by Christine Bruness

Created on: June 28, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2008

"Three Ways to Be Less Selfish"

You have heard the saying: "Looking Out for Number One". It is perfectly natural to want to look out for one's self and survival. There comes a time, though, when some people dive deep into the sea of self absorption. It rises to a point where they are unable to think of any one or thing but themselves. It aborts their own personal growth and leaves them stagnant and unable to enjoy the benefits of authentic intimacy. For those people, I offer this article as a spiritual lifeboat, if you will without any religious connotations or affiliations attached what so ever. This article is also offered as a healing alternative to self destructive people, who may simply need a healthy outlet for their energies.

Three Ways to Be Less Selfish

1. Charity Begins at Home. Look around you. Are your family members and/or friends being neglected by you? Be honest with yourself about the answer to this question. If the answer is yes, schedule a day out with one family member or friend. Here is the catch: Do something that he or she likes to do. Let the person pick the activity. Remember, this is an exercise intended to bring you out of your self-absorption not to keep you sinking deeper into the well of yourself. Afterwards, continue to schedule activities with loved ones the more the merrier! Be more nurturing and attentive to them. Ask if you can help them with something. Look at them in the eyes and listen when they talk. Do not be the one who does all the talking.

2. Volunteer for a Charity/Cause that You Believe In. For instance, maybe you have always been against animal testing in cosmetic laboratories but never took action. Now is the time to do it! Do some research about a cause or charity and get involved. You could do something as simple as passing out leaflets or be more hands on. For example, if you like animals, why not volunteer at an animal shelter? If you can not decide what to do, try volunteering at the nearest soup kitchen for starters. Once you have found a cause/charity, do not become overwhelmed. This can sometimes happen when people take on too much. You can not solve every problem or make every one or living thing's life better but you can make a positive difference and feel good doing it.

3. Adopt a pet. Shelters are overloaded with healthy animals that desperately need loving, nurturing homes. Having a pet in your life will be beneficial for your well being especially for lowering blood pressure and boosting endorphins, not to mention getting you to think about another living being other than yourself. If you live somewhere where cats and dogs are not permitted, try a hamster, mouse, fish, etc., all of which are waiting for you at the nearest animal shelter. Be a responsible, loving, nurturing pet owner and do the best that you can for your pet. It might be the greatest thing that you will ever do for your own personal growth.

(Written on June 28, 2008)

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