Inspired by DeLuX's blog

I'm also at a tipping point in my life. I'm developing and also discovering, who I am, and who I want to be, and who the people I want around me are.

I'm realizing that I greatly desire to live a life in which I can freely give to others, financially, emotionally, any way I can.
"Freely you have received, freely give."

I sometimes feel disheartened when I see the way that others treat their fellow man, even the way that they treat themselves. If we cannot be respectful to ourselves, how can we be deserving of respect, or even give it to others? I feel that the people who are fighting so stubbornly and selfishly to only look after themselves, even at the expense of others, are destroying any chance of community our society will ever have.

But, as much as the circumstances like these make me want to run, to turn tail and move out of the country and find some deserted island where I could make my own peace, I have come to realize that as easy as it is to succumb to cynicism and unhappiness in my own life, it is far more worth it to commit to personal happiness and optimism-- only you can choose your emotions, how you feel, and your outlook on life and the future; only I can choose my own emotion, how I feel.
Many people I interact with allow others decide their outlook/emotion for them. They say "he makes me sad" but I've realized that, no, you CHOSE to allow yourself to feel sad. This was influenced by the circumstances, by the other party, but ultimately, it was your decision, and you're the only one who can decide to change it for the better, or for the worse.

And once we realize that we are in control of our own minds, our own emotions, our own futures, we begin to realize (or at least, I have), that we are in control of the future of the others around us as well. Every act we perform, every step we take, affects the environment around us, which in turn, influences how people determine how to feel (as above). I want to commit to treating others BETTER than I expect to be treated, because I feel that this is the only way we will ever see progress. I hope that when I smile and say hello to someone who is frowning or seems upset, perhaps they will realize or remember that they can choose to be happy as well, despite their circumstances even. A society filled with angsty, unhappy people will stagnate and will not progress further. Why would we want to continue that?

I for one will not stand for it anymore. Anyone with me? Who will fight hate and disrespect by responding with compassion and love? Who is willing to replace their false idols of money and possessions with a religion of Love?

You can't take it with you. Easy come, easy go. Freely give as you have freely received.
Be the light of the world so that the people can see the evils in their shadows, and step into the sun themselves.


----

As an aside, or a postscript, I'd like to note that I did not intend to write this out of ego or a feeling or superiority, and I deeply apologize if it comes off that way at all. I'm not perfect, and the only thing I know, is that I truly know nothing. I'm learning, and I realize that what I "know" for certain today, may not be what I know tomorrow.