Octo 26

Well, today is my birthday and I really could care less. I'm not depressed or anything like that. I would say that I'm more apathetic than anything else. I feel like birthdays are such arbitrary occasions to celebrate. If you're going to celebrate something, celebrate your first steps or something meaningful. Being born is nothing you did. I am in full support of a tradition that Michael Jackson supported which is to celebrate your mother on your birthday. If anyone did some work and deserves a day to celebrate the culmination of 9 months of "heavy lifting," it is your mom. I have no idea what today will hold since we have no plans and we already had a "going away/birthday party" for me back at the end of Sept. Don't get me wrong... I love and appreciate the care that my family and friends show me, but I can live without a day to myself.

Gifts: I know that as my life goes on, various needs arise. I appreciate every single gift that I've been given. Even saying "happy birthday" is something I consider a gift. There are a lot of good people out there and a lot of people just trying to do the right thing. I know there will be times in my life when I need something or I could really make good use of something, so I appreciate those gifts that come to me to help fill a need I may have or that my family may have. However, from this day forth, any person who sincerely wants to give me a gift for any reason, please consider giving that money to a charity of your choice. You don't have to put it in my name or anyone's name other than your own (if you are also wanting to write it off). That is enough for me. Any organization that you see as worthy, give. If you are having trouble finding one, let me know. I have many in mind that could really benefit from your generosity :)

If giving to charity isn't your thing (and thats perfectly fine), I ask is that you do something kind for someone else. It can be anything. Being a good neighbor, helping a friend or stranger, or simply going a whole day without doing anything harmful... anything you'd like. The one thing I'd ask though is that after you do your good deed, that you say the little verse beneath the picture and just smile. Thats it.

May every living being,
Our minds as one and radiant with light,
Share the fruits of peace
With hearts of goodness, luminous and bright.
If people hear and see,
How hands and hearts can find in giving, unity,
May their minds awake,
To Great Compassion, wisdom and to joy.
May kindness find reward,
May all who sorrow leave their grief and pain;
May this boundless light,
Break the darkness of their endless night.
Because our hearts are one,
This world of pain turns into Paradise,
May all become compassionate and wise,
May all become compassionate and wise.


This verse, known as the Dedication of Merit, is available for download by simply clicking this link:
Dedication of Merit



I know this post turned out super random, but thats what happens when I write off the top of my head without a real subject.... get ready for more of it when I get to China and start posting some more. 


Talk to me... let me know what you think. Input?


Peace


by the way:
The pictures have nothing to do with anything. I found them on flickr and liked them enough to include them :-D