Sharing My Perspective With The World
My Life As An Author
Kelly Weekers
Being an author has given me the incredible opportunity to share my perspective with the world. Through my writing, I am able to express my thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that can resonate with others. It is a cathartic process that allows me to delve into the depths of my emotions and truly connect with readers.
Writing has always been an integral part of my life. From a young age, I would fill countless notebooks with stories, poems, and musings. It was a way for me to make sense of the world and to explore the vastness of my imagination. As I grew older, this passion for writing only intensified, driving me to pursue a career as an author.
Each setback has taught me valuable lessons about the craft and the industry, pushing me to hone my skills and strive for excellence. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my stories and ideas with readers. Writing has become more than a passion; it is a journey of self-discovery and growth. I have come to appreciate the power of words and their ability to connect with others on a profound level. As I continue on this path, I am committed to honing my craft, embracing the highs and lows, and ultimately leaving a lasting impact through my writing.
My work as a writer. Despite facing numerous hurdles on the path to becoming an author, I have come to understand that the publishing industry operates in a demanding and highly competitive environment.
Rejection, though disheartening, is an inevitable part of the process. Nonetheless, instead of discouraging me, these challenges have ignited a fire within me, intensifying my resolve to achieve success. With each rejection and subsequent revision, I have not only honed my writing skills but also cultivated the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. I have learned to appreciate the value of my work and to trust in its worth, recognizing that every setback brings me closer to realising my dream of becoming a successful author.
TSASI:
Thank you for your encouragement and understanding. I genuinely appreciate your understanding of the challenges you’ve faced as an aspiring author. Despite the difficulties, you are determined to persevere and believe in the value of your work. Your perspective means a lot to me as I continue reading your works, as it has opened a whole new world within me.
Can a book change a person, or is it the perspective of the author that changes the readers?
KELLY:
Both the book and the perspective of the author can have transformative effects on readers. A book has the power to influence and change a person’s thoughts, emotions, and even their worldview. Through storytelling, it can evoke empathy, inspire personal growth, challenge existing beliefs, and ignite new ideas. However, the perspective of the author also plays a significant role.
The author’s unique insights, experiences, and values shape the narrative and themes of the book, which in turn can resonate with readers on a deep level. Ultimately, it is a dynamic interaction between the book and the reader’s receptiveness to the author’s perspective that can lead to profound changes in the reader’s thoughts, attitudes, and understanding of the world.
“I agree with you. Books have the power to change a person’s perspective and inspire personal growth. It’s a beautiful combination of the author’s unique insights and the reader’s openness to new ideas that can lead to transformative experiences. Thank you for highlighting the impact that both the book and the author’s perspective can have on readers.””In this respect, as a writer, you have become a world citizen who directs love towards humanity.”
Kelly Weekers
Yes, you are right “In this respect, as a writer, I have become a world citizen who directs love towards humanity”. As a writer, I have embraced a global perspective and express love and compassion for all of humanity through my work.
“Some books can be dangerous, which is why I labelled your book ‘Choosing Me’ as a life-changer.
I was in my early twenties, struggling to end my alcohol and drug abuse relationship. The puzzle pieces for ending these abusive relationships fell into place after reading a SEKIYO Times newsletter written by SGI-President Ikeda, discussing the significance of ‘Being A Youth.’ He pointed out that “Youth is a period in one’s life filled with opportunities for growth and development, which can have a tremendous influence on the future”.
Even if you are the heartbreaker, you can’t avoid the positive impact this encouragement has on you. So, I embraced this encouragement and turned my negative routine on its head. I have now overcome the negative routine that led to the alcohol and drug abuse relationship.”
Kelly Weekers
“That’s amazing! It’s inspiring to hear how reading the SEKIYO Times newsletter and embracing the encouragement helped you overcome your negative routine and break free from the alcohol and drug abuse relationship. Books truly have the power to transform lives. Keep up the positive changes and continue to grow and develop on your journey!”
TSASI
As a writer, you may encounter a variety of experiences and challenges throughout your journey.
KELLY WEEKERS:
As a writer, I can think of a time in my life when a book had an immediate impact, changing not only how I live my life but also how I treat others and plan for my own success. One of my overarching questions is: What is the purpose of life?
In short, my answer is to become the best version of myself emotionally, spiritually, physically, and intellectually, while also playing my role as a world citizen promoting peace through my books. This concept may not be earth-shattering, but I had never before framed my life with the constant goal of becoming the best version of myself. I possess talents, ambition, and an unquenchable thirst for getting the most out of life, but I had never truly focused these attributes into a dedicated purpose.
Nowadays, I always find myself contemplating how I can become the best version of me. Whether it’s promoting peace through books, reading a captivating book, volunteering for a cause I support, meeting new people, engaging in a fulfilling workout, offering counsel to a friend, finding humour to alleviate stress, or reflecting on how to sustain my personal success, I am constantly driven by my purpose.
TSASI
Life is delivering a harsh blow by witnessing war in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa and the West Bank in Palestine, highlighting our lack of preparedness to show compassion and overcome hatred.
KELLY WEEKERS
What I love about my story of discovering the purpose of life is that amidst the struggles and challenges that define my everyday existence, I always recognize that every opportunity I encounter has the potential to shape me into a better version of myself.
Throughout my career as a writer, my inner world has been rooted in a profound reverence for life. I believe that we must transition from engaging in “just” wars to striving for a just peace.
This shift, which humanity is finally approaching after enduring centuries of suffering, signifies a movement away to ignorance, foolishness, greed, and stupidity.
When human beings have experienced enough of the suffering brought by war, it should prompt us to seek wisdom and deepen our appreciation for the value of peace.
TSASI
“Life itself is the most precious of all treasures,” writes the Daishonin. “Even the treasures of the entire universe cannot equal the value of a single human life” (MW-1, 267).
The Treasure Tower expounded in the chapter of the Lotus Sutra by that name was of a cosmic scale. It symbolises the preciousness of the infinite Treasure Tower of life” that each human being possesses.
The destroyer of life is represented by the devil of nuclear weapons, and the guardian of life’s preciousness is the Buddha. Their struggle can be symbolically described as that between the devil tower of the mushroom cloud and the Treasure Tower of life.
Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Great evil portends the arrival of great good. If all of the world should be thrown into chaos, there can be no doubt that [this sutra] will spread widely throughout the continent of Jambudvipa / World”” (MW-6, 144).
In the days coming, we have to established the base for worldwide peace, because the task of peace has bequeathed to us. This great tide of peace around the world today must not be stopped. We have to spread peace further from Europe, into the future, throughout the entire world.
KELLY WEEKERS
As a proud European and a world citizen, I have never taken for granted the deep trust placed in our people, who have been pioneers of peace since we were the ones who started all these wars. I regard every European in the entire land as a model for peace and believe they will do everything they can to help advance peace in Europe and the world.
TSASI
“I completely agree! It’s essential to recognize the efforts of Europeans in fostering peace and their potential to make a positive impact globally. Let’s continue to work together for a more peaceful and harmonious world.”
The Period Ensuing a World War Is the Time to Embark on Worldwide Peace.
Former French President Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy, born on January 28, 1955, is a French politician. He served as the President of France from 2007 to 2012. Born in Paris, he has Hungarian, Greek Jewish, and French origins.
Sarközy made a clear statement that Europe, out of all the continents, is where the most brutal wars have taken place. He emphasised that it is not Africa or Asia, but Europe itself, specifically in the 20th century, not the Middle Ages. He pointed out that it was in Europe where the extermination of Jews occurred and where conflicts like the Ukraine war and the forgotten Bosnian war took place. According to him, the existence of the European Union is crucial to avoid significant confrontations.
Sarközy described Europe as a brutal and savage continent, which has led to its people descending into barbarism. He expressed the need for a shift toward peace and the kosen-rufu of the True Law, as mentioned in the Gosho “The Selection of the Time”
Nichiren Daishonin wrote the treatise “The Selection of the Time” in 1275 from Minobu and entrusted it to a believer named Yui who lived in Nishiyama of Suruga Province. This work, considered one of his 10 major works, takes the form of a dialogue between Nichiren and a hypothetical questioner.
In the title, the word “time” refers to the Latter Day of the Law, the current era according to Nichiren. He declares that this is the age when the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo should spread widely. At the time of writing, Japan was in turmoil due to the fear of a second Mongol invasion. Nichiren quotes a sutra that describes the Latter Day as a time of conflicts and the obscuring of the pure Law. However, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to propagate the “great pure Law” of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Towards the end of the treatise, Nichiren urges his disciples with well-known lines, encouraging them to practise as taught in the Lotus Sutra and to exert themselves without hesitation. He calls upon them to test the truth of Buddhism in the present moment.
In a related passage, Nichiren asserts, “Even if it seems that, because I was born in the ruler’s domain, I follow him in my actions, I will never follow him in my heart.” This statement showcases his unwavering commitment to justice and the happiness of all people. Despite persecution and exile, he remained steadfast in his beliefs, standing up to the rulers of the country and expressing his ideals of freedom of religion and thought.
Kelly Weekers
That’s a fascinating insight into Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings and his unwavering commitment to justice. It’s inspiring how he stood up for his beliefs despite persecution and adversity.
This spirit of selfless determination is what we Europeans should inherit and fight against oppressive authority to protect our people’s spiritual freedom. As members of the European continent, we are heirs to this noble spirit and have the mission to work towards realising a world of justice and peace.
TSASI
Thank you for providing your potential responses. Here’s one possible response you could consider:
“Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings and his unwavering commitment to justice are truly inspiring. His refusal to follow the ruler in his heart, despite being born in the ruler’s domain, highlights the importance of we European citizens maintaining our own principles and values.
It’s important how we will stand up for freedom of religion and thought, even during a time when such ideals were rarely heard. The message of testing the truth of Buddhism and exerting ourselves without hesitation resonates deeply, urging us to contribute to a world of justice and peace. Nichiren’s spirit continues to inspire us, and we can strive to carry it forward in our own lives.”
Kelly Weekers
I hope that, mustering the strong faith to use everything to create value and increase our happiness, we will develop a state of life resplendent with good fortune and benefit, both for ourselves and the families whose children, husbands, wives, children are dying because of our stupidity, greed, and foolishness.
It is in such a world that we Europeans would embark resolutely towards the realisation of establishing peace and prosperity in the land suffering from barbarism. Thank you for your participation in this dialogue.
