A Few Good Men: To Care or Not To Care That is the Question

I hate when other people don’t share your sense of urgency! Oblivious to the seriousness of a situation, those around us often care only about their objective and completely ignore the reality of others. Upset with their reaction, we then shut down claiming with our chests out and arms folded “From now on the only person I’m looking out for is me”. As a result of our discontent we ignore the issues of others simply because their issues and ours do not intertwine. Thus the never ending cycle of selfish behavior has risen to see another day. We’ve all felt like we’ve been done wrong at some point in our lives, but its how we react that is the true test of our character. Often our potential for meaningful relationships is diminished as a result of our response, leaving us alone and wondering why we can’t seem to catch a break. The opposite reality of such behavior is illustrated in the 2000 movie “Paying it Forward”. The film introduces a concept much different from that of selfish behavior. Instead, it proposes the idea of going out of your way to do something for someone else. Responding positively to your kindness, the receiver then feels as if it is their duty to do something kind for another, and another, and another. The cycle of kindness leads to insurmountable growth both personally and socially. The question then becomes how do we transform the fictitious reality in the movie into actuality? How do we deal with those times of urgency when no one seems to understand? Well I’m not Dr. Phil or Dr. Drew, and I’m sure you’re not some crazed audience member or a strung out celebrity so I don’t have some counselor approved answer. I do know that I like it when people show they care even when they don’t. I enjoy walking into a business and they treat me with respect. I appreciate when someone opens the door or helps me down the stairs and I feel somewhat of a relief knowing that there are a few good people still left in this crazy world. My objective is to be one of them regardless of my circumstances. We all can help each other succeed if we cared a little more about someone other than ourselves. I encourage you to be the caring employee, or the understanding boss, kindness goes a long way.

YOU’VE JUST BEEN CARESSED