Selfish to Selfless
To those with their priorities in order, it is a rule of thumb that family comes first. If altruism is your creed, that family only expands. But regardless of whether you care about one or one million people, we have to be selfish before we can be selfless.
To give the most, we must first have something to give. If you want to give happiness, you have to be happy first. If you want to share knowledge, you have to learn. If you want to provide, you have to earn.
It is not possible to give what you do not have. People who do find themselves, in the best case scenario, in a world of trouble.
We often have more than we think we do, but whatever the quantity, it is finite.
So the next time you feel the urge to provide, remind yourself of this equation.
x (what you have) = y (what you can give)
Also known as: Nemo dat quod non habet — You cannot give what you do not have.
I know. Math is mind-boggling to me too. But if you stare at it for a while, it should sink in.
The point is, look after yourself first so that you have the tools to look after others. Giving yourself attention is the only way to give it to others.
Take the time to groom yourself so that you may look good for your spouse. Give yourself enough rest so that you can do your job better. Make time for your interests so that you appreciate the time with your children.
Most of all give yourself time alone so that you can value the time when you are not.
