We’ve all heard the saying, “what goes around, comes around.”
As a matter of fact, we’ve all probably used the saying more than a few times throughout our lives – usually however, when something bad is done to us or someone we know.
Imagine how different all of our lives would be if we used “what goes around, comes around” as a motivator, rather than a warning.
Here’s an example. I love shoes and am a sucker for a good deal. If I had the choice of buying myself two really hot pairs of shoes at a great price or helping an unemployed friend pay a bill, the decent thing to do would be to help my friend. Of course I could justify my buying the shoes by saying, “I work hard, so I deserve them,” or “it’s not really my responsibility to take care of someone else,” but deep down in my heart of hearts, I’d know the right thing to do would be to help my friend – even if it means sacrificing something I want, for something they need.
In the life I’ve lived thus far, I realize that not many people use “what goes around, comes around” for good. I’ve watched countless people play the victim role by always using the adage when they’re wronged, yet that same saying becomes an afterthought when things are going well for them. Sad.
It amazes me how individuals can desensitize themselves from the plight of others. You know the kind of people…one’s that only by the grace of God are blessed, yet don’t feel it is their duty to bless others. I used to get so upset when I encountered people like that. I could never understand how an individual could have so many wonderful things going for themselves, but still be so self-centered and impassionate that they never extended a helping hand or a listening ear to someone in need.
Then there are people who are simply mean-spirited and behave in a hateful manner for no logical reason.
It actually used to scare me when I came across such people because I always felt the magnitude of their inaction and the consequences that behavior might entail.
As time progressed however, I learned that although I didn’t agree with the actions of insensitive people, it wasn’t my place to worry about them. Instead, my responsibility involved being the best person that I could be to myself, but also others. This revelation doesn’t mean that I’ve never wronged someone, because I certainly have, but it does mean that taking ownership of those wrongs and vowing to be a better person because of them is what really matters. It’s all about being accountable for your own actions.
Through my quest, I have learned that we must find a happy medium in our pursuits. There was once a time when I felt it my responsibility to save the world, by helping everyone who needed assistance. Afterall, it was the thing to do…my gift from God, right?
Wrong.
Anytime I can positively impact another person’s life is certainly a gift from God, but I eventually realized that that gift is not meant to be shared with everyone. I had to find balance in my life because I was becoming so focused on helping others, that my own life was suffering. In addition, I found that sometimes in my attempt to be nice, some people considered my kindness a weakness, thus taking advantage of me. Needless to say, I wasn’t having that so I found a balance; I wasn’t a complete sucker, nor was I totally self-absorbed in my world.
From time to time, I find myself going through a reorganization of sorts by modifying my balance to fit the current state of my life, but that’s OK. It’s something we all need to do periodically throughout our lives because each one of us are works in progress.
Understanding that I am a work in progress, I strive to stay focused on that saying, “what goes around comes around.” Doing so helps me understand the importance of not only being a grounded individual, but also one who should always be willing to help someone. If not, I know I’ll pay for it when what went around, comes back around. We all do…eventually.
