Karma + following your true path

Kar·ma (noun): (in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences 

• informal 
• destiny or fate, following as effect from cause.

Do you believe in karma?

I do. The idea that what goes around, comes around is not only a comforting thought to cling to when someone has wronged you, but a positive mantra to keep close to your heart when making positive changes in your life.

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More often than not, the decision to make positive changes such as improving your health by eating better, exercising more, drinking less, and/or pursuing your passion is not the easy road to take. It takes discipline, resoluteness, and tenacity. It can be difficult and often painful. It is almost always lonely at times. 

Despite this reality--one with which I am becoming more and more closely acquainted these days--there is refuge. Some may find it in prayer or meditation, but I find it in recalling the idea of karma. I don't believe that the actions I take in this life will decide the fate of my future reincarnation; rather, I believe choose to interpret karma as the actions that I take in the present will either hinder or enable the future that I imagine for myself. I believe that I, that we, are the vehicle of our karmic fate. Our actions and decisions drive us towards that destiny, and therefore we must take deliberate steps to "cause" our desired "effect" in this world.

All this to say that karma is all about being a good person and all that, but can we truly be good if we're not true to ourselves and our dreams? And how does one stay true to oneself if not by following her dreams?! I am trying, each and every day, to get better at getting out my own way and clear the path to my karmic fate which I believe is to be a caring a passionate voice in the fitness industry. And recently, the cosmos sent me a little sign to remind me that I'm on the right track: one of my fitness idols, Ms. Molly Galbraith, featured a piece I wrote (which I shared on the blog) in her FB status! She also linked to my blog. Talk about positive affirmation. All this to say that karma and whatever cosmic forces out there that you choose to believe in have funny ways of reminding you that you're on--or not on--the right track. And it feels really good ;-)

Screen shot of Molly's FB status update featuring yours truly!