“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Few things are more rewarding than helping someone in need.
At times, focusing on others seems difficult because we are so consumed with taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. The daily maintenance of a life filled with a home, family, friends, career, spirituality and hobbies can leave little time for taking on yet more.
Consider, though, that something special often happens when we extend our reach to those who need a helping hand.
In his terrific book “Being Mortal,” doctor Atul Gawande quotes a Harvard philosopher, Josiah Royce, who observed that simply existing – “merely being housed and fed and safe and alive” – is unfulfilling. Royce says that a truly rewarding life demands we do more than just safely exist; we must embrace something beyond ourselves.
In short, Royce is saying we should give back through service to others.
I believe that while it’s important to pursue your dreams, balance is achieved when we willingly assume a sense of duty to our larger community and the bigger world.
If it is not part of your vocation, help someone else. Volunteer. Pursue a cause outside your own. You’ll make a world of difference to someone — and discover one secret to a truly fulfilling life.
INSIDE PEEK: Robert Peek 