I’m getting there…the honesty is beginning to spew out into my life. Today, I ask, “is there anyone who really does something selflessly?” And if they do, how is it affecting their minds and souls? Are they resentful? If they are, then it’s not really who they are but who they wish they were. If we look deep inside ourselves, are we ever really acting selflessly or are we acting, in the long run, for ourselves?
If we act out of guilt or to prevent ourselves from suffering, are we REALLY looking out for others? Is there something in it for us? Even if we feel happy about helping other people, we are acting selfishly because it makes us feel good! I know when I scrutinize my actions and delve deeper into “what am I getting out of this?” that there is a selfish desire my actions are fulfilling. Even, and this will likely BOTHER people, but even if we gave our life for our kids, is there not a selfish component to that? Something along the lines, of “I couldn’t live without them”? BUT, they, now, have to live without you and not just that, but the idea that they are the reason you are dead. What a guilt trip that is!
So, if we ARE acting on our own behalf most, if not all, of the time, how do we reconcile this into being a KIND HUMAN–if that is what we aspire to be? What, even, makes up a kind human? Possibly, this is different for all of us, so I will speak to my own definition…courageous (takes risks when interacting with others), honest (almost to a fault, but not quite), willing (listens to and acts upon constructive criticism), trustworthy (their word is honour), thoughtful (reflects on what they are saying/doing), considerate (takes other people’s feelings into consideration and behaves/speaks accordingly)…all in all, a tall order!
Having said all that, remember, this is what we ASPIRE to be. We ARE human. We can’t be all of this all of the time…we work TOWARDS these objectives. We are NOT going to achieve this state of being, I don’t think, but we can hold these traits close to our heart and act accordingly. Remember, also, that YOUR friends/family can not harness this way of being to its full capacity either. THEY are human! Humanity comes with shortcomings in every area of our lives. WE will not be perfect, and neither will those you encounter.
Give yourself, and OTHERS a break! Kind people wander this earth to their own degree. How we react to them, is based on our own ability to be kind. Only ‘I’ can control my own responses and only YOU can control yours. We are selfish beings–most of the time–so we need to recognize and OWN this. We also need to do our best to recognize and respond to those we interact with in a way that strives towards considerate honesty, courage, willingness, trustworthiness and thoughtfulness.
peace balance empathy
Life's Lessons and Mental Health 