I have been on this planet for seventeen years. Sixteen of which have been spent living under the mindset that everyone is a sinner, and nobody is perfect. I believed that there was an almighty god controlling the world, and providing moral satisfaction to those who ‘asked him into their heart’. I can remember thinking about the presence of god in me, and feeling a peaceful glow in my stomach. It was a reassurance to me that the god and religion I was raised to believe in was true. I let my emotional side of me dictate a decision to trust and believe in a system that my logical brain eventually couldn’t accept. I saw the major flaws within the religious mindset, and the damage it has caused through out history. But I was still confused. My outlook on life was empty. I could tell something wasn’t right, but I could not understand why I felt so cold and uncontent. But life is beautiful, and one day while in a completely relaxed state of mind, I was able to think with both my mind, and my heart. And while in that balance, I came to an incredible understanding. For the fist time I saw every single person as a complete equal. I realized that we are all connected by our most personal thoughts, and no one is above or bellow anyone else. I could see that we all live with the same fundamental  since of morality, and we are all capable of making the same decisions. Then suddenly, I felt the importance of showing Love, Joy, and Generosity to all others. My intentions were humble and genuine, and I experienced pure tranquility. Euphoric bliss radiated throughout my body, and I wanted to bring everyone I could there with me. I looked within myself and discovered that the only way to sincerely love yourself is to unconditionally love others. I could see that when I help others, I am helping myself. And when I hurt others, I am hurting myself. Living against your convictions will distract you from spiritual peace of mind. We can never expect the world to change, if we refuse to change ourselves. Its time to treat your worst enemy like your best friend. Truly get to know yourself, so that we can know others, and the world can live in pure love and peace.