Picking up from last time –
So, the psychologist mentioned that she thought I wasn’t old enough to have the feeling yet that I needed to “give back to society.”
Oh goodness.
First, life is not some game of “If I do this, I’ll get that” or “Since I’ve already gotten this, I better give that.” Even if society crumples me up, spits on me, and gives me nothing, it doesn’t really matter. I’m not doing this because I feel like I owe a debt of some kind to society or the universe.
Yes, I mentioned that I wanted to do this because I have a very personal first-hand account of what it’s like to live in and out of the hospital. I’m not doing this because since I was saved I feel that I must save someone in return. I am doing this because having such an intense understanding of that kind of life just makes my desire skyrocket to take someone away from that life.
Does that make sense?
My experience didn’t make me feel I owed anything to someone else. It just helped me to learn more about other experiences in this world.
Also, even if we act as though I am doing this because of some sort of debt or guilt or karma points or whatever – who decides when it’s the correct time to feel the need to “give back” to society? I’ve had a pretty darn privileged life. I’d say if I am in some kind of society debt, I don’t need to wait ’til I’m 50 to be there. I’m there now, baby.
I just feel like as a member of society, I’m supposed to care about fellow human beings, period. As Cory Booker always says – be kind. When you’re angry, be kind. When you’re happy, be kind. Whatever you are, kindness is the answer. I think if we all tried to live closer to that mantra, we’d probably be in a better world (or we’d just be in Oklahoma City, which is really the same thing).
I feel like I’m talking in circles here. But I think part of the reason for that is because I genuinely just don’t understand her argument that I’m not supposed to feel the desire to do this, because I’m not old enough to feel the need to give back to society.
I’d want someone to do this for me. So, why wouldn’t I do it for someone else? It’s just that simple.
Let’s talk more Wednesday (as there are even more weird arguments a’coming!)