flowers,  lifestyles,  Plants,  rants,  writing/reading

Opinion or Belief

September 6, 2021

I’ve reflected and journaled for over a year whether I want to say “in my opinion” or “I believe” and what the difference is.

I’ve not always wanted to share my words on some issues because differences in opinion rise to the surface that have the potential to bring up conflict, and I hate conflict. Yet, it seems there is a desire within all of us to express ourselves, to be heard, voice our opinion or belief. I’m questioning if my opinion is really more about my egoic thinking, sharing my knowledge or what I’ve been taught. Is my opinion really my belief?

When two people have a difference of opinion, mutual true sharing can get lost in defending our opinions or refuting theirs. In my own life I would like to get to a place where I say what I believe from that deep place within, my heart or gut, rather than what I just think! Saying “In my opinion” can be an aggressive phrase while saying “I believe” is not. Doesn’t the poet, writer, lyricist share from a deep place within rather than from what they think. So, just for the heck of it, what is your opinion or what do you believe? 🤔 Happy Labor Day!

Retired. Having fun shooting Fujifilm cameras. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku. Have a love for fountain pens.

9 Comments

  • Tom Dills

    September 6, 2021 at 2:40 pm

    More often than not, unless I’m fairly confident in someone else’s opinion or their propensity towards open dialog, I tend to just keep my mouth shut. Which doesn’t answer the question but perhaps is also valid. I write a lot of things for my blog that never get published, for that reason.

    I sometimes catch myself using the term “fact” when I really mean something more like “idea,” “concept” or “opinion.” “How do you feel about the fact that….” implies that I already believe something to be true, when I am actually seeking an opinion and haven’t yet made a decision.

    I also have a very bad habit of asking someone for their opinion and then telling them mine before they have a chance to answer. Kathy often has to remind me of that. Oops. 😳

    • Monte Stevens

      September 7, 2021 at 8:19 am

      I also keep a watch on what I blog because of the audience I think I’m writing to. When I do that I question if I’m being honest with myself. Am only trying to please?

      Yes, “fact” is another word that can used to inform others what our truths are and what theirs should be. It can come from that place where the reality we believe in is really what we think we think we know. I can also ask an opinion then give mine before I listen to theirs. That’s when I’m usually not interested in their opinion, really not listening.

      I also like how a spouse will keep us honest! 😍

  • Joe

    September 7, 2021 at 7:09 am

    I don’t think you need to say either. If you write it on your blog then it is either your opinion or what you believe, no need to state it.

    Sometimes I’ll use ‘in fact’ or other fillers just to add some rhythm to a statement that seems to need the extra syllables.

    Now you have me going back over my own writing to see if I really do what I just said. 🙂

    • Monte Stevens

      September 7, 2021 at 8:26 am

      LOL Thanks for the laugh this morning.

      In all honesty this is something I’ve seen in some individuals where their opinion comes across in a negative way for me. Pushes buttons which I am looking at. I do not want to come across as a know-it-all or I’m wiser than or above them. Looking at this also challenges me to question my thinking. As the saying goes, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” 😁

  • Mark

    September 7, 2021 at 3:23 pm

    I wish more people had more humility. Unfortunately so much is turned into confrontation now instead of just a discussion. Tribalism has created situations where facts and opinions seem interchangeable and many think they are equal in significance.

    It’s kind of sad really. The most interesting discussions can come out of some of the most contentious.