What Do You Believe?

WKMS 91.3 FM invites you to contribute to its local version of This I Believe by writing and submitting their own statement of personal belief. To guide participants through this process, the producers offer these suggestions:

• Tell a story: Be specific. Ground your belief in the events of your life. Consider moments when your belief was formed, tested or changed. Make sure your story ties to the essence of your daily life philosophy and the shaping of your beliefs.
• Be brief: Your statement should be between 350 and 500 words.
• Name your belief: If you can’t name it in a sentence or two, your essay might not be about belief. Also, rather than writing a list, consider focusing on a core belief.
• Be positive: Please avoid preaching or editorializing. Tell us what you do believe, not what you don’t believe.
• Be personal: Avoid speaking in the editorial "we." Make your essay about you; speak in the first person.

Use these questions as prompts:

• What are the core values or beliefs that have shaped your life and guide you through your daily activities?
• Has there been somebody in your life that instilled those in you or inspired you in that way?
• Can you tell us about a moment or event in your life that crystallized your core beliefs?
• Can you tell us about a time when your core beliefs were shaken or tested, perhaps in ways that were uncomfortable or dangerous?
• How have your beliefs changed as you’ve gotten older?
• Do you feel that your beliefs have changed as you’ve gotten older?
• Do you feel your beliefs have influenced or touched other people in your life? If so, how? (Do you have an example)