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A Week Of Posts

I spent this past week posting one thoughtful status per day on Facebook. Each one was something about bettering oneself through the acts of altruism but also the idea we need to understand that this need for self-serving gratitude, acknowledgment, and "stuff" isn't important at all. Over the course of seven days, I tried to hit on things I have changed or actively trying to change about myself. There is no endgame for me in this, just a concerted effort to do more for others without ever feeling that I am owed something in return. This, of course, is not to be confused with work or required acts, but there are times when the two shall cross and it's important to realize that responsibility and accountability are important at all times.

I don't know if I was only writing it for me; the fact I chose social media and not this platform leads me to believe I wasn't but It helped me. It made me look at certain times I've been judgmental differently. I do think this world of right and wrong is skewed and if one disagrees with that sentiment, one only needs to look at the institution of marriage as it applies to our joy and happiness, maybe even our sanity. This idea we're all viewing right and wrong the same way is truly based on what we view important. If one is consumed with the notion of being liked over being appreciated, being admired over being loved, or being feared over being respected, they will view right and wrong very differently and, most likely, not comprehend even the concept of true altruism. If one is a collector, hoarder, whatever you call it, the idea they could view those in need over their own desires is implausible. I realize this sounds a bit self-righteous but I feel strongly about the concept of people's open desire to attain being a character flaw. One I know I was guilty of in my youth and spend a good deal of time agonizing over the sheer amount of waste, in time, money, and especially thought. Time spent desiring what's out of reach makes the eventual attainment feel warranted, not earned. So what then is the point?

My greatest takeaway was the lack of comments, which was not what I was looking for, but the overall sense that most people saw the length of each post and scrolled past. It could be something deeper or maybe people just couldn't be bothered with my dime store philosophy.

I don't love quoting others, but my message was said much better by P.J. O'Rourke, "Everybody wants to save the Earth, nobody wants to help mom with the dishes." I'd add unless they get paid or publicly acknowledged for it.

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