Our Worst Enemy

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world.".... Helen Keller

Self-pity is simply sorrow felt about our own suffering. It's impotent agony. It's a door that leads us deeper into the shadows. It's often used as an excuse for acting out.  It's a maze of negative emotions, with no escape. Most times it's totally self-indulgent, but it's always self-destructive. It's a weakness that inspires more weakness. When life knocks you down, self-pity will keep you prone. 

And it repels our peers, who like to think they'd do a much better job of coping. "Poor me" is a very unattractive pose, akin to total surrender in both intent and effect. Other people hesitate to offer any real comfort, thinking that to do so would only encourage more self-serving sorrow. Feeling sympathy for someone who has locked themselves inside a prison of, "why me" is difficult. A true friend will shake you hard, hug you tight, and ask softly, "why not you."

Bad stuff happens to everyone. Tragedy isn't reserved just for the wicked. Pain isn't only dealt to the evil among us. People will disappoint you. Diseases may afflict even the pure at heart. Love can end for even the most lovable. Whatever the sorrow, whice of us gets stuck with some kind of hurt is open to us all. Face the pain, allow it to hurt, then readjust and move past it.  

Wasted breath asking, "WHY ME?" can be better used drawing in strength for whatever comes next. And trust me... something will certainly come. Either you or the situation will overcome. Why be a willing victim? Sorrow is stressful. Stress kills. Self-pity will dig a grave, for anyone who holds onto it for long enough.

If you feel the need to feel pity at all, invest it in someone else. Let it move you to ease their sorrow and be worthy of the ache. We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can always govern our reaction. Think about it.... let it ride.... then decide!!!!