How is it that we can know exactly what is right for us, but feel so compelled to do just the opposite? I’m not speaking in terms of temptations or morals, at least not in the way that you’d assume. I’m thinking more of selflessness. How is it that, as people who tend to hold our own wants, needs, and desires above all else, can find it perfectly acceptable to give up everything that appears to embody that which we know is right for us?
I think that a lot–not all, but a lot–of selfless acts are actually done for selfish reasons. At least, speaking for myself. In the past, I’ve felt that I’ve given a lot of myself for others just because I want them to be happy and because I care about them. But, I’m slowly coming to understand that it’s completely different when you’re giving up something that you really want, that could really be good for you, because you know it’s better for someone else. And, the thing about this that really strikes me and throws me for a loop, is that I don’t mind doing these things. I don’t mind giving up something I really want for someone else. I don’t view it as a loss.
Do you think this counts as giving up something that I want really want so that someone else can have it? Aye, there’s the rub: I just found something selfish to pull out of this. But, it’s not. I know that it’snot like that. I’m just not sure that I’ve ever really felt this emotion so genuinely before. Or, maybe I have but I haven’t recognized it as much.
…it’s a strange feeling.
Posted by Little Miss Greedy 