i believe love will find a way

i don't do church. and i don't do religion. i grew up with a mother who forced religion down my throat, and to this day, all i want to do is puke it up. don't get me wrong, i have complete respect for different religions throughout the world, and those who practice them. but it's not for me. i have often encountered people who seem to think that beliefs/morals/values cannot exist outside of religion. but these things are not mutually exclusive. so here's this.

i believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. this is a daily struggle, which i think would be easier if there were less stupid people in the world.

i believe in thinking for yourself, even if you are the only one around who agrees with you.

i believe in taking chances. risking everything for a dream, a love, a new beginning.

i believe in helping others but helping yourself first. it's a fine balance.

i believe in the power of a glass of wine and the open arms of a friend to bring you back from your darkest hour.

i believe in the sweet, innocent, unrelenting love of an animal.

i believe in karma. everything, good or bad, will come back to either bite, or give you a nice sweet slap on the ass.

i believe in loving with open arms and an open heart.

i believe in forgiveness. but not forget-ness.

i believe in laughing as much as possible.

i believe in living every day to the fullest, and being grateful for everything you encounter in this crazy thing we call life.