Discussion»Questions»Human Behavior» Do you provide your own light or depend/rely on the light of others? Do you pull your own weight or let others do it for you? Why?
I take pride in being self-sufficient. But the more I age, the more I realize when I need physical help to do something. That's when I rely on family or friends for help. They know they can rely on me when they need my help. Sometimes it takes more than one person. But for the most part, I've pulled my own weight all my life.
I think it is as important to be able to accept help as to give it. Being self-sufficient to the extent possible is a good thing m'dear. Everyone has burdens and it's great if you are able to carry your own. But you have to remember that many folks feel honored when you ask for their help so if you need it don't deprive them of that pleasure. Thank you for your reply MM! :)
This post was edited by RosieG at January 30, 2017 5:06 AM MST
Within our family, we have lived within the premise of self sufficiency, self reliance, and the idea that you work and make your way. (a quaint and vanishing idea) There are times when we have depended on each other. We have always been there to give assistance in times of emergency or financial reversal. It has worked well. What's passed on, catches on. My children have always been diligent in the pursuit of their careers.
Not at all. The worst can happen to those who have worked hard and met their responsibilities. We are not referring to laziness, or taking advantage of others to meet your needs. There's a Hell of a big difference between trying and struggling and not lifting a finger because you're too sorry to make the effort. Not a bit of contradiction. It all works beautifully just the way it did when people would build a barn for a neighbor that lost theirs in a fire or storm. My parents helped me and I've helped my children. The day that they stop trying, that's the day the help stops. But then, you really understand what's at work here and I really don't need to explain myself.
You are not "self-reliant", nor are your children, nor were your parent before you. In fact, going back to the dawn of civilization, EVERY person on Earth was dependent upon a network of social/technological/legal/physica infrastructure. You and your neighbor could rebuild the downed barn because there was an infrastructure of tools, materials, knowledge, social reciprocity, and so forth which made the task possible.
But, of course, many of us don't want to admit how much of our existence is entirely dependent upon dumb luck and the combined efforts of our ancestors (which we could never hope to repay). Hence, the "I'm self-reliant except when I depend upon help from others" self-delusion.
Bright light is not soothing. We don't turn them on when we go to sleep. We turn them off. Darkness facilitates sleep, rest, concentration. Mahalo for your reply OS and the prescient cat! Happy Monday! :)
I'm tough lol.. I am also very competitive with myself so I always have to work harder, faster, better... and I don't give myself any slack.. so I would say I am very much someone who pulls their own weight and if anything pull a few others as well.
Are you good about asking for help when you need it? Remember being able to help someone about whom you care is an honor and a privilege. Don't deprive them of that. Thank you for your reply DdbTD! :)
Mountain Man 