As a Buddhist, I believe in the law of cause and effect. If you put good things out into the universe, they will be returned. If you’re an ass hat, that will come back to you as well. Karma has everyone’s address.
I experienced this phenomenon first-hand this weekend. We had a Buddhist meeting at our house and had three guests. This is a big damn deal when you live in the Bible Belt.
The meeting was an hour of positivity that included a discussion about overcoming our own self-centeredness to connect with others and move forward peacefully. Isn’t this what the world needs?
I admit since the election, I have been very downhearted, but this meeting with just a mere 10 individuals gave me hope for the future.
I don’t believe we all want to fight. I don’t believe we only want to focus on our differences. Maybe I’m naive, but I’m okay with that. I want to believe hope and goodness will prevail. If I don’t have my hope, I have nothing. Seriously, y’all. Hope is literally my middle name. Yes. My name is Angela Hope Traver. I have to love that name, embrace it, and act upon it.
Even if hope isn’t your middle name, we have to find hope in our lives. We have to respect others—differences and all. Dammit, the world would be so boring if we were all the same. Don’t fear the difference, embrace it and appreciate it.
I’m telling you, the last thing I want is a world where everyone is like me. I’m a hot mess and a total nut. Despite my weirdness, diversity is good. I really enjoy other weirdos and what makes them unique. I hope folks can appreciate my differences as well. At the end of the day, despite my craziness, I try to be a good person.
My faith is one that strives for world peace through creating true happiness for the individual. We believe everyone deserves and can be happy. There are no exceptions. I love that. It is why I have been practicing for 27 years. Am I happy every day? Nope! But, despite my obstacles, I can achieve happiness. I believe that.
Whatever your faith—or even if you don’t practice a faith—we can create happiness through respect and appreciation for others and their beliefs. Respect is the keyword here. Just respect the differences.
There is no right and wrong in faith. It is about respect and doing what works for you. Just try to be happy and help others do the same. All that is good for your karma.
I know I’m entering into a difficult time in my life, but I will not surrender or give up. I will move forward with kindness and compassion. We need it now more than ever. I invite you, regardless of your faith, to do the same.
Peace begins with every individual. Be a force for peace, love and compassion. It will make all the difference.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
