Focus on you

Too often I hear people talking about what other people have, or what someone will do, or how it isn't fair that someone received this or that.  In order to fully achieve happiness and contentment we have to learn to quit comparing ourselves to others.  For example, if you see someone that is destitute on the street asking for money it is natural to have mixed feelings about it.  Of course (and unfortunately) there are some that will take advantage of the situation, but most people that you see are probably in a tough spot and truly need assistance of some sort.  Therefore, you can either ignore them and make yourself feel better by rationalizing that they would spend what you give them on booze or drugs, or you can do something to try to make them feel better such as  giving them food or money if you are able, or having a conversation with them if you don’t have the necessary funds.  If they choose to use the money on alcohol or drugs it is not your concern, because you did what you could do to help.  In other words, you need to do the right thing, regardless of what you think someone else will do.  Trying to justify your own inaction benefits no one, and only creates the bigger problem of apathy.  People are often too worried or persuaded to act in a way that they think others will appreciate or respond, but I think it is more productive and reasonable to act in a way that reflects who you want to be.  Life may not be fair, but if you act and react on your own instinct and volition, it is more productive than responding to the expectations of others.  I realize that everyone may not have this point of view, or may have been burned in the past by a bad experience, but I believe the only way to get past that is to have a new experience that may counteract the previous one, or renew your faith in the human spirit.