Recently, I was watching the movie Se7en (a movie you should definitely put on your to-watch list), and I heard the following revealing quote.
Morgan Freeman, a jaded homicide cop states this fact, “The first thing they tell women in rape prevention is to yell “FIRE” not “HELP.” Nobody comes to “HELP,” but if you holler “FIRE,” they’ll come running.”
This type of apathy has become a defense mechanism as a protection from others. Apathy is in itself is a selfish act: you convince yourself that other’s emotions and perspectives mean nothing compared to your own. But, it’s only when we open ourselves to the emotions of others when we learn more about from people around us.
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in this protection mode from things that unnerve us. We try to keep to ourselves by telling ourselves that it’s rude to invade and be curious (and empathetic). We are in a constant excuse for our own behavior. It’s not until we can allow our brains to appreciate that other people’s pain is greater than our own that we can fully understand how lucky we really are. Just considering this makes me extremely grateful for everything around me.
I have such petty complaints. “I miss my parent’s hot tub,” “Dang, I wish I could afford a cool convertible like that dude.” “ Not having cable really sucks big time,” “My phone is about to die again, I can’t believe I have to wait 3 weeks for a new one,” or “Why am I so bad at painting my nails!” Really, these are nothing.
It’s never been “How can I afford the next meal?” “I wonder what I’ve done to deserve this.” “How much longer do I have?” and more that I can’t mention because I’ve never had to experience any of these questions. It’s because of this that I can search and list the things that I am appreciative of.
Everything that I am eternally and unworthily grateful for are the things I was given at birth. My family, my country (nationalistic but dang, sometimes I really appreciate my homeland), and my genes.
Everyone should have a chance at this opportunity. This maybe an ignorant, privileged life thought, but I would hope that no matter where you’ve come from, it’s about choosing to accept the opportunity or ignore it.
Staying determined to always better yourself and taking chances shows that you are grateful for what made you who you are. Humbling your natural instinct to raise your needs above others and showing that you can appreciate what surrounds you should give you an incredible motivation to succeed.
Photo uploaded to Flickr Creative Commons
