Nearly everyone grows up with some sort of religious background. Most people’s childhoods are filled with memories of church, or whatever religion they were born into. But few make the leap to converting to other religions, and truly finding out what there is out there. I myself was born into a Catholic household, and was raised as such. All throughout elementary and most of middle school, I was the model Catholic child, until I began to wonder what else was out there, and how sheltered I had been. My parents caught on to this “dissension”, and then we began to go to a Lutheran Protestant church, and for the most part I felt content spiritually. About a year or two went by, and then this urge to learn more about this world in a spiritual way began to emerge once again. First, I developed an interest in Judaism. I bought books, and felt secure and safe in the fact that it wasn’t too different from Christianity, but that the people of the religion were more accepting of homosexuality. Then I discovered Buddhism. I bought several books, and even visited temples in search of some greater answer to life. It opened my mind, and really gave me a new perspective. I would encourage people to discover what is out there. I’m not telling you to convert. I haven’t even converted to Buddhism, or any other religion (yet, anyways), but definitely increase your spiritual knowledge. Just learn more about the world’s religions, each one has something to offer in return. You can go to certain temples, mosques, churches, or synagogues; any worship center catering to your interests. But, don’t take it lightly, and be respectful if you do decide to embark on a ‘Spiritual Journey’. If I had to say something, it would be that all faiths, while different, embody principles of kindness, justice and compassion.