Do We Live for Someone Else?

When you were a child, you sought acceptance. Often, our parents compared other children with us, and in the process, we tried to emulate them to gain recognition and broader acceptance. As teenagers, our quest for acceptance broadened as new relationships entered our lives. We tried to find our place in our friend's circle at school or in college. Sometimes, to attract the opposite sex, we did things that our basic nature might not allow, such as borrowing money for a dinner date or buying gifts for others. This constant striving for acceptance often leads us to mold ourselves according to others' expectations.

When we enter the workforce, our goals and objectives are well-defined. We strive to achieve them and seek recognition from our boss and colleagues. We attend office parties, despite not liking them, and mingle with people out of compulsion. As we grow older, we find ourselves distant from our children due to generational gaps. This leaves us with two options: to accept the differences and change or to continue as usual.

Throughout our lives, our decisions are mostly guided by the urge for larger acceptance and recognition. Both of these factors compel us to do things that our purest nature would not agree with, yet we do them and do so continuously out of a love for someone else's life.

Living for Oneself and Others

It's vital to live for oneself. However, for most individuals, part of this self-fulfillment involves developing positive and reciprocal relationships with others. Being a part of a relationship, a family, or some other group is crucial for our well-being. Humans were designed to be part of a group, whether it be family, community, or society. This connection helps us feel happy, comfortable, safe, and cared about.

Live for oneself while loving others. If your love for others leads you to sacrifice your life, of course, you do it. But if it does not, there's nothing wrong with living your life for yourself. You have every right to live for yourself and be happy.

You live for yourself but you live in service of others. Achieving this delicate balance requires constant effort and vigilance. Deciding to live for yourself without detrimenting others is the ideal approach. If you're unsure about your path in life, start by giving your time to help others. Even small acts of service can make a significant difference.