How can Buddhism help me become a better person?

To me being a buddhist isnt so much a religion as it is a way of life. Try to incorperate into your life buddhist beliefs, and live by them. Dont overwhelm yourslef by trying to do everything at once. I started by just trying to think more about my actions and how they affected others, I try to only take action that has positive consequences for myself, and the rest of the world. (ex, I might like to buy cheaper clothes so that I have more money for myself, but I know tht by buying cheaper clothes I am supporting child labor and world poverty... so to help combat this, I try to buy fair trade items, including clothes.) I believe that every action I take can affect people worldwide, so I try to make the best possible choices I can. Even the little things, like walking to work to help reduce climate change, donating your time to a worthwhile cause, helping the needy... makes a huge difference, much more than you see. I found meditation to be very hard at first, I was only able to do about five minutes at a time... but every little bit helps. I find that I come out of it feeling refreshed and calmed. It can be very hard to clear your mind enough to meditate though... I start by trying to think about what I can do to help others that day, or to make teh world a better place. One of the core concepts to Buddhism is that sadness comes from desire-wanting things... people constantly want stuff, it doesnt make them any happier when they get it, but they think that it will. So when I meditate, I try to concentrate on not wanting, on a lack of desire... When you no longer lust for things you are considered to be enlightened.... so I strive to achive this when I meditate. If reading about the buddha, the teachings etc.. makes you feel peaceful. my suggestion would be to try to implement those teachings into your daily life... It takes a conscoius effort all the time, but especially at first. When I first started I bought something called a buddha discovert deck, I found it to be immensly helpfull, Its a book and a deck of cards, on every card is a buddhist teaching or script... I would carry the card around with me all day, every day for a week at a time, each... and take time to think and reflect on the teaching/scrip written on the card. As the week progressed I would try to implement the teching/ script on the card into my life... and I would meditate on that topic at night. This was an awesome starting point for me. I find being a buddhist helps to keep me grounded ( I was also suffering from major depression for a very long time, still battle with it, but its a part of my journey, and my buddhist beliefs have really helped me through) Please dont hesitate to e-mail me with any questions you might have, or if you just need some one to chat with... Any help I can offer, jsut ask. (puppy_power1@hotmail.com) I wish you the best of luck dear, I really hope you find your path.