When we share a hug with another person, we may not think about just how much it means. More than a quick handshake or saying “hello,” a hug conveys affection, acceptance, or empathy without saying a word. Click the links below to read how these essayists feel about the meaning behind a hug.
When is the last time you laughed? Really laughed? Were you watching a funny movie or listening to a great joke? Sometimes a good laugh comes during times of happiness and light, and sometimes it is most welcome during dark times. Read the essays below to find how these people discovered a belief in laughter.
Some of us are gearing up for summer vacation as July 4th approaches. And the cashiers, clerks, and servers you encounter at your destination probably hope you’ll give some thought as to who they are and what they believe. Click the links below for a sampling.
Home can be the house we grew up in, the town where we live, or where our hearts are. However you define home, it is a powerful force in our lives, one that can be a foundation for lifelong beliefs. Click the links below to read how these essayists have been inspired by their homes.
For this Father’s Day, we offer the following selection of essays about fatherhood—from being a father, to the relationship with our fathers. Click the links below to learn how these essayists have been inspired by the diverse range of experiences related to the father-child relationship. You can find these and other essays celebrating dads in our book, This I Believe: On Fatherhood.
It may not yet be summer on the calendar, but the pools are open, school is out (or almost!), and the days are getting longer. With a two-month break from the responsibilities of school, it could be argued that no one appreciates summer more than teenagers. Click the links below to read what these teens believe about the magic of summer.
Most people can remember receiving words of advice from their parents—whether they asked for it or not. And, even if we did not heed the advice we were given, there is often truth in the words our parents wanted to share to guide us in our lives. Click on the links below to learn more about the wisdom learned from listening to one’s parents.
The emotional and physical demands of providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease can be exhausting. But through that crucible, people may find that a fundamental belief comes into sharp focus. Click the links below to read what these essayists have learned while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
Most people can probably make a quick list of books that have had a deep impact on their lives. And one of those books on a lot of those lists is To Kill a Mockingbird. Click on the links below to read more about how this classic book has had an impact on these readers.
The Latin phrase “carpe diem” translates as “seize the day,” an aphorism teaching us to put aside worries and concerns of the past or future in order to truly enjoy the moment. Many people heed this advice, and for the following essayists, living in the present moment has inspired a lifelong belief.
Karin Round lives at the end of an interstate off-ramp in suburban Boston, and she often finds wayward travelers on her doorstep asking for assistance. In spite of the potential dangers, Round believes it’s important to open her door and help those in need. Click here to read her essay.
