Saturday Afternoon Thoughts on Your Circle of Selflessness 3/9/13

Finally, sat down to put a few things on paper as there have been quite a few thoughts floating around my head recently. I am beating myself up a little bit as I vowed to write more in 2013, so I guess I am playing catch up now. Life happens and when it does, it never fails that you realize something that may have been there all along. The last week and a half has been a pretty long after learning about the unexpected passing of my classmate Marco McMillian. For me a reminder of how precious life, relationships, and time is. For the last week and a half, the conversations that my classmates and anyone who knew Marco opened our eyes to even more about who he was and who we are. His selfless acts from college until now, have helped so many people and I like so many others were truly honored to have known him. For me, so many reflections and an appreciation for what I have learned from this tragedy. Thinking about my friend and what his life has taught me about being selfless, humility, and your circles. Well, over time I have confirmed and believed that our circles are a direct reflection of who we are. As I think of people who are truly selfless people, they often associate themselves with other selfless people. Do you find that you are more selfless? Or selfish? Yourself? With your time? Your talents? These are very good questions to ask yourself as you examine what you surround yourself with daily. This would be a great exercise to help you prepare for tomorrow. Have you reached your full potential? Have you ever thought that your selflessness is actually here to help you grow? As we give of ourselves we learn more about not only others, but ourselves. Its a process and it is that thing that must continue in our lives and our circles. If you get nothing more than this statement, then I can't be mad as it is pretty powerful. Cherish every moment, every interaction, and every chance meeting as no one knows what the next moment may look like. Appreciate what the past has taught us, do whatever you have to do to enjoy this moment, and live today for tomorrow is not promised to anyone. I ask that prayers continue to be sent up for the family and friends of Marco McMillian during this time. Even during sadness, positive thoughts and actions still need to be present. #PositiveMovementsForward no matter what. “Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment.” Anthony Robbins “Our task must be to free ourselves...by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” Albert Einstein “We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.” Buddha “In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” Flora Edwards “Real love is when you become selfless and you are more concerned about your mate's or children's egos than your own. You're now a giver instead of a taker.” Sylvester Stallone “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are” C.S. Lewis “without selfless service, no one ever receives the fruits of their rewards.” Sri Guru Granth Sahib “When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open, and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.” Michael Bridge