Compassion: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
Pass the popcorn: watching life go by as if it was a movie with someone else in the lead role.
With the weekend upon us, take some time to reflect upon your life. How do you feel about where you are? Have you achieved your goals? Are you just starting out? Have you helped those who are truly in need? What direction will you take next? How many steps will it take to get there? Have you already started walking or running in that direction?
I work a great number of troubled young adults. Mostly they describe themselves as apathetic, or melancholy. You would be amazed how passionately they explain how much they do not care. It often makes me think what they really need is a dictionary. Mostly they feel neglected when the truth comes out.
They feel that they are something special and people should just walk up and notice as it shines through. No effort on their part is necessary, it is just something others should instantly see for themselves. An air of self entitlement is about them. Slowly and with as much patience as I can muster I explain that nothing in life is that simple. Perhaps they need to speak out more to their peers, or meet other like minded people. Brooding and pouting rarely accomplishes anything. They remind me of dogs that were not properly socialized as puppies. Eventually, with lengthy conversations on social etiquette, some of them become well adjusted members of society.
The reason I bring all of this up, if because they were willing to sit around and wait for someone to pass the popcorn. Instead of being passionate about their interests and attracting like minded people, they were just waiting for that part of the movie. Instead of showing compassion to other estranged young adults, they were willing to sit in the audience with them.
While you are thinking upon your own life this weekend, try to think about things that stoke your inner passion. Try to find things you love in life and celebrate them. Show compassion to those around you. Give others a second chance, or show a little more patience while waiting in line.
What ever you do, realize the movie of your life is not yet over. You are the producer and the director. Try to make it into a movie you would love to watch over and over again.
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