Compassion is not necessarily a two-way street. Simply because we are willing and able to feel for others does not mean that they can or will feel for us. The kindness, graciousness, and forgiveness we feel and express are often their own reward. If we lack compassion, however, if we are cold, mean, and unforgiving, … Continue reading The Two Sides Of Compassion
There is no prize for being the most cynical person in the room. No one is going to celebrate us because of our unhappiness, especially when it is self-imposed. People do not think more highly of us when we play the victim, complain, or criticize others over and over again. We will not be remembered … Continue reading Worthy Of A Good Life
If we spend all of our time chasing our own happiness, we will probably find that it is quite elusive. The things we think will make us happy rarely do. More often than not, they leave us disappointed and wanting more. Once we get more of whatever we wanted, the cycle repeats. We may have … Continue reading A Renewable Source Of Happiness
Adversity has the potential to give us empathy. If we allow it to, it can help us to see the world in a whole new light. Experiencing our own fragility and vulnerability helps us to see how fragile and vulnerable others are. This experience, if we are conscious enough and willing enough, can actually increase … Continue reading Expansive Adversity
Never underestimate the transformative power of helping others. At some point or another in our lives, we all need a little bit of help. Sometimes we need a lot. Whether it is physical, informational, or emotional assistance, we all eventually need help at some time, for some reason, and in some way. This knowledge is … Continue reading Changing Ourselves Through Service
