Budshi-do – The way of the Warrior

As the little blog has grown to it’s first 100 followers, I had a chance to interact with quiet a few very special people. I truly cherish and value the friendships we have built in this short time and a few things became very apparent and obvious to me. We all fight our battles in life, some in loneliness and silence, some to use our lessons in the hope of helping others. To inspire and give strength when weakness overcomes us or to lend a understanding that you are not alone. I think that has been my sole purpose and what I hope to achieve and wish for.

No matter the reason as to why we write, there is a common desire to be heard, to contribute, perhaps even to find relief by getting burdens that weigh us down off of our chest.  

Writing offers acceptance and encouragement that often is denied in real life. It is not because others don’t care, but because our lives have sped up so much, becoming more stressful and hectic that there is simply no time for anything else. That is unless you become aware and fight to not get sucked into this viscous cycle. 

Maybe we are alone and have nobody to share our deepest thoughts with, maybe they don’t fit the norm of what society expects of us. Maybe we are a little different and fear rejection. Maybe we feel that we simple don’t fit in. If so, you must remember that it is not you that doesn’t fit, but that it is society who is failing you by not taking the time to acknowledge your unique nature and your special gifts. Be patient and keep fighting. And keep praying that those who are lost will find their path just as you have. 

Once again it was Pinterest and my love for quotes pointing me to my personal mantra board and finding solace in Native American wisdom. Like an ancient long forgotten breed I could relate to the words and wondered if these virtues and values were still existent in the real world today. In a way I knew they were, it’s the optimist in me, but the numbers seemed to decline with too few of them in between and it appeared that many of you felt the same. At first I questioned myself and maybe it was just me being lost, maybe I was the one not fitting in since the majority of people seemed so much greater and I was the minority. It became a battle off and on that always ended with a choice. Either giving up my values, losing who I was to conform to the way society expected me to be, or to stand my ground, fight my battle and except to be one of the few along this lonely path. It was you who encouraged me by allowing me to get to know you and who instilled reassurance that I was not alone.

From reading your stories, I know many of you face the same decisions and there is no right or wrong answer but a rather personal decision that may vary from person to person. For me it was not optional to lose myself and because of it I have come to know a great deal of pain. Still it remains the only way for me. I am not a rebel that seeks to challenge, but I will fight for my beliefs even if it means that I have to go against the grain to maintain the integrity of staying true to myself. 

My inner warrior was born and my war bonnet became a symbol of my fight. It’s an escape that gives me strength and that motivates me to keep fighting for what I believe in. Plus it’s pretty unique and I’m not afraid to be different and to stand alone, nor am I afraid of judging remarks or the misunderstandings as to why I pull it out some time. A good friend once said that “Whatever makes you weird is probably your greatest asset”. Words that resonate with me and something I have come to be proud of vs. being afraid of. 

Recently I came across Budshi-do The way of the warrior and I hope to share with you a little inspiration and perhaps understanding when things don’t make sense. Yet….and they will some day. I hope you find strength and motivation between the words and embrace the struggle, for it is always worth it in the end and this is how it goes.

Budshi-do The way of the warrior
I see through different eyes.

I see a big picture when others see grey skies.

Though many can’t conceive it, I stand…facing the wind.

My bravery not from fighting, but from my strength within, I am a Warrior.

I’ll walk to extra mile.

Not because I have to, but because it’s worth my while.

I know that I am different, when I stand on a crowded street.

I know the fullness of winning; 

I’ve tasted a cup of defeat. 

I am a Warrior. They say I walk with ease.

Though trained for bodily harm, my intentions are for peace.

The world may come and go, but a different path I choose.

A path I will not stray from, no matter win or lose.

Xoxoxo ❤️