The Sixteenth Cup // Being Selfless

We are born selfish. We tend to put our things above others. One thing I learn in this year is how to be selfless. I can tell you, being selfless is not easy. To think about others first,  respecting others, and serving others isn't something human can easily do.

In order for us to be able to do all of the above, we need to be a full person – not a half full person. Imagine when we're in a relationship and we are not full, we'll expect the other one to be able to fill us but we don't do anything in return. What will happen to the other one then? At some point s/he will be exhausted. When we, ourselves, are a full person, we will always want to serve others.

And, being selfless doesn't only apply to people whom we know. But, to everyone.

There are two simple things that we can do to start the practice. We can start by doing at least one thing a day and gradually increasing.

1. Pay It Forward.
This is a kinda common thing. We do something nice to someone and that person pays it to the next person.

2. Try to put yourself in other's shoes.
Try to think how it is to be in their position. What will you feel? What do you want?

For instance, a few days ago I was queueing to buy some food and behind me was a Go-Food driver . In Indonesia, there is Go-Food (online food delivery by a driver who will buy your food and deliver it to your doorstep). I knew he has to be hurry to deliver the food to whoever ordered it so that he can get a great rating as well as so he can save time to get more order everyday. While I wasn't in a hurry, there is no harm in letting him go before me. Doing this little thing, seeing him feeling grateful and appreciated, made my heart smile.

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Start with one small thing. Small things does matter though.