Yesterday evening when I attended Catholic Mass here in Parede, Portugal, it struck me while I recited the Apostolic creed silently in English to myself, that I should rewrite it in my own words. 

I used to often summarize what I have read when I studied, in my own words to make sure I understood it correctly, preferably also to be able to apply it for a case of (example) my own. I studied self-help books the same way in the 90's and collected little quotes in a big yellow notebook.  

When I wrote my own visualizations and goal images, describing how I wanted my life to be as part of mental training also beginning in the 90's and in the 2000's becoming coaching, it was to create something to believe in, that later also came to include visionboards. Something to return to looking at every week as a positive reminder and focus, to have balance together with writing affirmations, a gratitude journal, practising qigong and later yoga.

Today, I can see how it also needs to have a spiritual anchor in faith and values, which is what I was looking for. Nonetheless, to come full circle, it's time to formulate my beliefs to include both.