Yay, Buddha!

"It is proper to doubt." Indeed it is! I think it is great to question life - not for the sake of arguing or accusation, but to fully understand the reality around us. If we don't understand it, how can we truly appreciate it? Some people follow different things simply because it is tradition or they’ve been told to do so and rarely question why. However, there are some people who ask questions about why they are following something and find the answer reinforces their established beliefs and that is wonderful. Sometimes it knocks them out of their boots and that can be equally as wonderful. It is great to learn knew things, but it can be terrifying if you’re not ready for the answers. Since life always sends us challenges and seemingly random things, we should learn to expect it and appreciate it instead of letting it pass us by.

And speaking of appreciating, I loved the quote "Be a lamp to yourself. Be your own confidence." This stood out to me because whether I want to admit it or not I'm guilty of following someone else's path or depending on others for confidence. I think a lot of people do to a degree and some see it more than others. It is easy to get stuck doing things your peers are doing or things your parents want you to do because it is easier to go with the flow sometimes than to think for yourself and make your own decisions. I tried two majors to look productive and to please my mom before I found my current major, which I love and put a lot of thought and effort into before choosing. I've said certain things and acted certain ways to fit in, even if I felt it was wrong. Luckily, it all just got too bothersome to keep up with and I've been able to find myself and follow my own path. It has been more rewarding and liberating than anything else I've ever done.