Writing your own statement of personal belief can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, as well as a wonderful thing to share with family, friends, and colleagues. To guide you through this process, we offer these suggestions: Name your belief: If you can’t name it in a sentence or phrase or even a single word, your essay might not be about belief. Focus on one core belief. E.g., Van Jones: “I believe in making my father proud.” Or Deirdre Sullivan: “I believe in always going to the funeral.” Tell a story about you: Be specific. Take your belief out of the ether and ground it in the events that have shaped your core values.
Consider moments when belief was formed or tested or changed. Think of your own experience, work, and family. Tell of the things you know that no one else does. Your story need not be heart-warming or gut-wrenching—it can even be funny—but it should be real. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs. Be positive: Write about what you do believe, not what you don’t believe. Avoid statements of religious dogma, preaching, or editorializing. Be personal: Make your essay about you; speak in the first person. Avoid speaking in the editorial “we.” Tell a story from your own life. Write in words and phrases that are comfortable for you to speak. FYI…...I’m a Muslim nurse.
