Politicians can be inclined to double down on a bad idea, but changing your thinking can be a strength rather than a weakness. We asked Positive News readers: what have you shifted your stance on? This is what you told us
The future
“I changed my mind about the future. I am now way more positive about it. Of course, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done but I am optimistic that we can build a better future than the media often portrays.” – Lea, Stuttgart, Germany
Materialism
“I thought that life was about material things –nice house, nice car, nice clothes, income – but I have realised that giving time to others and volunteering is a currency that is far more precious.” – Paul, Leeds, UK
Winter
“I used to think winter was bleak and lifeless, echoing that feeling within me. When I made the connection that the leaves falling off and the slower energy is a natural cycle of life, my feelings towards winter pivoted. I found the beauty in it, embracing, even loving, the slowness that winter brought. It has completely transformed my seasonal affective disorder.” – Chloe, Totnes, UK
Tattoos
“I changed my mind about tattoos once I realised that people have been celebrating themselves by decorating their bodies for as long as there have been people. I now frequently ask someone with a tattoo about its meaning or symbolism.When I do, it’s almost always a moving story told to me by an interesting person.” – Carolyn, New Hampshire, US
Having children
“Growing up, I had always assumed that I’d have kids. However, the older I got and the more I got to know myself, the more I realised that I didn’t want to ever be defined simply by this ability to have children. By my mid-30s I was certain that I didn’t want them and now as a 45-year-old woman, I’m so glad about this decision.” – Sorcha, Ireland
Other people’s shortcomings
“I believed that people who can’t spell or use correct grammar aren’t intelligent. This is absurd and I’m embarrassed to have had that bias.” – Rebecca, Adelaide, Australia
Transgender rights
“My son told us that he is a trans woman. This helped me to embrace a wider section of LGBTQIA+ experiences than I had previously, which has really opened up my own life.” – Kate, UK
“The ‘no debate’ stance on trans rights. Trans people must be able to live their lives as they please and be free from discrimination – but the concerns of women matter too. In a democracy, debate must be allowed, and women must be able to speak up about their rights and about the importance of safeguarding children.” – Jill, London, UK
I am optimistic that we can build a better future than the media often portrays
Eating animals
“I believed that consuming animal products sparingly was acceptable. However, after a multi-year journey of exploration and understanding, I no longer wish to participate in that food system. This transition has not only aligned me more closely with my core values but has also unveiled a world of culinary discoveries.” – Matt, New Zealand
The behaviour of others
“Carrying anger about my mother’s emotional abuse was causing me so much harm. I decided to change my thinking. I started to view her as an interesting specimen, as though under a microscope, considering scientifically what might have caused this troubled person to behave in such a way. I simply changed my mind about how to view my situation and it allowed me to detach and take care of myself more lovingly. Reconciliation became a possibility, then a reality.” – Molly, Michigan, US
Politics
“I now believe that our representative democracy is constitutionally incapable of making climate policies sufficient to avert catastrophic climate change. I believe citizens’ assemblies are the way forward – to supplement rather than replace our current system. I would replace the House of Lords with a House of Citizens that helps government have the mandate to make policies that will really help, but which may be hard for anyone political party to do.” – Denise, Southampton, UK
Religion
“I used to think that religion was a bit weird, and brainwashing. But now, even though I’m still an atheist, I can see how much it can help people and how much good it can do in the world. Especially now, when so many people feel so lost.” – Kirsty, Anglesey, UK
Monogamy
“I now believe that we can love more than one person kindly and intimately and that this can be a step in becoming the whole person that we are meant to be.” – Sue, San Diego, US
Main image: Tom Merton
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