There is a saying that goes, “You won’t find the same person twice, not even in the same person.” But what makes us more than what we were?
Life is constantly evolving, shaped by doubts, belief in oneself, and the bravery to accept change. For us to move forward, we must embrace these concepts as important steps in our journey toward growth and achieving new opportunities ahead of us that will lead to the best version of ourselves.
Doubt and Uncertainty
When you think about the struggles you have been through, doubt and uncertainty often emerge as the first emotions to confront. You remember when you were disappointed by your expectations, eventually stopping because you doubted your capability. The moments when you once felt certain about something, only for it to lead to heartbreak, and how you vowed never to expect too much again. This doubt—that lingering feeling of "maybe I can't”—keeps you from fully accepting who you are and what you can become. You recall when life knocked you down, and you were left wondering if it was worth continuing. Perhaps someone betrayed your trust, and you doubted not only them but yourself. Maybe you’ve also had that moment when you realized you could never control everything, and that left you stuck, unsure of the next step.
But what if these feelings weren’t a hindrance? What if they were the first steps toward growth? Doubt is often seen as a negative emotion, but it creates the space necessary for us to ask the tough questions: “Why did this happen?” “What can I learn from this?” It forces us to reflect and reconsider our choices. As emphasized in the book of knowledge of the Sharing My Light and Healing Energy, “The best is yet to come no matter how hard the situation.” These moments of self-doubt are not without purpose. They push us to look at our inner strength and rediscover the light we thought was lost. We have the opportunity to challenge our beliefs, to think about our actions and their consequences, and ultimately, to move forward with new understanding. And just like the author, who found wisdom and independence through her struggles, we too can use these challenges to transform our lives and help guide others toward hope and healing.
The Similarity of Doubt and Belief
Doubt and belief are not necessarily opposites. You can doubt yourself yet still hold onto the hope that life has more to offer. Belief lies at the heart of that conflict. Often, the things that cause you to doubt yourself are connected to the fear of failure or not knowing the future. But if you can shift your perspective and see that everything is for a reason, you may find peace in what’s to come.
But reassuring yourself about belief isn’t enough. Belief isn’t just something you affirm—it’s something you need to experience and nurture. It’s the idea that most psychologists say “I doubt. Therefore, I believe.” This means that even if you doubt yourself, it doesn’t mean you stopped believing, but it is a necessary part. Doubt challenges your beliefs, pushing you to question and dig deeper into what you truly value or understand.
It’s only natural to experience doubt, especially in what we care about most. Think back to when we were kids, believing in Santa Claus. We didn’t have proof but kept believing because it brought us joy and wonder, even without certainty. As we grow older, however, the doubts we experience often come with a different kind of pressure. We live in a world that urges us to meet society’s expectations and become who others want us to be. This is not an easy task. People approach life differently—some embrace challenges head-on, while others face them with skepticism. But this diversity in perspective makes us unique and allows us to grow in different ways.
Eventually, we will realize that if there is no room for doubt, there is no reason to believe. Doubt isn’t something to fear. If you want to truly believe in something or someone, you must first overcome it. By doing so, you open yourself to the life you deserve: good health, a job that makes you productive, unconditional love, and the special support of loved ones.
Bravery of Accepting What’s to Come
Bravery is about moving forward even when you’re scared. The future can feel unpredictable, and it’s natural to feel uncertain about what’s ahead. But accepting the uncertainty is what bravery is. It’s about having the strength to take a step forward even if we don’t know exactly where we’re going.
As a new chapter in life begins, we are reminded of the bravery it takes to embrace the future we know nothing of. Whether setting new goals, facing challenges, or adapting to unexpected changes, taking that leap forward, even with uncertainty, often leads to growth and transformation. Along the way, good communication, journaling, and reading self-help books can provide valuable insights and foster a positive mindset. However, true growth comes from within—through self-belief, adaptability, and the courage to turn obstacles into opportunities for a brighter future.
You may ask yourself, “Do I deserve more than this? Is my role in life finished, or is there something more waiting for me?” These questions are part of the bravery needed to accept change. It’s normal to doubt and wonder, but asking yourself these questions can open the door to new possibilities. By believing in yourself and facing those doubts, you show you’re ready for what awaits. The doubt becomes less frightening when you believe in your ability to navigate it, trusting that every step forward is part of a greater journey.
By Graecia O. Avestruz