Skepticism

Hello Mark,

I can remember awakening each morning as a boy with a feeling of joy to be alive and a feeling of wonder at what the day might bring. Of late, (I’m now 59 years old), I find I must spend a little time each morning in reflection to again recognize those feelings and so far, even with numerous obstacles thrown at me in rapid succession, I’m still able to enjoy that feeling of knowing that I am a good person with the ability to do anything I set my mind to. “Set my mind to”, for me, is the key. I’ve made many mistakes in my lifetime and some of those mistakes, when I think back on them, make me cringe with sorrow for having made them. But, I’ve learned to forgive myself and during my morning reflections, where I try to recapture those feelins of joy at being alive and wonder of all that life has to offer, I convince myself that life can, (might), be immortal. If not biologically, perhaps spiritually, and if only spiritually then perhaps I’ll still be able to maintain my self-awareness, and if there is a God that I am to be judged by that he will forgive me my sins as well. It may seem somewhat infantile to many, but that process of self reflection does bring me back to some degree of euphoria. However, as of late it seems to get harder and harder which is what has brought me to you. My biggest problem, (I think), is my skepticism. After watching all that has happened since the turn of the century, most specifically since 9/11 and the bringing to the forefront the act of terrorism, and the corruption of wall street, corporations and our leadership, it seems that all I can find is an inundation of peoples trying to liberate me from what little money I have left, which is practically zero. And so I turn to you. I’ve never had any problem believing in myself. Do you think you can help me believe in other people again?

Respectfully,

Phil