A Beautiful 2-Part Truth Life Teaches Me Repeatedly
1 incident, 2 lessons, many, many takeaways
I usually try to be self-sufficient and independent in life. You see, I had one of those stepmothers who made sure I grew up pretty much isolated in our home. However, to her dismay I am sure, it made me stronger. I learned to always do for myself because I didn’t expect much from people.
However, even if it’s your life you can’t be in control of everything, all the time. As humans we’ll necessarily have to rely on somebody or something we expect will come through. Therein lies the possibility of disappointments which brings us to the life lesson.
Life’s teachable moment
Those times when I need a hand and those who should naturally step up don’t, and then help comes from totally unexpected sources.
Part 1
People won’t always be there for you just because you were there for them. It doesn't matter how loyal you are.
This lesson is best learned early. If not it will lead to disappointments cutting deeper than they should.
Keep your expectations of people realistic in this regard and handle disappointments by acknowledging them, dealing with the aftermath, and moving on.
“Life has taught me that you can’t control someone’s loyalty. No matter how good you are to them, doesn’t mean they’ll treat you the same. No matter how much they mean to you, doesn’t mean they’ll value you the same. Sometimes the people you love the most turn out to be the people you can trust the least” -Trent Sheldon
Part 2
Strangers can unexpectedly show you the kindness you need out of pure goodness of heart.
To me, this usually evokes a powerful feeling of human connection especially when it’s clear those lending a helping hand don’t want anything in return.
If you’re one of those that gives a helping hand to people you have no obligation to, other than being members of the human family, you are the kind people that make our sojourn on this earth worthwhile.
“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” -Bob Kerrey
Takeaways:
- Always keep your expectations of people realistic.
- People won’t always give you as good as you give them.
- Never underestimate the power of unexpected kindness.
- Extend that hand when you can, no matter how insignificant you think the impact of your actions may be.
- Accept the hand when extended. It doesn’t necessarily equal future obligation. Some people don’t want anything in return. Allow them the chance to be good.
- Self-sufficiency only limits, not eliminate your chances of disappointments.
