Giving is our way of getting by in the world. Many of us think –“if I give; the others will like me. Better yet, they may even come to need me. Then I won't be so alone in the world.” Giving becomes a kind of haggle to belong; a proffer for love, rather than an expression of it. This kind of giving does not allow for egoism of any kind, and yet it is excessively egotistic.
Selfishness is vigorous when one knows one’s limits, and sets those limits; meaning prioritizing self-care over caring for others. It insists that you express your feelings, even when it is inconvenient to others. It includes the ability to rest when tired, and to ask for what you want and need, when you want and need it. It is the healthy expression of power. By doing so, we identify the course we take, making it much easier for the blessings of life to come to us.
Note to the readers: I wrote this in 2009 and kept it tucked away. Coming back to it reminded me why I wrote it in the first place, and I’m glad to finally share it. November 25th is the international Day for the elimination of violence against women. This day was recognized by the General Assembly of United Nations in 1999 with a view too raising public awareness of violations of the rights of the women, why was this step deemed necessary? In many cultures women are viewed and treated as inferior or as second class citizens. Prejudices against them are deep rooted. Gender based violence is an on going problem even in the so-called developed world. According to former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan “Violence against women is global in reach, and takes place in all societies and cultures,” he said in a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. “It affects women no matter what their race, ethnicity, social origin, birth or other status may...
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