This is kinda a religious post. If you don't like it, don't read it.

It's funny how drama makes you think. I don't know about other people, but lately, I've been channeling this anger through writing and expending energy. Somehow, all this energy -- I can't tell if it's positive or negative -- has trickled into all aspects of my life, but especially my religious life.

Don't get me wrong. I have never been a particularly religious person. In fact, I only barely practice the religion that my parents have instilled in me when I was little. However, in light of recent events, I've been feeling like the only other place for me to turn was toward religion.

Let me say this now: I am a Buddhist, but in no way am I bound by that title. I don't know what kind of Buddhist I am. I cannot recite every single mantra ever to be created in the religion ever. I cannot name all the Dalai Lamas, nor do I have a personal connection to any of them. I just wanted to get those assumptions out of the way before I said anything else.

I'm starting to realize that what I like best about Buddhism is that I am neither required to believe in one authoritative higher being nor am I required to attend religious services. I believe that Buddha exists; I believe that with a deep devotion to meditation and kindness, one can reach nirvana, a state of pure bliss. What I like most about Buddhism is that it advocates peace with everyone, regardless of their religious background.

Some of the Buddhist quotes that I've started to adapt to my life are:

"Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to let other events or people control your emotions."

"Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."

"We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us, and make us kinder. We always have that choice."

I go through a lot of phases; some superficial and shallow, others not so much, like this one. I sincerely hope this "phase" sticks for a very long time. It has helped me come to terms with the fact that, quite frankly, haters gonna hate.