I am here to be truly helpful is the first line of a prayer I carry in my mind and heart every day. It right-sizes me and can be silently recalled in the midst of any situation that has me momentarily tense or baffled. It’s similar to another treasured idea: “I can see peace instead of this,” when circumstances are inviting me to respond in a way that I might regret a moment or an hour later. Spiritual “shortcuts,” I call them; and they never fail to help me be kinder in the moment. I have discovered that kindness translates to peace for me.
Consider using either one of these two shortcuts, for just one day, and I promise you will be amazed at how much better you feel at day’s end. The stress we experience daily, as a result of the uncontrollable situations that occur and our reactions to them, could be lessened in a profoundly measurable way by incorporating either one of the two suggestions I have offered here. Both of them are examples of shifting one’s perception. And the miracle that results is guaranteed, a miracle that could best be described as a sense of profound peace.
Life really is much simpler than we choose to see it. Rather than interpreting our experiences as our learning opportunities, and ones we actually desire and have been prepared for; we too often see them as unfortunate accidents that are intended to harm us. On the contrary. Nothing needs to be seen as intentional harm. Rather, every thing can be seen as an opportunity for our personal growth as well as substantive information we can pass on to some one else at a later date which may help them too. Remember, “I am here to be truly helpful. . .”
Perhaps you are wondering why it’s so important to be truly helpful to others on our path. And assuredly, you don’t have to adopt my philosophy about life. But I have found, some what selfishly, that when I help others, I feel better. I would even venture to say that I think it’s my primary purpose in life.
You might not think it’s your purpose and that’s okay, but being a “light” for others shines away the darkness that can hinder the steps of all of us on this journey. We are sharing a path through this life. What impacts one of us, be it good or bad, ultimately impacts all of us. So it goes without saying, that what helps one helps all.
Are you helping yourself and others too? Think about it.
