The Eighty-fourth Problem

Once a farmer went to tell the Buddha about his problems. He described his difficulties farming, how either droughts or monsoons complicated his work. He told the Buddha about his wife - how even though he loved her, there were certain things about her he wanted to change. Likewise with his children - yes, he loved them, but they weren't turning out quite the way he wanted. When he was finished, he asked how the Buddha could help him with his problems. 

The Buddha said, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you." 

"What do you mean?" railed the farmer. "You're supposed to be a great teacher!" 

The Buddha replied, "Sir, it's like this. All human beings have eighty-three problems. It's a fact of life. Sure, a few problems may go away now and then, but soon enough others will arise. So we'll always have eighty-three problems." 

The farmer responded indignantly, "Then what's the good of all your teaching?"

The Buddha replied, "My teaching can't help with the eighty-three problems, but perhaps it can help with the eighty-fourth problem." 

"What's that?" Asked the farmer. 

"The eighty-fourth problem is that we don't want to have any problems." 

From 'Being Zen' by Ezra Bayda. 

Healthy homemade granola

Healthy homemade granola 

It's an all new year, you know what that means. New Years resolutions. As always we're trying to start the year off right by eating healthy. Here's a quick and easy recipe to help your day off to a good and healthy start. Because breakfast is, after all, the most important meal of the day!

"Yo soy Mermaid"

Have you always wanted to be a mermaid? You might want to think again.

This past weekend my husband and I watched 'Confirmed Kills' a comedy special by Iliza Shlesinger. (We just got Netflix yay!) Iliza reminded me of a less cynical and sharper type of Amy Schumer. I'm not necessarily a big fan of Amy Schumer, but I'm always intrigued by successful females who try to inspire and empower other women so decided to give it a go. What I loved about Iliza's special was that not only is she quick, razor sharp and funny, her dialogue is very empowering. Which you know I'm all about. There's a part in her special where she hates on mermaids. Mermaids and everything they stand for. Not being able to take a stand (literally, I mean come on they don't have feet), holding up the image of the perfect willing victim for any sailor (scarcely clad, perfect hair) and last but not least, hoarding! "Look at this stuff, isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think my collections complete?" Well guess again! 

Reflections

Looking back over 2016 there are lots of things we could talk about, politics, artists that made huge impacts on the lives of many passed away, terrorist attacks, wars etc. 

All of these subjects however tend to have a negative note to them, so that is not what I want to talk about at the end of yet another year.  Especially because we're looking at the beginning of a new year with lots of potential. What I want to talk about is about what really matters looking forward.

Monthly Obsessions

I decided to add this category because it seems as though every month there is something else that catches my attention and that I'll be totally temporarily obsessed with. Not necessarily hobbies, but random things I find pleasure in.

There are so many topics and issues in the world now that ask for all sorts of negative attention, I decided to add something positive to my blog. Seriously not trying to go into details but the world seems like a very stressful place, with all political debates, racial issues etc. I have to be honest, I started dreading watching the news.

My blog is a place where I would like to focus on positive things like sharing personal stories and inspiring growth, I thought it would be a good idea to share things that give me a chance to temporarily break free from negativity and share them with you so you might be able to experience the same.