There are so many things in life I think I need to be better at. The list could go on for miles. One thing I know I have is compassion. I cannot remember a time in my life when I didn't cry for others or think of their feelings. I can honestly count the times on my hand I have been mean to people (and I never forgot them-and it was because they ruffled my feathers first). Corey and Corey (2010) describe compassion as an essential part of one's spiritual development, involving the caring about the suffering of others and choosing to act upon those feelings. I know that I derived many of my values (including compassion) partly from my strong faith and religious upbringing as a kid. I know I am always praising my Mom and Dad (I honestly can't find a reason to criticize to them- They were and still are REALLY good parents.) My parents always taught me that compassion, religion and spirituality should all serve to better the lives of others. I have always sought to do that.
I think my compassionate and respectful nature is also a result of what I witnessed as a kid. I always saw my parents being nice to all people. I never heard them whisper, make comments about something a person couldn't control, or disrespect people. In fact, I specifically remember a time when some kids in my neighborhood were brutally picking on a kid because of his accent. My Mom never really got involved in kid conversation, but this time she did. I told her what some of the kids were saying about this boy and she came down to the corner to give them a 'talking to. ' The boy who was being picked on was VERY smart, (straight As, honor roll, you name it) I remember my Mom telling the other kids "watch what you say...you never know who is going to be your boss someday." I honestly never heard the kids tease the boy again (and yes, he did go on to a big name school :) I never forgot that day.
I remember by Dad being friends with EVERYONE! He had friends from other countries and he often talked about the kids he helped when he was stationed in Korea during his military years. I have an album of beautiful pictures of the kids he helped in Korea. My Dad used to steal food from the military base and give it to the Korean children. I remember my Dad giving one of our old neighbors his lawnmower (even though we needed it) he said our neighbor needed it more. I also remember both of my parents saying that it was important to try to live a life like Jesus Christ did. Show love, respect and kindness for others and you will know true happiness. My parents were right. I honestly can't imagine living any other way.
Corey, G., & Corey, M.S. (2010). I never knew I had a choice:Explorations in personal growth. (9th ed.) Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole.
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