Choosing to Live Authentically

In life, to find true happiness, each person must start by understanding and loving themselves.  This not only requires inner freedom but also a sense of compassion for oneself and others.

Freedom and Personal Responsibility

Buddhism emphasizes that refraining from causing harm to others is a vital virtue; however, at the same time, self-protection is also a right and responsibility that each person must uphold.  We need to learn how to endure life's challenges and prepare ourselves mentally for unexpected situations, as these are inevitable parts of life and personal responsibility.

Balancing Relationships

Many people seek numerous relationships out of a fear of loneliness, often losing their balance in these connections by placing excessive expectations on others, which leads to insecurity and heartbreak.  We must remember that to make society a better place, each person must first live authentically, even in the face of differing beliefs, politics, or cultures.

Avoiding the Trap of False Expectations

We often create misguided scripts for ourselves.  Sadness and disappointment usually stem from the unrealistic expectations we set.  If we constantly compare ourselves to others or chase external values while neglecting our inner world, we end up building a life that lacks true meaning.  Happiness is not about proving anything to others but about living true to oneself.

Confidence and Personal Accountability

It is essential to have self-confidence and take responsibility for our own lives.  When confidence fades, so does our ability to take charge of our own path. To build a meaningful life, we must lay the foundation for hope through consistent effort.  As an old saying goes, "Knock, and the door will be opened."

Respect and Self-Worth

To live an ordinary yet meaningful life, we should not envy what doesn't belong to us and must accept even the harshest judgments from others.  Genuine respect holds value only when it arises from self-respect and does not rely on others' approval.

Living Authentically

Finally, live authentically.  This means letting go of the habit of prying into others' private lives and focusing on your own journey. Only when you can accept both your strengths and weaknesses will you truly find inner peace.

I hope everyone can choose a way of living that brings them lasting happiness.