Are my problems really important?
So, I had a conversation with a good friend recently, and it got me thinking. Often, like all of us, I become wrapped up in my own problems, whether it's the ridiculous amount of Spanish homework I have or the extra pounds I carry around that I wish I didn't have. But how important are my problems compared to a Katrina victim, or a teenager abused by his parents, or a mother who has lost a son in Iraq?
I guess my gut reaction is that for the most part, life is relative. My biggest issue may seems as dire to me as that of another, even if their's is the more serious. Now, there's a limit. I would never compare my weight issue to the pain of an orphan, for example. Generally, though, my problems are going to seem just as important to me as those of another person to them. Does that mean that I can take a deep breath and just go on with my life, blissfully ignorant of the problems of others? No way.
I cannot live my life without making an effort to acknowledge the issues of others in the way I conduct myself in times of stress and pain. That just wouldn't be right. That doesn't mean that I should get down on myself or attack myself if I get caught up in my own problems. That's human, it happens. But I feel that I have to at least try to keep in consideration those worse off than I.
It's not an easy situation. It's hard to say with certainty, "This is how I should act." All we can do, I suppose, is push onward. Don't worry overmuch if you're doing the right thing or not. You can't get wrapped up in that. Follow your heart, guide with you head, and don't be afraid of change. Move forward, learn from your mistakes, and believe in yourself. Easier said than done, I know, but trying is a good first step.
Excuse me while I go and get started.
I guess my gut reaction is that for the most part, life is relative. My biggest issue may seems as dire to me as that of another, even if their's is the more serious. Now, there's a limit. I would never compare my weight issue to the pain of an orphan, for example. Generally, though, my problems are going to seem just as important to me as those of another person to them. Does that mean that I can take a deep breath and just go on with my life, blissfully ignorant of the problems of others? No way.
I cannot live my life without making an effort to acknowledge the issues of others in the way I conduct myself in times of stress and pain. That just wouldn't be right. That doesn't mean that I should get down on myself or attack myself if I get caught up in my own problems. That's human, it happens. But I feel that I have to at least try to keep in consideration those worse off than I.
It's not an easy situation. It's hard to say with certainty, "This is how I should act." All we can do, I suppose, is push onward. Don't worry overmuch if you're doing the right thing or not. You can't get wrapped up in that. Follow your heart, guide with you head, and don't be afraid of change. Move forward, learn from your mistakes, and believe in yourself. Easier said than done, I know, but trying is a good first step.
Excuse me while I go and get started.