The other day, my friend Jamie and I were reminiscing about high school. I made the comment that I feel like I could have been a nicer person during that time. I don't remember ever being out and out mean to anyone (maybe I was and just selectively blocked it out of my memory), but I rarely went out of my way to be super nice to people who weren't in my immediate circle of friends. I used to live by the motto "Live and let die." If a situation didn't directly impact me in some way, I didn't care about it. Like I said, I wasn't outwardly mean, I just didn't care that much about the welfare of others. As I grew up a little, I started to realize that this was not the way it was supposed to be. I adopted a new M.O. - "Live and let live." At the time, this seemed like the right way to operate. I would try to live my life the best I could and I would encourage others to do the same. My frame of mind was getting closer to correct, but it was still a very passive way of living. Now, I think there is an even better way. "Live and help live." Or maybe even "Thrive and help thrive." Not only should I try to live my life the best I can, I want to actively help others to do the same. I am still working on putting this into practice. My default mode is still "Live and let die" and if I'm not careful, I can slip into that mindset easier than I would like to admit. However, I am really starting to think about the people around me (friends and strangers) and how I can positively impact their lives. To be honest, it's a stretch for me. I'm glad I have people around me who can model this for me and inspire me to do what they do.
I know that this is a personal subject, but where do you guys come down on this? What is your default mode? How are you impacting the lives of those around you?
6 comments:
Seriously, I know it's corny, but I am better when I'm helping others. I feel better, I feel closer to God, and I also feel WAY more loved - which is big for me. You are that way too Elaine - you don't give yourself enough credit!
I would agree with laurie. I am a much better person when I am helping others. When the focus is not on me, but on them and their needs. I most definetly feel closer to God during these times. When left to my own devices I get very selfish and self centered and of the "poor me" mentality. Not a good thing.
You're the best. Thrive and help thrive.
I miss Axl rose. When he repeatedly had face-changes, ... and everyone was doubting him, and accusing him of things, ... I kept thinking to myself, "nobody is ever going to take my glitter glove and zipper jacket from me!"
... wait a minute.
Michael - I think you are suffering from celebrity overload.
I've been cultivated
http://www.colorado.edu/communication/meta-discourses/Theory/cultivation.htm
:-D
Thankfully, theories are just theories.
Existing and experiencing is something entirely different, particularly when those experiences begin to echo and acclaim the story of the King.
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