The general religious principles you are taught are - to do not steal- (take from, without a color of right)- one could argue powerful people, such as our most unfavorite politicians, or bankers don't follow this, and of course that may be true.
Thank goodness for the Ghandis, Nelson Mandela, and to a degree, Princess Diana of the UK.
They all had their own internal reasons for the way they acted- yet they may be a good example in a sea of oft mud.
Life, for all, seems to be of finding opportunity, making money, a flux of friendships, wanting love and or acceptance; and moving toward those who help, and hopefully staying away from those that will not or do not help.
When you look at the most successful and the happiest people out there, you find that these people are helpers, always making an effort to contribute.
In addition to doing this through physical actions, they communicate and appear to think positive messages about others.
Being a helper is about more than just the things you do. It involves your intent, your internalization's.
On the other hand, the non-helpers are always more concerned about their immediate needs and what others can do for them. They always make sure that their actions are calculated and that what they receive in return is a lot more than what they put out.
The non-helpers give themselves away in conversation to you, by rationalizing negative actions toward others, being jealous and envious, and judging others, wanting to be significant themselves.
All symptoms of 'there is not enough in the world for me,' thinking.
Always good to be cautious of your reserves, not overtly withdrawing though.
Life does come down to a reciprocal reward system though.
The more of a helper you appear, the better you will do and the happier you will be in life.Think also of your own well-being.
All people have limits as to how much they are willing to give in life and in their work,in different areas= and these limits are often tested.
A good book from the library was - 'All I Want Is Everything' by Marion Preminger, where she writes of her husband, Albert Schweitzer; a missionary doctor in Africa. He says - "there are two kinds of people. There are helpers, and there are non-helpers. I thank God he allowed me to become a helper, and in helping, I found everything...” An altruistic story perhaps, yet it does indicate the different attitudes of success.
Preminger’s life story is instructive and inspirational. It documents a woman who moved from being a non-helper to a helper and describes how stunning this transformation was for her.
A brief synopsis of the story follows.
Marion was born in Hungary in a large castle. She was raised incredibly well, as an aristocrat, and had lots of privileges that very few people could ever hope for or imagine.
While in Vienna at a ball, she met the handsome son of an Italian doctor, and they were married a short time later. The marriage lasted only about a year. She then returned to Vienna and shortly after, she met a director - Otto Preminger. The two of them got married and moved to the USA. Soon, Otto’s directing career took off and he became very famous and wealthy. Marion appeared to blossom in the role of a Hollywood socialite, and the couple became very well known in Hollywood.
The stress of this life became very difficult for Marion. She became addicted to drugs and alcohol. In addition, she gained a reputation for having had multiple affairs. Otto tired of this not so charmed behavior, and after a time divorced her. Marion tried to commit suicide on three separate occasions, obviously not happy with the way her life was going. She then left Hollywood and returned to Vienna.
When she was back in Vienna, she met a doctor, Albert Schweitzer. Schweitzer was known as a missionary, and he was on leave from his hospital in Africa. She first met him when he was playing an organ in a church. After meeting him, she spent all of her time with Schweitzer, before he returned to his work. When it was time for the doctor to return to Africa, Marion pleaded with him to take her with him, and he agreed.
For the rest of her life, the woman who had spent so many years living like a princess, became a nurse helper inside the hospital. She changed bedpans, bathed people, changed bandages, and helped care for lepers and other sick and diseased people.
Throughout most of Marion’s life, she had been taking from others and had been the constant center of attention. (Which reminds me of many of the wealthy, and pseudo-wealthy people in this country.)
When she moved to Africa, her entire focus was shifted toward helping others–those who had no ability whatsoever to reward her in any tangible way for her effort-
and course this satisfied her needs of self importance - more so than perhaps her previous unearned fame had.
Sharing requires that we get out of our comfort zone. It means that we do something for others.
When you are benefiting others, you do in time become a better person. People seek you out, or return to you in employment/business situations. They advance you as they feel that you value them.
It is best to feel and see others in a positive light–the same way you would want to see yourself.
People respect you, and if they give you a hint at not doing that; - you must exclude them from your life circle.
To become a better you, follow the ideal of creating a greater value, it need not be in money - society will pay you well - if you proceed with some care (there will always be the takers. so be alert as well). Again desire is a good and noble attribute, (without the diminishment of others).
photo courtesy of openphoto.net by Miroslav Vajdić
