I don’t mean to anyone specific (although that would certainly count), I mean generally, to the world at large.
Did you only take and not give? Were you only concerned with yourself and your needs? Or did you, with great intent, at least try to give something of yourself?
Listen, I’m as guilty of this as anyone (sadly, maybe more so than most), but I’d like to think I at least try. I don’t always succeed, but I do, in my own way, strive for this.
I sometimes struggle with understanding where the pursuit of healthy self-actualization ends and egocentric self-involvement begins, so I have to constantly question myself. My natural inclination is to help others, but I can also be hard. Maybe too hard.
I’m sensitive with ice water running through my veins at the same time, which can be unnerving for both myself and others. It’s a weird combination of traits to have. Sometimes I think I’m being sensitive to the needs of others and find out that’s not how they feel at all.
That’s when I realize I have more work to do.
So I try to contribute something everyday, even if it seems inconsequential. Fortunately, helping other people is built into my job, so there’s that. Being hard and sensitive are actually very good qualities to have in an ER, so it’s a good fit for me.
Make an effort to contribute something positive everyday – create something to express your humanity, or at least just smile at someone.
Give something back. It might have great significance for someone else.