Absence

I've been away for awhile, and for that I apologize. Truth be told, I've been working on the tedious(but unfortunately important) goal of building my own life. It has been a learning experience on may levels.

Currently, I hold a position that puts me in contact with large numbers of people on a daily basis. I meet all sorts of individuals. They have their differences, but often are unified by a singular need- their current concern, whatever that may be, and it is my responsibility to provide satisfaction. Most of them are concerned only with the aforementioned need- and not with one another or myself. It's wearying to be sure.

Still, on the worst days, I still stumble across the occasional individual who honestly inquires about me before getting down to business- and even on the days where I fail to return such courtesy, it is refreshing. It is a reminder of how the little things, positive and negative, matter. Not details assigned from birth, nor the major beliefs or decisions developed during life, but the basic treasure of human interaction, a singularity on its own, separate from all of the things that would divide us.

Respecting one another on a personal level regardless of circumstance is more important than any of the boxes we've put ourselves in. Especially in today's world, when times are hard and we are encouraged to think only of ourselves, it is easy to forget. But if everyone were to consider others as well as themselves, the day to day would be a little easier- and with enough time, we'd get through all of our greater dilemmas.

The catch is, we have to do it together. It starts now, with each individual thinking about the big picture. It moves when we help one another without expecting returns, when we act in kindness and not greed. It grows with everyone contributing what they can, and in times of weakness taking no more than they need. And it continues moving when we do not allow petty differences to come between us. At the end of the day, we are all one species united by potential, by hopes and dreams and desires and will- there's no reason we should fight or step on one another.

Take a moment and think- do the best you can for those around you, and encourage others to do the same.