Beware the Infection of Me-ism

As we grow older, there is a tendency to drift into preoccupation with ourselves: our health, our physical problems, our sleep, money, trips, grandchildren and more. Also — and surely you agree — there is little as pleasant as another person taking interest in our lives! When someone shows interest in what WE are doing and what we are thinking, it is a delight!

So it is essential, as we grow older, and the self-centered drift progresses, that we resist being so narrowly focussed. That process unfortunately includes showing less interest in others—their trips, interests, accomplishments, new items. I call this older-person-malady 'me-ism', and it is an attitude that turns others off.

It often requires a deliberate decision to move away from being caught up in our own issues and concerns.

So, you know what I'm going to say next:

IF SOMEONE'S ATTENTION TO YOU IS SO MEANINGFUL, THEN YOU MUST REALIZE HOW IT AFFECTS SOMEONE ELSE WHEN YOU TURN YOUR FOCUS TOWARDS THEM. NOT ONLY DOES SUCH A CHOICE THRILL THE ONES WE SHOW INTEREST IN, IT IS ALSO AN ANTIDOTE AGAINST OUR OWN 'ME-ISM'.

It doesn’t matter who you are, or how healthy, educated, wealthy or attractive you are — you have within you the words, interests, stories and expressions that can make a wonderful positive difference in the lives of others. We are all potential healers.

Check that self-centered drift, and spill loving interest on other people. It can be life-giving to them, but it will always be spirit-lifting to you as well.

AS WE GROW OLDER, WE MUST DELIBERATELY TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT OFF OURSELVES AND TURN IT ON OTHERS.