For some reasons, the words “live for the benefit of others” have come to my mind for quite some time. It is like sitting there waiting for me to chew and digest.
At first, I would argue that it might be too philosophical. It might be too unrealistic for someone (like me) that is still finding joy in all the materialistic gadgets of the world. But, I must admit that the more I think about it, I find it makes great sense regardless one is living “in the world” or “out of the world”, if you know what I mean. And, that is the reason why I wait till now to share this with you.
It all starts with a point of view. By paying attention to others’ interests first, I would take the position to serve, rather than being served. I would choose to do things that “add value” to others. It aligns with the notion than ‘giving is always better than receiving”.
There have been great examples of this paradigm. For one, Jesus has been the greatest giver of all. His whole purpose to this world is to serve others. The like of Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Dale Carnegie are other fine examples of “living for the benefit of others”. (p.s. you might think of other good examples too. If you do, please write back as we can never have enough of an inspiration.)
By following this paradigm, I have found a new motivation and guidance in doing things that I could have left out. For instance, I have joined the volunteer work to do “meals on wheels” in the community, and possibly some medical transports down the track. There is nothing to boast about, really. But for me, they are important first steps. Where it would lead me to, only God will know. As for the present, I am happier because it adds a little bit extra to my purpose in life.
Live Life, Junius.
Filed under General, life purpose, self improvement, spiritual by .
Crossing the Finish
This is the question I posted on the Facebook, Twitter, and some other social websites when I was doing the fund raising for the Aboriginal Children’s Advancement Society last week.
The fund raising was done in conjunction with a 10km running event, the “Run4Fun” organized by the Sun-Herald, a leading newspaper in Sydney. All donations had to be made via the direct link provided by the organizer online. It was a perfect way of using the internet to address the appeal to many within the shortest possible time, so I thought.
Whilst we started late in the fundraising, I was hopeful that the power of the internet would make a difference. After all, we only targeted $1 each from 10,000 people.
As it turned out, we didn’t even receive one single dollar from anyone via this channel. All the donations were from people we know personally. Quite frankly, I was a little bit disappointed because it was such a good cause and there shouldn’t be any resistance not to do so.
Perhaps I could only attribute the following as reasons for the outcome.
a/ not enough time? (the fundraising page was up just three days before the event)
b/ people were not familiar with the charity organization, and were too busy to follow through.
c/ people were skeptical about paying by credit card or paypal.
As for the run, it was fantastic, more so because it was my first time. Having a chance to run into the ANZ Stadium for the last 100 metres with the audience on-looking was awesome. It is like putting myself in the shoes of the Olympians running into the Stadium at the Year 2000 Sydney Olympic.
We ended up raising $710 for the Society. Thanks again to all those who had made this possible.
Live Life,
Junius
P.S. the picture on the left was taken when I and my friend had crossed the finishing line.
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