<Self–involved: wrapped up in oneself or one’s own thoughts.>
What makes a person self-involved? Why do I catch myself caring more about my daily schedule than the impact of a simple hello to someone at the store or at work?
It hurts me when days have past and I can’t think of one thing I did that was productive in anyones life other than my own.
We think that our life revolves around us. Makes sense though, right? It’s my life so I do what makes ME happy. It’s my life so I’m going to do what I want to do.
“Ugh. I don’t want to talk to anyone today. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t make eye contact. Oops. Oh hello, how are you today? I’m fine. Oh my gosh that was miserable. That just set me back a few minutes. Now, I’m stuck behind this slow person.”
Why do we do this? No, I’m really asking. I do this all the time. I’ll be walking through target and dodge the workers. I’ll order to go so I don’t have to see anyone in a restaurant. I’ll work out at home so I don’t run in to anyone at the gym.
WHY.
We care so much more about how others will affect our day instead of thinking how we can affect others.
Sometimes, I’ll be working the front desk at my job and I’ll say, “hey! how are you?!” and the person will just hand me their card and walk off. I try not to let it bother me because everyone has their own stuff going on.
BUT WOW IT’S ANNOYING. I can’t say anything because of course I do it too.
Our human nature is to think about us first. Yes, you are important, but it’s so important to take the time to make connections with people. This world is full of opportunities and open doors. We get so caught up in what can others do for me that we forget what can we do for others.
God tells us.. Above all things.. Love one another. ABOVE ALL THINGS. I see all the time that we would rather do anything but love one another. We say we do. We say we care for all people, but our actions say differently.
One of my favorite things to do to help with this bad anti-social habit that I have created for myself is to look at someone and try to find something unique in that person. See them as a stranger. Really take time and notice who they are.
You will see people a lot differently. You’ll begin to notice little, beautiful details of that person.
When you walk, don’t look down at your phone. Stand tall. When you pass a person, smile a little.
You would be shocked how maybe, just maybe, your little smile made them feel noticed.
It’s the little things. I’m not asking you to just reject yourself and not focus on yourself because you are SO SO important. You need to take care of yourself and listen to what your mind and body is telling you, but focus on others too. When you step outside, it’s an opportunity to make a difference.
You are capable of so much more than just what you can do for you. You are capable of changing lives and bringing hope to those around you.
Let your light shine. It’s not meant to be covered up because.. when you put the lid on a lit candle.. It burns out.
