Tuesday, May 06, 2008

How do we know

Hello folk.
Been pondering this for a few days, and need to get it out of my head once and for all.
How do we know if we are doing the right things for the right people? I'm a giver my nature. I don't expect anything in return, and always appreciate a lovely gesture either in return, or just because. Since I'm a giver, I'm questioning if I'm giving the right stuff to the wrong people and the wrong stuff to the right people? How do I know what the right stuff is? How do I know who are the right people and who are the wrong people? Sometimes I can tell the wrong person because when I give something, it is received in such a way like the person expected nothing less. They were not necessarily appreciative. It's like, "well yeah, I deserve this because I deserve all, and when do I get more?" Those folks I've pretty much tagged and avoid whenever possible. But what about people I consider good friends, and whom I'm under the impression also consider me a good friend? I give because I want to, not because I want things in return, so when I give something - whether it be time, support, an actual item, etc - and the person is just non-chalant about it, I have to wonder "am I doing the right thing for the right person?" Then people whom I find totally deserving, I feel inadequate in giving anything. Again, these are not material possessions. It could be time, running an errand, making a phone call, giving a hug, etc. Things like that. Because I give to give, I don't stick around waiting for anything in return except maybe a 'thank you'. Are my standards too high? Do I expect too much from people? Especially whom I consider good friends? Oh, and what makes a friend a 'good' friend, and not just a 'friend friend'? I'm at a loss folk. Last week was a good learning experience for me. With the exception of a wee group of people, I spent the majority of my week alone. One person in particular whom I'm questioning the "good friend" status played the part of the good friend, and we've all been told "Actions speak louder than words", but what then, when actions contradict each other? Huh? Again, I'm at a complete loss. The universe still hates me. Just in case I had started to forget, it reminded me this evening when I whacked my head on the coffee table bending down to get my address book from under my chair. Nice goose-egg should greet me in the morning. FU&K the universe. FU&K selfish undeserving people.
I'm done with my rant. For now.

1 comment:

Melissa said...

Dang!...You sound a bit like Jiminy Cricket trying to explain a conscience to Pinnochio ;-) Seriously, I know what you mean. I get stuck in the same place sometimes (including one particular 18-year stretch). But (I think) I've learned a few things. One...I don't think any of us really 'deserve' most of the good things that come our way, myself included. (nor do we usually 'deserve' the crap that comes our way.....it just happens as part of life). Two...I choose the do the things I feel strongly about and firmly believe are useful. So how the other person responds is of little relevance....I've done what I felt was right and good to do. Three....if it gets rudely flung back in my face or consistently grossly misinterpreted, I know that person isn't a good match for my strengths and what I have to offer. I move on. There are plenty of people who DO appreciate who I am and what I have to give.
I'm learning to better draw my boundaries...
Someone sent me an email a while back that I loved!.....
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow...do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies..succeed anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of being selfish and having ulterior motives...be kind anyway.
What you spend years building, someone may try to destroy overnight...build anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you...be honest and frank anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough...give the world the best you have anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous...be happy anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it's between you and God...It was never between you and them anyway.
Love you, my friend!