was studying philosophy. But his interests took him in a different way. I found Stoicism by accident, and it made sense.

One quote that stuck with me is from Seneca: “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” It taught me to stop feeding my fears. Other Stoic ideas helped me manage stress, stay grounded, and avoid emotional overreaction. For me, it’s one of the best tools for mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Again, though, your set of beliefs may be very different, and that’s fine.

Why Is It Important to Have a Belief System?

Because things in life will always go wrong. And when things go wrong, people who don’t have a belief system often feel like they’re drifting—lost, hopeless, and mentally worn out. Having a set of beliefs can help you make sense of the mess. It helps you find your way when the outside world seems too much.

It doesn’t need to be intellectual or spiritual. You need to care about it. Your belief system is what gives you strength, whether it’s a daily meditation, prayer, writing in a book, or even a quote that you read to yourself.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

You do not have to read a book cover to cover or meditate every day. You need not be a “perfect believer.” Your belief system need not be sophisticated or current. It only serves to keep you in line with your own self.

Mine consists in reading from The Daily Stoic and listening to YouTube playlists including “30 Stoic Principles to Listen to Daily.” Scripture, music, therapy, or mentoring may bring comfort to others. It counts whatsoever form it takes.

Final Thoughts

Perfect is not what I am. I’ve made mistakes. Still, I try daily to be a good person. I try to live gracefully, truthfully, and deliberately. And without the belief system that grounds me, I would not be able to accomplish it either.

Perhaps it would be time to look into it if you do not yet have one. Not because someone tells you to—but rather because you deserve something to hang onto when the storms strike (and will). Something to keep you from flitting.