A Spoonful of Role Reversal

How many times are we told to think about others before ourselves? And how often to we make an honest attempt to do it? I hope the answer to both of those questions aren't too different. It's a good habit to be in to think of the needs of others, one that not too many people have. As I work to improve myself and my desires to help others, I have found that sometimes, in order to help other people we need to help ourselves.

I don't mean that in the sense that you have to have everything figured out to help someone else, because you don't. Nobody has it all figured out. Most everybody has a few key things figured out and then they rely on those to get them through. I'm talking about figuring out what we could use help with. Asking ourselves the question, "What could I get/hear/see today that would make me smile and/or make my burden lighter?"

I'm not saying to write a list out every day of the things that you need, but to just be aware of it. I have found that the easiest way to find what I can do for somebody else is to look at my own list. Plus, I have great friends that are always doing things for me. If I know what I need, when they fulfill one of my needs, I can let them know how much I really do appreciate them for providing me with exactly what I needed.

I like doing things for other people, but I also like not having to think to hard about doing service. I think this is one way to circumvent over-thinking. Oh, and sometimes, when you're having a really 'ugh' day, why not try fulfilling some of your own needs. Maybe it's not ideal, but it might help you get to a better place. Scatter sunshine everyone.