23-year-old post.

I forgot that I did not even write a formal post as a 23 year old! What should I say, what should I say that would sound smart and intellectual like a real 23 year old?

Damn.

Can't think of anything.

Seriously. Nothing.

Oh.

In Religion class on Monday, we watched a documentary about recluse Buddhist monks made by an American student who started getting interested in the Buddhist way of thinking after he found a book in the library about Buddhism. He set out to China to look for Buddhist monks who made the decision to live away from society and give up their existing lives and family to pursue the path to Enlightenment. He found the monks in a far out village outside of Beijing on a mountain and made a documentary about the lives they led and their thoughts. These monks live from hand to mouth. They eat just enough to be healthy, and have just enough to keep them alive. They rely on the charity of villagers and spend their days meditating and reading Buddhist scriptures. The documentary to me was very thought-provoking and inspiring. Here are men who are willing to give up all their material wants, all human relationships to pursue a bigger cause and they live a meager life because they believe in this cause that much. As we were coming out of class, Taylor and I were walking and discussing the movie.. and I just started rambling! "I really admire the monks for being able to let go of everything that they had to pursue enlightenment. I could never do that. Not that I even wanted to. I don't think I have the strength to be able to leave my family and everything that I own and know as 'permanent' (but honestly isn't really permanent) to seek for something that is bigger than me, bigger than all of us. It would be so hard, don't you think? And here I am, complaining and complaining every day. Complaining about how I want that dress but I can't afford it, or that I hate school, or that I want this, need that, what that, need this... and here are people who are so willing to live such a simple life with barely anything. Watching that documentary really made me feel like such a selfish person!! I really should stop complaining."

That sounds rather intellectual right?!

Anyway, I did have a wonderful birthday and I am really thankful I have that handful of people who strive to make my life a walk through rainbows and sunshine. I really feel very very blessed. What did I do to deserve such wonderful people in my life? Hopefully I make you all as happy as you make me.

<3 <3