We all know the world can be a harsh place.. and I'm sure we all have at least one hour of free time everyday.. So why don't we use that one hour to help someone? How about, every day, you challenge yourself to do one selfless act. No, I don't mean something like picking up someones wallet for them.. I mean something that actually takes time and effort, and actually takes a sacrifice from you, whether it be time, money, or whatever else you can think of. Something that would truly make that persons day.
Once a day, everyday. You could keep a journal of it, to keep you on track. I do not think you should post on here what you have done, though. If we all post what we do, it may become a sort-of competition; losing the true meaning of why we are doing it.
Anyway, I'm not a good writer. I hope I was persuasive enough.
That's very lovely Goober, but I believe if we all took an hour out for ourselves, the world would be a much better place.
To give ourselves space/time, a walk in nature/by the sea, to just enjoy our own company, to meditate, relax, sleep, pamper ourselves. Have a luxurious bath, read a trashy novel, anything that gets us away from the day to day living.
And encourage/hope others do the same, not do it for them.
Over time, I would like everyone to be selfish ALL the time, whilst still caring for others (it can be done - it's easy). I believe you should never put someone else before you. It isn't healthy for you. If everyone puts themselves before others, then we are all selfish, but still caring. If that makes sense. After all, if we are all bit parts of a greater thing, then to look after our own "bit" is only doing our best for the greater thing surely?
If everyone in the world was as selfish as me - I reckon the world would be astounding and unrecognisable :-P
My opinion.
Sarah
PS Being selfish is very little about ego. Or judging other people.
Of course we need to take time out for ourselves. But, I was assuming that was at any other time in the day. :-)
It would be a good learning experience for some.
Others only know how to help other people...and not themselves. I think the key is finding some sort of balance, so that you are doing what you want most to do -- whether it's helping others or yourself -- without neglecting your needs or those of everyone else you really care about.
I have slowly learned to never feel guilty when I am selfish. I am part of the group of others that tends more toward ignoring their own needs over everyone elses. Believe me, it was to an unhealthy degree that I used to be selfless.
Now when I'm torn between doing something helpful for another over what is best for myself, I'm always reminded of the instructions given before takeoff on a plane in the case cabin pressure is lost...to assist yourself before helping others with the oxygen mask. It's absolutely necessary that you are able to help yourself before you can help others. In life, in many situations...you're no help to anyone before you have helped yourself.
Nor would I force myself to do such a thing ; )
It'd be a bad thing to get into the mindset of believing "the good stuff has been done for the day, now time to go be lazy/negative/ignorant/clumsy/selfish".
The worst-case scenario would involve thinking that someone owes you something for you being "nice".
It's almost like dealing with currency...<shiver>
If you remain positive then you can only do good. Don't make it a habit to interfere unless someone asks for help or they clearly need it.
I've always had the theory that if you live your life in harmony with your higher-self, others around you will gravitate towards your mode of living. In other words, a good way to help the world is to live by example.
However, some people really need the physical help. I'm taking an elderly woman to get her taxes done tomorrow because her son is a loser who won't help her out.