Being Buddha

“In the end, only three things matter:

how much you loved,
how gently you lived,

and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”

I have been trying to “be my own Buddha” but life has been making it quite the challenge! Taking a step back to realize how lucky we are to wake up and take a breath certainly isn’t always the first thought into our heads each morning.

When I reflect back on these situations that have stressed me out in the past few weeks, I realize that I’m fortunate to be fulfilling my daily needs in a city where many cannot do this for themselves and their families.

In the past few weeks, I have been trying to live this quote.

I have loved. I have let go of my inhibitions and I’ve been uplifted and rejected. Life goes on. No dwelling. You can’t change people, and have to let them go if they don’t treat you right. Moving on isn’t easy, but virtually nothing in life is comfortable. Whether friends or loved ones, sometimes letting go is the best way to reflect on what you want out of that role in your life. Onward and Upward! Be Buddha and let yourself love.

I have lived. Not always gently these past few weeks – turns out channeling grace under pressure is no joke. Lost luggage, delayed flights, inability to sleep, visits to urgent care, almost all out of my own control. Just keep on living, accepting, and helping with what you do have the power to control and let the rest go. Don’t forget to be kind to others, and take opportunities to “pay it forward” (these times present themselves more often than you think). Be Buddha and let yourself live.

I have struggled with letting go of things not meant for me, but am making strides. To my mother’s dismay, patience is a virtue that I’ve always lacked. I’m a firey spirit with big dreams, hopes, and ambitions coupled with being a complete product of my insta-generation – I want them all now. I’ve let go of a few personal situations, but as I sit here writing this I am impatiently awaiting an answer to another one of life’s situations.

I am writing this post to remind myself that good things come in time, nothing that’s ever “worth it” is easy, a watched pot never boils, et al. I tell myself to be thankful for what I’ve been blessed with today - It’s okay to dream for tomorrow, but not to the point where I am missing the beauty of the current day and all its moments. It’s a daily challenge for me, but I find comfort in the fact that this makes me human and knowing that many of you have the same struggles.

Friends, be Buddha…and always remember to breathe.


(and for you fact checkers, I'm aware of this and just ask you to relax and enjoy the post!)