Selflessness is one of those qualities that often does not draw attention to itself, yet it leaves a lasting mark on the lives of others. To be selfless is to put aside one’s comfort, resources, or convenience for the sake of another person. It is doing something that may not necessarily benefit me directly but helps someone else in a meaningful way. Reflecting on my life, I realized that there have been times when I have acted selflessly and those moments have shaped my understanding of what it means to care for others. Two examples where I've acted selflessly are the way I give my time to people who need me, and the way I have used my resources and sometimes gone beyond my limit financially to support others.
The first way I have been selfless is with my time. Time to me is one of the most valuable things anyone can offer because once it is gone, it cannot be regained. I have come to understand that giving my time to others is sometimes more precious than giving them anything material. There have been moments when I had personal plans, things I wanted to do for myself, such as working, resting, or even just enjoying some quiet time but someone needed me. Instead of holding on to my schedule, I chose to pause whatever I'm doing and attend to that person. There was a time I was working seriously on my system, carrying out an Excel task. The data was bulky, and I needed to round it up because I had to submit it the next day. I was deeply focused, knowing how demanding such tasks can be, when a friend suddenly called me and explained that he urgently needed my assistance. What he asked for was very important to him, so I could not turn him down. I paused my work, left what I was doing, and went to attend to him. That decision cost me a lot, because by the time I returned to my task it was already late. I had no choice but to work throughout the night, and in the end, I only managed to get about two hours of sleep that entire day. It was not easy, but I did it because I valued my friend’s need above my own comfort. Selflessness sometimes means sacrificing rest and convenience for the sake of others.
The second way I have been selfless is with my resources, by supporting others financially, even when it was not convenient for me. Money is often sensitive because it is tied to personal needs and responsibilities, but there was a time I chose to go out of my way to help. A friend once came to me asking for financial support. At that moment, I did not have enough to give. The easy thing to do would have been to say sorry friend I don’t have for now and move on. But instead of refusing, I thought about how much my friend needed the help. I made the decision to borrow money from someone else just so I could assist my friend. It was not easy, and it put me under pressure, but I could not ignore their situation. That choice made me realize that selflessness sometimes means stretching beyond what I think I can handle. Even though it cost me something because I end up paying the debt which I didn't used for myself, I found satisfaction in knowing that my sacrifice gave relief to someone else.
I have learned that selflessness is not always about having plenty to give. Sometimes it is about giving the little I have, whether it is time, energy, or resources, in a way that uplifts others. It does not always feel comfortable, and of a truth, it sometimes feels costly. Yet, the joy that comes from seeing another person smile, feel supported, or find comfort makes the sacrifice worthwhile. I feel grateful that I have been able to put others first, even in small ways. The act of selflessness may not always be easy, but it is always meaningful.
Thank you very much admin for this amazing topic and for initiating the Weekend Engagement and thank you all for reading 🙏