If you ever need proof that people have selfish tendencies just simply observe them as they drive, as they shop, as they deal with personal and work related issues, even as they deal with other people. This is not part of the human condition that is to be envied but rather despised, or at the very least pitied. Selfishness is at the root of all the wrong and evil that we deal with on a day-to-day basis.
A person who is selfless, on the other hand, considers others, considers the ramifications of their actions and how it directly affects others. A selfless person takes into account what doing good for others really means and looks for ways to apply them. A selfless person knows that they are not the only person that exists and that not all things are built around them. A selfless person knows that life isn’t just about them but others as well.
Do not think I write this because I am a selfless person, to the contrary, I feel my selfishness every day. Most of the topics I write about, especially those topics that deal with correcting bad behavior, are directly related to my own struggle to be a better person, and selfishness is high on that list of things to correct. Even as I sit here writing I am thinking of ways I have been selfish lately. It can be a disheartening realization.
Yet, not all hope is lost. Just because we have selfish tendencies does not mean we have to be selfish, we can over come it. It starts with small gestures such as holding a door opening for a mom struggling with her kids, or smiling at others as we pass by them on the street or at the mall. It also starts with not flipping off the driver who just cut you off or not being the driver who is cutting off others. Great changes always start small and build to greatness. Much like a snow ball rolling down a great hill your kindness will stick to others until there is a massive avalanche of awesomeness.
Selfishness is unfortunately part of our DNA but that does not mean we have to give in to it. Buck the trend, push against the social norm, be a selfless and considerate person. It may be easier to go with the crowd but it is far less rewarding. It may feel as though we are all jocking for position and that means you have to look out for yourself alone – it may feel that way but it does not have to be. The road to a more selfless, and more fulfilled life, start’s with remembering that life isn’t just about you.
Attempt it. Chance it. Try it. Get to It![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section]