This I Believe

Retired teacher Nancy Yucius believes in living life so as to have no regrets. It’s a lesson she learned from her mother and one Yucius is holding on to even more now that she is battling colon cancer. More episodes can be found at at thisibelieve.org.

Playing cards or board games has been an important part of Pamela Rothbard's life since she was a child who was allowed to stay up past bedtime and play with the adults. Now, as a parent, playing games with her own children gives her family an opportunity to do something together and share in each other's lives. More essays at thisibelieve.org.

In the deepest reaches of the cosmos, scientists have found sound waves they think came from the Big Bang. Episcopal priest and science teacher Kimberly Woodbury believes those waves are a siren call connecting all of us to the mysteries of the universe. More essays at thisibelieve.org.

Hunger isn’t always about a lack of food. As Colette Decker learned growing up, it can also be a longing for a better life. A small business owner in Montana, Decker believes we can reach our dreams by embracing our hungers with creativity and passion. More essays can be found at thisibelieve.org.

Growing up in the former Yugoslavia, lawyer Djenita Pasic enjoyed the peace of her religiously diverse country. But after the fall of communism and the outbreak of the Bosnian War, Pasic was forced to reevaluate her ideas about religion and tolerance.

Growing up in Kenya, Pius Kamau was inspired by the equality preached by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now a surgeon in Denver, Kamau believes in caring for his patients, whatever their racial views. More essays can be found at thisibelieve.org.

When Andrew Brodsky was dating the woman he would later marry, he worried that their different religious backgrounds would be a problem. But Brodsky believes they found God in the middle ground between his Jewish faith and her Christian religion. More essays can be found at thisibelieve.org.

Therapist Robin Mize comes from a mixed family: most are conservative and some are liberal. Despite their political differences, though, they are bound by love for each other. Mize believes it’s important for all of us to be able to peaceably disagree. More essays can be found at thisibelieve.org.

Mountain climbers learn how to rest-step – that is, to pause between each step to catch one’s breath at high altitudes. Climber Phil Powers believes this technique of pacing is valuable in everyday life.

Childhood wonder at the stars fueled Alan Lightman’s interest in science. Now an astrophysicist and novelist, Lightman believes our greatest creativity, in science and art, comes from awe at the unknown.

When the family cat dies, Jamaica Ritcher has to explain to her two-year-old daughter what happened. In searching for an explanation of death, Ritcher finds a belief to guide her life.

Her Latina heritage encouraged her to trust her dreams. Her business degree taught her rational analysis. Now Sacramento public radio listener Cynthia Sommer believes intuition is her best asset.

Loudon Wainwright III has been writing songs for more than 40 years. He believes in the mystery that inspires the creation of a new song. But it’s not something Wainwright wants to think about too much.

Ying Ying Yu has a maturity beyond her years. The 13-year old immigrant from China believes she has a duty to honor the sacrifices made by her parents, her ancestors, her teachers and her homeland.

After many years, college writing instructor Jessica Mercer Zerr still considers what it takes to stay happily married. She believes the loving relationship she shares with her husband is rooted in the mundane activities of their daily lives together.