When I was a kid, I went to church religiously—pun intended. Alongside those Sunday sermons was the constant presence of the Christian Bible. It shaped my worldview, gave me a sense of right and wrong and provided a foundation for how I thought I should live. But as I got older and started comparing my beliefs to those who didn’t grow up the same way, I began to question the values I was raised with. I didn’t want to just go through the motions; I wanted to live more authentically. I noticed so many people saying one thing but living another and it made me reflect on my own actions.

Around that same time, I came across Martin Heidegger’s Introduction to Metaphysics in the library while searching for physics books to read and I brought it up in class because the title included the word “physics.” That brief mention was enough to spark my curiosity. I picked up the book, and even though it was far from an easy read 😅, it connected with some of the questions I had always asked myself about life’s meaning and my purpose. I’m not going to lie, I held onto that book for years trying to finish it—reading it was one thing, but comprehending it felt like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands.

The Bible had always been my reference for understanding life’s purpose and morality, but Heidegger’s work introduced me to deeper existential questions. I began to wonder, “What is my place in the world? Who am I, truly?” Living according to biblical principles is one thing, but embodying them through personal action—especially when tested—is where the real challenge lies. Is there proof of life after death? Why do we seek proof? And why do we need proof at all?

As I continued to explore both the Bible and philosophy, it wasn’t about abandoning my beliefs—it was about making sure I truly lived them. If I’m going to say I follow certain principles, I need to actually live them, even when it’s hard. Those moments, when sticking to your values feels inconvenient or uncomfortable, are where the real growth happens. That’s where you decide who you really are.