The trouble about growing up is that it entails losing bits of our past. Out with the old, in with the new and improved. This all seems fine and dandy - except when we stumble on something from days long gone, and realize that maybe it was a part worth keeping.
In high school, we had to volunteer. It was an unspoken requirement that everyone put on their Resume. To me, it didn't feel like something I was obligated to do. At first, sure, I dreaded helping old people and didn't care for the greater-good clubs at school. But suddenly, I started having fun. I looked forward to seeing Mary's eyes light up when I read the news to her. I realized what I was actually doing when I told people to come to the blood drive. Something clicked, and I finally understood what it meant to care about something way bigger than yourself.
Somewhere along the way between high school and college, that part of me was placed in the garbage. I lost faith in people, I forgot the feeling of volunteering, and I became jaded. I still had random sparks of wanting to do good, and participated in events here and there, but my primary emotions were put towards other things. College happened - and my priorities were switched to worrying about people over projects.
Maybe I did have to throw it out temporarily to make room for the new. But now that the new is here, developed, and comfortable, I'm back-tracking. I'm regressing and rejuvenating at the same time. I'm going back to my causes, and hoping that they will continue to effect me in the same way they used to.
1) Random acts of kindness. This means anything. Leaving positive post-its in obscure places. Complimenting strangers. Writing cards - yes, HAND written. Helping someone with a broken down car, and maybe not breaking the spoiler this time.
2) Listening. I mean really listening to a cause that passes my way. I already know what I care about and how difficult it is to make others feel the same way. For that reason, I should be more empathetic to what other people stand for too.
3) Watching TED talks, reading, and attending samaritan events more regularly. Better yourself to better your environment.
4) Saying please and thank you. Not just smiling when someone holds a door open, but verbalizing it, and feeling it all the way up to my eyeballs.
5) Remembering that no matter how hideous someone may seem on the inside, they will ALWAYS have something, even if it's tinytinytiny, beautiful to offer. And learning from that.
6) Keeping in touch. Letting people know that you are thinking of them, even if you don't know them that well.
7) Smiling at pedestrians. It makes no logical sense that we are on a street filled with humans who pretend that none of the other ones exist. Acknowledge someone's presence, but don't be creepy.
8) Being open to influence. Whether you're moved by a lecture, a loved one, or a leaf on the ground, keeping an open mind and an open heart is the most pleasant way to go through the day.
Of course, this is just me. These are just small steps to start with that have had the biggest impact on my energy. I hope that if nothing else, I will radiate more positivity from this, and it will make people around me feel better too. This is all very "The Secret" of me, and I didn't care for that book, but whateva 'cuz I'm feelin' good 8)
I have no clue what brought on the sudden realization that I almost lost such an important part of myself, but I am so grateful that it happened. Next time, I'll think twice before taking out the trash.
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