If my 18-year-old self could see me right now, she wouldn’t believe it. First of all, she would probably tell me to take a shower and put on some make up. And I would tell her no, because #2020. After we got that out of the way, we would have a LOT more to disagree on.

I have changed my mind on countless things throughout my life. I have had ideas and convictions that upon further examination, fall apart. I have had things I assumed to be true re-organize themselves when faced with new information. I have had convictions about the way the world is that were flat out wrong. 

I don’t think changing my mind, or changing my worldview, means that I am a weak person. I don’t flip-flop easily. But I listen. I observe. I read and I talk to people and I am not afraid to sit down and pick apart my beliefs to see what foundation they were built upon. To me this is a sign of wisdom and humility, not weakness.

If I were afraid to examine my beliefs, I could never truly be sure that what I thought would stand up to doubt. Instead, I am willing to bet that the things that matter most to me will prevail through the lens of truth. And that I will be better for finding out if I am wrong. I have found that apologizing for wrongly held beliefs builds relationship instead of undermines it.

Have you ever changed a belief or a way you view the world because of an experience or relationship you have had? Have you found that that process made you stronger or more afraid?