Autonomy

 

You’re probably wondering why I am adamant about others living their lives as they wish and being themselves as much possible. Most people ask me this so I’m not offended if one more person wonders it. Look, I didn't take an interest in Buddhism to be led by anyone. You see, I wasn’t given a choice for a long time for who I could be. I wasn’t allowed to be myself. There were always older people telling me how to be and what to do. One of my friends was my age and he encouraged me to live for myself and do for myself but most of the time I couldn’t. The opportunity to find myself came after I lost everything. People lose interest when you are flawed or no longer meet their expectations. So once I stopped being perfect, then life really got fun.

 

The tats are something I wanted for years but couldn’t get until it didn’t matter anymore. The hair changes color and style because I couldn’t change it for so long. I’ve been dumped over coloring/cutting my hair before and I’ve been dumped over revealing my leg tattoo in the last year. You think: shallow men? I think: I’m better off without anyone who can’t see past my exterior. I love that I decided to pursue and do these things for myself and it doesn’t matter how it affects someone else.  

 

I think my biggest fear for a long time was never being myself and going after what I wanted. And now I can and do. So, it may appear that I am doing everyone the biggest injustice by not telling them how or what to do with their life or why. Maybe some are hurt that I refuse to impose my will upon them but in reality I am insisting that all of you decide what it is you want to do instead of what I expect of you. It is my intention to not treat others as I have been treated.  

 

Let me explain… none of my friends have converted to Buddhism since I identify with it’s philosophies, nor do I expect them to. I adore them as they are, but a couple have gotten closer to their faith as a result of my journey. To me I absolutely love that they have found spirituality regardless if it is the same way that I have found mine because it makes them happy.

 

Being alive is a great adventure or nothing at all… says the quote. Wouldn’t you rather decide what you want instead of being told? I know I would. 

 

Here’s an old one about being told what to do… 

Do you expect others to do as you say or do you believe & respect their autonomy?

Enjoy!

Kisses, m.

Drill

(6-24-2010)

Get on your feet ladies! I said MOVE IT! THIS IS NOT YOUR MAMA’S HOUSE. I AM NOT YOUR MAMA! Soldiers when I say JUMP, you will say ‘how high’ Understood? When you address me, you will say “Yes, Sir.” If there is a “No, Sir” I expect a damn good reason for it. The Bottom line: There will be no bitching soldiers here. You are not bitches. Understood? I can’t hear you? Good! I’m glad we understand ourselves. Boys we are just getting started. This is phase one.  And it’s my duty to prepare you for the next step. Are you ready? YES SIR! That’s what I like to hear! Get down and give me fifty. Wait. Make that an even hundred.  One. Two. Three. Four. Keep em coming. Third soldier on the left flank, step it up. This isn’t a holiday. Get after it. Hustle.  Soldiers I don’t feel your enthusiasm for my drills. Let’s add another hundred to the repertoire. You can and will jump up higher! Gentlemen, would you like to know what happens next?  If you successfully make through all of your training, you will be among the finest and most decorated men. That’s right hard work pays off. Right flank twelfth back two over, get that head up and keep moving. I expect results. You will deliver results to me.  I guarantee all of my soldiers are duty ready by the time they leave my command. And you will have that guarantee. Now get back on your feet and give me twenty-five miles. The road is down the way. And when you get to the end, turn your asses around and give me another twenty-five back. There will be more when you get back. Don’t think about it soldiers. MOVE. I said, GO! HUSTLE!