Let's keep it going. :)

I believe there are two fundamental beliefs that govern everything we do in relation to how we treat ourselves and others.

1.  That all men are created equal.

2.  That all men are not created equal.

I think I'll talk about the second first.

2.  That all men are not created equal.

When we buy into this belief, we also buy into several lies that tear down what could have been a powerful and peaceful life.  Here's one I've dealt with in the past: "They're wrong, you're right."  The unspoken words of this lie often follow the lines of "This means you have the authority to tell them they're wrong or ask questions in a way that is specifically leading them to believe you know what is best for them."  Which isn't always true.  I personally believe that there exists in this world something called "absolute truth".  That being said, this one has had a tendency to be the most recurring lie I've had trouble with and I'm sorry if you've been on the receiving end while I was being influenced by this belief.

A couple reasons why this specific belief is dangerous:  1.  It creates friends and enemies.  Well, more accurately, it causes you to take sides.  It creates conflict.  2.  It dehumanizes others, meaning those people become "lesser" people.  This isn't a belief that creates a lot of friendships, because there are very few people on this planet who believe everything you believe.

A friend of mine asked me a while ago how to influence someone who was buying into a belief that wasn't true, or at least wasn't what you believe.  I sat there and looked into her eyes and I had no idea what to say.  Up until that moment, I had never considered it.  I'm pretty ignorant and prideful, especially for how observant and neutral I am, if you know what I mean.  ;)  Well, I think I know the answer now.  Or at least, an answer.  Love them a lot, don't argue with them, and live your life with your beliefs as your example to them, not in a prideful way, but in a way exhibiting unconditional love exactly the way they need it..  When they open up, don't shoot them down with your beliefs.  Explain to them what you believe and why you believe it, then take their situation and apply it using questions that prompt them instead of telling them that they're wrong and they need to change.  It's the art of persuasion.  I'm not very good at it, but I'm only a baby right now.  Haha.

Now, back to belief numero uno.

1.  That all men are created equal.

I believe this belief is fundamental to happiness in our relationships because when we recognize this, we also recognize that others have the same potential we have for greatness.  That simple recognition allows their impression in our minds to grow and flourish because we then recognize the truth.  The truth I'm talking about is that we all change.  I couldn't possibly share all of the blessings I've received while recognizing this as a true belief.  For one, the arguments I have are filled with love and they all turn funny somehow and end in both parties learning a lot.  Another example is my tolerance is no longer just tolerance.  It's become compassion and patience.  Don't get me wrong.  There's plenty I still have to improve on in this area of my life, but It's getting easier.  I feel brighter, if that makes any sense.  Haha.

Another way to look at it is that if we are created equal, than we are also intended to govern ourselves in the way we see fit.  That's kinda important, right?  Haha

Thanks for reading, you sparkly eyed human.  I appreciate that twinkle.

Dallin Hughes

You're in a vast room filled with obstacles and people.  Your eyes are closed.  This room has two doors.  One door, behind you, is locked from the outside.  You know that you entered through that door.  Only those who are entering the room are allowed through that door.  The door at the far side of the room is said to lead to a room with a treasure untold.  The catch?  You have to get through the room to get to it.  In your mind's eye, you believe you know where you're going and where the obstacles and people are.  However, you keep running into both people who are also trying to reach that door and obstacles.  The obstacles are hard, the people vary in levels of kindness.  The biggest problem you face is overcoming these obstacles.  You have no idea what you're doing because you can't see.  But what if you could see?  What if you could open your eyes?  You would understand how to conquer these obstacles, wouldn't you?  You would also know where to go and how to avoid obstacles you already may have run into, along with some you haven't run into.  You would be able to run through the room and reach the door with the treasure without much trouble.  All of these things would be made possible if you could see, if you had a knowledge of the world around you and how it operates.

So is the importance of understanding principles of self government and the natural law of the world we live in.  They give us vision and allow us to live the way we want to live.  I am very passionate about knowledge.  I am very passionate about truth.  I hope you are too.

Dallin Hughes

What on Earth?

Layers of atmosphere collected on my eyelashes and in my hair as I fell, pooffing through clouds at a speed that terrified even the bravest of adrenaline junkies.  Was I meant to fly?  I couldn't help but notice that gravity wasn't the only thing pulling me down.  I intended to fall in that direction and somehow that intention shot me through the air.  Then, as soon as I realized my intention, I realized my intention was all that mattered... and I wasn't falling.  The world was disappearing behind me.  I had to stop.  Even though it was painful to live in a world that misunderstood me, I understood the world, and it needed me.  It needs all the people who were brought to it to be whole, just like a family.  I turned and decided to stay, but not for too long, because just as much as the world needs its people to be whole, its people need a connection to something greater than it, and sometimes you have to let yourself go and fly to get that connection.