Taking a Break

Church 1 Minute

Last month I returned home from a business trip to Las Vegas and told Kim I was tired of allowing the church to infiltrate my life to the point of largely determining my happiness.

For as long as I can remember I’ve had one foot in the church and one foot out. Going through the motions has been a simpler solution than honestly facing these issues. But it’s begun taking a toll.

So I’m taking a break from my church.

You probably don’t care, which is how I hope everyone will feel when they read this. Nothing is more personal than a person’s beliefs. I don’t base my friendships on the assumption we both share the same beliefs, and I hope you don’t either.

This morning I woke up, put on pair of shoes I’ve owned for ten years and went for a three mile walk around our neighborhood.

I thought about how thankful I am to be the father of five children that bring immense joy to my life. I considered how lucky to have found a company that allows me to work from home, doing what I love to do. And I’m so glad I found Kim who is an amazing mother, friend, and spouse.

I’ve lived 46 years. I’m no longer willing to turn over my happiness for someone else to judge. Today I put both feet firmly on the ground I choose as I search out what it means to believe.

Or not.

Either way, it will be my choice.

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” — Jim Rohm (from Scripting News)

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7 thoughts on “Taking a Break”

  2. Brett, I could have written this myself except for the personal details about yourself. I too, have had one foot in and one foot out for several years now. I’ve taken breaks and it’s helped–but somehow I can’t just step out. It’s difficult. It’s personal. And there are no easy answers.

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    1. I don’t know where I go from here, but so far, I feel at peace with my decision. That anxiety I used to feel on the weekends has disappeared and I’m spending my time doing activities with my kids and figuring things out for myself. I hope you find what you’re after as well.

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  3. Brett I love you. Don’t know what else to say except for that. We will continue to be us, too, and we are here for you.

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  4. I’m a month behind in my blog reading!

    It’s a very personal issue, as you’ve stated, and yet I feel I’ve been in the same place. For me, it happened about ten years before it did for you. Initially, it caused quite a bit of upheaval (in my life and those closest to me), but once the dust settled began the happiest, richest, and fullest period of my life. (Authentic is another good word–thanks Kris.) And it continues to this day. I sincerely hope the same for you and your family. I’m grateful that there is so much good in the world that we can participate in and be part of.

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  5. Hi
    Whilst searching for how to ‘get myself back into the spirit of church’ I found your blog, this post and I can relate. I’m also Lds and while I know the gospel is true there are still struggles that keep me half in and half out.
    Whatever is right for you, I’m sure you’ll find out and live more peacefully.
    Personally, I have found that when I am peaceful about my decisions I can then progress in them and somehow end up where i wanted to be in the first place šŸ™‚

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