Once, a long time ago when I was wondering how I could increase my income, a wise man told me "Life is service, just get out there and help others".
I laughed. I thought he was joking, or an idiot. That's the level of selfishness I was operating at - I wanted to know what I could do that would earn me enough money to stop having to do things for other people and get them to do things for me! He said that that was what was making me unhappy with my life, I wasn't doing enough for others.
And he was serious. And he said it again. "Life is service." This time I wanted to punch him or throw him out of the window, but, well, he was bigger than me, so I tried a bit harder to hear what he was saying and in the end, after many attempts to prove him wrong, I had to admit he was right.
I'm definitely not perfect yet (thank goodness) but I have more helpful days than unhelpful days. Now I know that there's nothing better to do with my time. That's what it says in my twitter bio. I try not to write anything here that isn't coming from that position of service. I want you to be helped by reading what I write. Even if that is just by seeing what my ordinary life looks like. I like to do the little things that other people leave. When everyone else is looking for the exit at the end of an event, I'm looking for ways I can help clean up. When the washing up needs doing, I'm your man. If you need cheering up, I might be on the next corner playing my ukulele and singing like a fool.
We're all here to help each other - there's nothing else to do.
Tonight I'm going to a thing. I don't know what it'll be like. It's in London. It'll be a bit posh, I expect. In the old days I'd have gone with a long list of things I wanted to get out of the event. People I wanted to get to know. Ways I thought I could expand my business. Instead, I'm going with an open mind, open eyes and open ears to see what's needed and to try to provide that, if I can. For fun and for free, because I want to.
I was the same when I contracted in London. "Give me the money" and "Greed is good" lol
I stepped on all that insanity and moved to New Zealand down on the South Island. The population is so low that life has a different pace and meaning. Only 4 million people on a land mass about the size of the UK, 3+ million of them on the smaller North Island.
I live rural, 50km out of Christchurch. I drive in each day to work on empty roads until I hit town. I could probably earn more at a different company but I enjoy what I do and that is worth more to me.
As I am rural, you even get into a sort of barter situation. Where you do favors for people knowing they will help you later on when needed. Pay it forward. When you do selfless stuff people return that to you.
Good example is we keep a few sheep through the summer to mow the lawns. There is an old guy I help fix and solve PC problems for, he kills our sheep for us when it is time for them to go in the freezer.
As I typed that realized there will be people who judge that badly. But think of this. We get the sheep as lambs, treat them well and they have a stress free life. When the time comes it is quick. None of this transported over long distance and then stress while are marched en mass with a realization of what is coming as they are moved into the works. This in my eyes is better on them and also I know exactly where that meat has come from and how it has been treated.
great story, it is harder in the big cities of the world - but possible. I'm drawn to big cities and open spaces. We've found a kind of half-way right now. I know that "kind of barter", I think of it as an equal enough exchange of value. There's no need for money to get into everything.
Yep, there is something about life in a city but also impersonal. Last time we came back to the UK for a visit we did our normal smile at people you pass. In NZ the chances are you know them or will meet them again due to the low population lol.
People just stared at us as though we were mad rotf
Another good example was late one night we has a stranger knock on the door. Low on gas and no petrol stations open in the area that late. I gave him the gas I had in a container for my mower, few ltrs to see if that would get him home.
Few days later found some cash in the post box. He must have gone past as and dropped it off. Did not expect it so nice feeling that my gesture was appreciated :)
Good thought provoking post. I agree with you. The world is focused on how do "I" improve me. People always trying to get a leg up on one another. Problem is that just like any other addiction enough is never enough. Focusing instead on how to be of service and help another is more in line with our true nature and gives a deep level of satisfaction. Thank you for reminding me of this universal truth.
This resonates with me. I don't do as much for others as I could, but I do at least aspire to help. I'm not desperate for more of anything, so I'll give without always wanting something in return
I agree with you totally! Doing what you do is great but going the extra mile is even greater. When you serve others and expect nothing back keeps you smiling. Keep giving service to others.
This is such a lovely and selfless thing to read.
I hope your event tonight goes well and that you get to take something positive from it, even if (especially if?) that something isn't the traditional list of "wants" you would have once had.
Good to see the world is not lost and from the replies that more people feel the same :)