Tuesday, April 21, 2026
I didn’t understand the joy of service, which is very different from the ego’s version of “serving others.” Serving others is always a sneaky means to an end. It’s getting to work early to “eagerly” answer emails or to get through the drudgery. Why? So you can relax. Grind first, love later.
If you sit quietly, you won’t really want emails, rushing to get something off your plate. When I’ve reflected on what I want, in quietness, I’ve never concluded with – “I sure wish I had more tasks and obligations.” “I wish I had more reports, bills to pay, and assignments to clear off my checklist.” “I wish I had more texts, meetings, and emails.” “I wish I had more obligation.” “I wish I had more social media.” “I wish I had more NPR, Fox News, or entertainment.”
Why do we have this sense of “others first?” Work first; clearing the plate first; useless information first. Joy first sounds childish. In the truest sense, me first is giving yourself attention in small ways, initially.
I started wondering, “How might life be without obligation?”
I biked. I wrote. I journaled. I meandered. I swam. I chit chatted. I played with the dog. I stretched. I tidied up the yard. I read. I leisured. I sipped coffee. I basked. I luxuriated. I prioritized myself. Then I was so full of life, that tasks, forcing myself to “serve others,” and obligations ended.
Now, I know which master to serve. I’ll never force myself to do something I don’t love, especially putting others first.
Love with all your heart, soul, and mind; and love your neighbors (obligations, others, emails) MORE than yourself? I don’t think so.
When I finally lived My Truth, My Joy, My Life – emails and obligations vanished, and I suddenly had all the time in the world, more interest in, and unconditional love for “others.”