Defeat is a Four-Letter Word

I have learned in recent years that struggle is important to growth.  People don't grow unless they are challenged, unless they go through adversity and come out victorious on the other side.  "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" right?  Athletes develop their bodies by lifting heavier and heavier weights or by running longer and harder distances.  The same is true of our lives.  We become strong by facing adversity and being determined to win!  Not by avoiding problems, but by facing them.  (If you agree or disagree please write a comment.  I'd love to hear someone else's point of view.)

Sorry about the long preamble.  I'm not trying to be preachy.  The reason I say this is because I want to relate our situation to you.  Right now life is pretty good.  Adrianne and I are not working, so we're participating in all sorts of Buddhist activities and chanting a lot.  We're also helping friends with their projects.  Some friends are attending the American Film Institute (AFI) and we're helping them make their films (tomorrow Adrianne is starring in a short film shot without sound or MOS and I'm helping the Director of Photography with the lighting) and some are doing other things (another friend, Sarah, is a brilliant comedian and she's doing this comedy sketch and Adrianne and I are helping her by being in it).  Also, we have a car, a great apartment, friends, etc.  However the financial situation is kinda tight.  (I just want to say right here that this is not a complaint or a thinly veiled request for money.  I'm just relating experience.)  We have food in the fridge and we insured the car, but we basically have no more money.  Adrianne has yet to be payed for her commercial, photo-shoot and pictures from early November.  That should provide us with enough money for us to live on for a few months, even if I don't work, but I hope to.  But we're not sure when that money is coming in and so we don't know where the rent will come from.  It can be a little stressful at times, but Adrianne and I have determined to not be defeated by this temporary difficulty.  We are staying quite positive through these times.  We continue to be giving of ourselves to whoever needs help.  

In fact, I am using this rough patch as inspiration for a great determination: I have determined to be debt-free by the end of this year!  I won't get into specific numbers, but it's quite a chunk of change.  I haven't taken any concrete action towards that goal yet, but I have been chanting 2 hours a day for the wisdom and the courage to take the right action and make it reality.  

I just wanted to let everyone know about our determination so that when we are victorious, we can write a post celebrating our victory!  

I also just wanted to say that we thank everyone who reads our blog and everyone who leaves comments.  We really appreciate all the positive feedback we get.  It helps to keep us going.  Sometimes it's hard to be far from home, and to know that people back home are interested in what we're doing feels really good.  

We love you all, and can't wait to hear from you and/or see you, 

Dan

p.s. Thank you so much Basilia for that picture of the Montreal Youth Division.  We hung it on the wall near the Gohonzon and every time I look at it it brings me so much joy and helps me to keep chanting.  I chant every day (or almost) for the happiness and success of the Montreal Youth.  

Take care.