Discoveries Along the Way: Part 1 of My Personal Odyssey, The Journey Thus Far.

Throughout my journey, certain profound lessons have acted as pivotal milestones, shaping my perception of the world and influencing my commitment to others. These learning milestones, akin to epiphanies, have markedly contributed to my growth in three fundamental facets of life: spirituality, physical well-being, and intellectual pursuits. Additionally, these transformative experiences have extended their impact to foster growth in my relationships with others, encapsulating a holistic evolution across various dimensions of my existence.

Within the pages of this blog, my aim is to chronicle some of the significant milestones that have marked my past. This enumeration doesn’t seek to comprehensively cover each milestone but rather to compile a list of those etched in my memory at this moment. While future posts will delve deeper into these experiences, I felt compelled to articulate them now, capturing these thoughts before they dissipate from my mind.

God is Love

I was raised in a legalistic church that painted a picture of God as a disciplinarian in the heavens, ready to punish our mistakes with a wooden paddle. However, I came to realize that this was not the essence of God’s intentions. God is a loving being who desires the best for us and seeks a meaningful relationship with each of us. This realization has profoundly shaped my perspective and approach to life. I have Bob George’s Classic Christianity book to thank me for this epiphany.

Continuous Self-improvement

Throughout my tenure in the military, a vital lesson emerged: the significance of ongoing self-improvement in the journey of personal growth. This realization emphasized the need for unwavering determination and a commitment to a perpetual cycle of self-betterment. The understanding that this process is never truly complete has underscored the importance of continuous forward momentum. Discipline and accountability play pivotal roles in this pursuit, as the responsibility for our improvement lies squarely on our own shoulders. In my life, the pursuit of self-improvement has been a constant, a guiding principle steering my journey and influencing my choices.

Defining Values and Virtues

I distinctly recall gaining this insight during a Franklin Covey class, where the emphasis was on the critical link between defining one’s values and the subsequent alignment of behavior, often referred to as virtues. The essence lies in establishing a clear framework of values, serving as guiding principles for our actions. An integral aspect of this process involves regular introspection, asking the fundamental question: Do my actions align with my stated values and virtues? This self-inquiry is crucial for maintaining congruence between professed values and actual behavior. To illustrate, if one claims to value other people’s time but consistently arrives late to meetings, the incongruity between the stated value and the tardy behavior becomes evident. This underscores the importance of continual self-reflection and adjustment to ensure harmony between values and actions.  I have Franklin Covey’s book 7 Habits for this revelation.

Simple Goals Love God and Love Your Neighbor

In a class, I encountered a profound lesson encapsulated in the summary of the law: to love God and your neighbor. Drawing parallels to goal cascading or mission alignment in the business realm, this principle suggests that every action should contribute to the overarching mission of loving God and one’s neighbor. Applying this perspective simplifies decision-making, akin to assessing whether a particular behavior aligns with organizational goals. When faced with challenging questions, the lens of our mission or goals becomes a compass – does it support the love of God or our neighbor? If not, the action may be deemed misguided or inconsequential. This approach proves invaluable in navigating life’s complexities, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s focus on the ultimate objective. The Christian mission, as outlined in Mark 12:28-34, Matthew 22:37-40, Galatians 5:14, and Romans 13:8-10, should serve as a guiding framework for this profound perspective on decision-making and conduct.

Pursue an Intellectual Life

The prevalence of anti-intellectualism poses a significant challenge in the United States, particularly within religious circles. This trend is evident in the tendency to opt for paths of least cognitive effort or simplistic explanations. Life’s inherent complexity defies such reductionist approaches, yet in certain spheres, blind faith or uncritical acceptance is celebrated. As a fervent reader and someone who values rational thinking, I found it challenging to align with this prevailing mindset. It was a disconcerting experience, often leaving me feeling like an outsider. However, my perspective underwent a transformation upon reading JP Moreland’s enlightening book, “Love God with All Your Mind.” This revelation allowed me to reconcile my faith with reason, demonstrating that a thoughtful and intellectually engaged approach is not only valid but essential for a Christian worldview.

“Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling” by James W. Sire stands out as one of my favorite books, providing invaluable insights into cultivating an intellectual life intertwined with Christian faith. Sire delves into the practices that define an intellectual life and offers guidance on integrating one’s faith seamlessly into the pursuit of knowledge. This book has become a cherished resource for me, compelling me to revisit its pages multiple times. One particularly practical suggestion from Sire is the practice of taking notes and writing about one’s readings. According to him, this process enhances retention and deepens understanding. Embracing this advice has not only improved my capacity for critical thinking but has also fostered a more enriching connection between my intellectual pursuits and my Christian convictions.

Cognitive Behavioral Cycle

Discovering the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) marked a transformative moment in my understanding of mental well-being. CBT, a short-term form of behavioral treatment, not only equips individuals with problem-solving skills but also elucidates the intricate connections between beliefs, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physiological responses. Recognizing this as a self-reinforcing cycle became an epiphany, reshaping my perspective and approach to controlling my thoughts. Armed with this awareness, I could distance myself from inaccurate or negative thinking patterns and effectively navigate challenging situations. Intriguingly, I later discovered that these principles were not exclusive to modern psychology. The ancient Stoics and even some ancient Eastern texts elucidate similar concepts. It became evident that the art of managing one’s thoughts has stood the test of time, and while CBT may be a refined contemporary approach, its roots delve deep into ancient wisdom.

As I embark on sharing these insights and revelations, I realize the depth and richness of the topics at hand. This post marks only the beginning—a Part 1, if you will. My intention was to keep it concise, yet the wealth of ideas compelled an extension into future posts. So, fear not, for this is merely a prelude to a more extensive exploration of the thoughts and experiences that have shaped my journey. Stay tuned for the upcoming parts where I’ll delve into additional reflections and lessons. Like the turning of pages in a captivating book, the narrative continues, promising more revelations and insights in the chapters yet to unfold.

More to come.