As humans, we tend to be selfish beings. In many ways. It's easy to become consumed with our own lives, with our own wants and needs. I, for one, am guilty of doing it. I have quite a bit of things on my mind constantly that keep me from interacting with others as much as I could (and should). We are so often blind-sided when it comes to other humans. To our colleagues. To our family. To our friends. Therefore, we don't realize that our selfishness is effecting them. It causes hurt, jealousy and, in my case, anger.
Sometimes, we enter into romantic relationships. We're so enthralled by our newfound happiness that we let that relationship consume our lives, and it nudges our other relationships out of the way. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with having that boyfriend or girlfriend. You deserve to be happy and if that person makes you happy, go for it. Just don't lose sight of the other people in your life who love and care about you and deserve your attention as well. Because at the end of the day, when it's all said and one, those relationships are the ones that will always be there.
It takes no more than a couple seconds to send a message to that human being we may not realize we're effecting. A simple text "Hey, it's been awhile. How are you doing?"...a quick phone call to let that person know they're on your mind. Don't make excuses. "Oh, I'm so busy with work. I'm so busy with my life." Bull. There are 24 hours in a day. You can spare a few seconds. You can take the time to return that phone call to your friend who just so happens to have amazing news to share and wants you in on their excitement.
| “I
believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in
the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true
happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be
achieved through the cultiv” |
-Dalai Lama
Speaking of that amazing news, I received a phone call from Adam last Saturday morning. Though I was headed to take a shower, I answered my phone. He asked if he could read something to me and I said of course. Adam proceeded to read me an acceptance letter to The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. He has been accepted into their 3 year conservatory program! He really impressed one of the faculty members with his Edgar from King Lear. This guy FOUGHT for Adam, because he believed in him that much. I was so ecstatic for him that I cried in joy as he gushed about his happy news. He deserves this and I fully can't describe how proud I am of him. So much time, effort and money have been put into auditioning for grad schools. He has put in the work and it has paid off ten-fold. Proof that persistence prevails in the end. I insisted we go out that night and celebrate, where he told me all about the program and how excited he was. I found out our friend Chip had also been accepted into the program, which is super awesome. I was just happy to be there for my friend in his hour of triumph. Because that's what friends do. They make time for each other.
In the talk of selfishness, I'm going to be self-indulgent for a moment. Earlier this week, I auditioned for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Ramona Hillside Players. I've wanted to play Maggie ever since I read play. I guess you could say it's a dream role. Well, I auditioned and the audition went very well. I was informed last night that I won the role of Mae, another very good role. No where near the size of Maggie, but good nonetheless. I am very pleased for several reasons. The cast is terrific, we have an awesome director and Aaron is playing Gooper, Mae's husband. I get to do another show with him, this time as an actress. But above all, I'm performing again. It's been far too long since I was on stage and I couldn't be happier. Don't have to worry about anything but my lines and my character.
A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's. -Richard Whately
Just something I wanted to get off my chest. Better than blowing up at somebody.
-Me
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