Live and never apologize for it.

Living is what we are supposed to do. We are supposed to live life to the fullest. Each day we should enjoy our life and do what we can to support others in enjoying their lives as well. Sometimes it is necessary for us to spend time alone so that we can really savor the moments of well being in our day. At other times, we are enhanced by the company of other people.

Regardless of our choice over spending time alone or with others, we have a human obligation to really take care of ourselves. When we are given to generosity and hospitality, we will extend ourselves to help others in life. We must, however, be careful not to replace our personal care with trying to do for other people what they are capable of doing for themselves.

It is good, for example, for us to lend a hand to a friend with daily chores. We must be sure, though, that our daily chores are not overlooked or neglected or we will be found wanting and ashamed. If we are so inclined to share our resources, it is fine for us to do so, but never to take what we need for ourselves and our family to give away for the comfort of others who sometimes have more than we do.

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to feel sorry for another person. The reason I say this is because when we pitty others, we run the risk of taking away their dignity and depriving ourselves of something that would be better used in our own benefit. The best thing for us to do when we perceive a need in someone else is to assess whether or not we have covered our personal responsibilities and then consider whether or not the other person's need is worthy of our resources. Sometimes the best help we can give is to stand apart and leave place for the person to gain strength or avail themselves to resources from another supplier.

Having grown up in a Christian household, I have been predisposed to asking the question, "How can I help?" That is a fine question upon which to base one's approach to life. What we must caution against is leaving ourselves out when asking the question. Daily we must raise to ourselves the question, "How can I help myself today?" We must then see to it that we are well cared for and prepared to go out for service to others.

Self care and personal preparation is essential to healthy living. Living well is started off with paying attention to yourself and making sure that you meet your own needs and the needs of those you are responsible for. Serving others sometimes makes them shirk personal responsibility. When others are able to do for themselves they should do as much as they are able to do. New Living calls for remembering to take personal responsibility first.