"2nd Half" Koaching
Beware of the Infection of Self-Centeredness
As we grow older there is a tendency to drift into preoccupation with ourselves: our health, our physical problems, our sleep, money, trips, grandchildren and more. The process also may include losing interest in others—their trips, interests, accomplishments, new items.
There is little as pleasant as another person taking interest in our lives. So it is essential that as we grow older, and the self-centered drift progresses, that we resist it. It often requires a deliberate decision to move in that direction.
Not only does such a choice thrill the ones you show interest in, it is also an antidote against an older-person malady that turns others off.
Becoming a giver may require upgrading our self-concept. We must believe this truth—that we are reservoirs of blessings. You and I are full of goodness and ready to overflow with nourishment for the souls of younger folks.
It doesn’t matter who you are, or how healthy, educated, wealthy or attractive. You have within you words, interest, and expressions that can make a wonderful positive difference in the lives of younger men and women. You are potential healers.
We must check that self-centered drift, and spill some loving interest on some young ones. It can be life-giving to them but it will always be spirit-lifting to us as well.
AS WE GROW OLDER WE MUST DELIBERATELY TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT OFF OURSELVES AND TURN IT ON OTHERS.
Beware of the Infection of Self-Centeredness
As we grow older there is a tendency to drift into preoccupation with ourselves: our health, our physical problems, our sleep, money, trips, grandchildren and more. The process also may include losing interest in others—their trips, interests, accomplishments, new items.
There is little as pleasant as another person taking interest in our lives. So it is essential that as we grow older, and the self-centered drift progresses, that we resist it. It often requires a deliberate decision to move in that direction.
Not only does such a choice thrill the ones you show interest in, it is also an antidote against an older-person malady that turns others off.
Becoming a giver may require upgrading our self-concept. We must believe this truth—that we are reservoirs of blessings. You and I are full of goodness and ready to overflow with nourishment for the souls of younger folks.
It doesn’t matter who you are, or how healthy, educated, wealthy or attractive. You have within you words, interest, and expressions that can make a wonderful positive difference in the lives of younger men and women. You are potential healers.
We must check that self-centered drift, and spill some loving interest on some young ones. It can be life-giving to them but it will always be spirit-lifting to us as well.
AS WE GROW OLDER WE MUST DELIBERATELY TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT OFF OURSELVES AND TURN IT ON OTHERS.
Excellent reminder, Jim.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting this before us.
Craig
Wow! this was so appropriate, it hurt.
ReplyDeleteI put my own name in that paragraph> As I grow older I have a tendency to drift into preoccupation with myself: my health, myr physical problems, my sleep, money, trips, grandchildren and more. The process also includes losing interest in others—their trips, interests, accomplishments, new items.
Lord, have mercy. I want to be a healer, not a squeeler.