Why I'm Buddhist

This topic has come up in many of my daily conversations, and because of the misleading conceptions and ideas, I decided I would take the time to explain why I'm Buddhist. I grew up in a non-religious household, so I never went to church and never read the Bible or anything, but as I grew older, I started talking to my friends and classmates about their religions and asking them questions. As I started developing opinions of my own, I came to the consensus that an idea of "God" was something I did not whole-heartedly agree with. I've always been one to question theories and unproved beliefs. Without evidence of something, I couldn't understand how someone could love and trust an unseen being. Also, the posed question, "What happens after death?", made me think. As some would say, you go to heaven. Others would say hell. I believe however, that you get reincarnated, which means your soul goes into another life. It gets either set in a higher or lower caste, or "position". Eventually, you will become the highest being and reach Enlightenment, which will mean you are at complete peace with your soul. Now some people ask if I meditate and wear robes, but that is not the case. I do sometimes clear my mind and sit, but I do not go to a temple and sit and hum. For this, you could consider me a fake Buddhist, as I have been called before, but you have to understand that I simply do not live like that. I admit, I'm not a 100% devoted Buddhist, but I do believe in some basic principles. Live simply, and be nice and respectful. I offer no disrespect to other religions, as I accept everyone for who they are. People have the right to believe whatever they want. We are all humans. We have the same insides. The great thing about us though, is we have a brain that helps us make important decisions on how to live our lives. We can choose to live however we want. I accept everyone for who they are, and what they believe, and I'm just asking for that in return.

2014 - A New Chapter

Now I know the title of this may sound like the stereotypical "new year, new me" rant, but I wanted to write about the changes I want to see happen in my life this coming year. That's my resolution. Not a specific "eat healthy" or "lose weight" because those come and go constantly. I wanted a resolution I could keep in mind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I decided on a simple phrase: make better choices. This could apply to all aspects in life. Whether it be an apple or ice cream for a snack, or go to the movies or bowling, I just want myself to look at my choices in perspective to the rest of my life and whether it will benefit me in the long run. 2014 holds many opportunities for me. I want to make sure I make the most of this year, and have no regrets. Live everyday to the fullest and make sure I'm doing what I really want to do. Peer pressures can have a significant impact on the way we think and behave, and I need to remind myself that it's my life, and I have the overall decision on how to live it. People that don't respect that don't need to be apart of it. 2014 also provides an opportunity for fixing our mistakes. It's simply a blank canvas to create whatever we want. You can create a new image for yourself. Maybe dress nicer, or listen to people more. It's completely fine to use this turning of the year to start over. As I wrote a few posts ago, the past is the past. There's no changing that. However, you can change the future. If you are unhappy with the way people view you now, change it. It's never too late to get up and fix things. I want to make sure that this year is exactly how I make it to be. Drama, fights, and obstacles may occur, and I will be forced to overcome them, but that's all a significant part of life. It's important to keep in mind that no matter how tough life can seem, there's always a tomorrow, and everyday is a new blank canvas. Make the most out of it. That's how I want to live my life in 2014.