Categories: uncategorized
Date: 03 January 2008 12:39:17
The original inspiration for part 3 of the prescription was taking time to visit the Nephews at their sports day. I discovered that spending a few hours supporting the boys as they competed in a number of events, many of them daft, paid unexpected dividends for me in terms of the vicarious feel-good-factor. A basic summary of this part of the prescription is the idea that doing something thoughtful for another person can give you a great buzz yourself. A case of 'when I lift you, I am lifted.'
Only this morning, in a time of reflection, it occurred to me that I sometimes neglect the little things I could do to bring a little sunshine into someone's day. I asked myself why this was, and came to the conclusion that it was for a combination of three reasons.
The first of these, if I am honest, is that I tend to think there is something 'more important' I should be doing, that requires my time and effort. For example, I could call a friend I have not spoken to for a while, or I could clean yet more of my house (the words painting and Forth Bridge come to mind). Under normal circumstances, the cleaning tends to win, sadly.
The second reason is my assessment of the worth or value of the phone call, or whatever. My reasoning would go something like this: Well, its only a brief conversation, what difference would it make to Friend X? Anyway, that floor has needed scrubbing for far too long... As it is, personal experience tells me that an unexpected phone call can provide the lift I need at times, or just break up the usual sort of day I am having.
The third and final reason for not isvesting in those I treasure is, I admit, somewhat perverse - I enjoy it! The act of going the extra mile, or even metre (yard?), for a friend can often be a joy in itself. However, im my assessment of the world, this can somehow invalidate it as a useful way to spend my time. The idea that all worthy things are somehow costly and painful, and if you are having fun then it is somehow a waste of your time! I DID say it was perverse!
So, there you have it, part 3. It is good to spend time with and do nice things for those you love and treasure. Also, if you enjoy yourself in the process, this is perfectly okay, legitimate and acceptable.
Right, I'm off to phone a friend or two now...