I am a selfish American. In this country, we value individualism highly. This has brought about many great things, such as spectacular music, art, fashion, and culture. On the other hand, individualism has led to a narcissistic country that is self-centered; most people only care about themselves, their image, what clothes they wear, and what toys they have.
Sure, we will most definitely lend a hand to a friend or family member in crisis, to a neighbor that has a dead battery, or maybe even a church member who is struggling to keep the lights on. But what about a complete stranger that you have no ties to? What about a homeless man that lives on the other side of town? In another city? What about a burdened single mother that lives on the other side of America, thousands of miles from you? What about a starving kid in Africa who lives ten thousand miles from you?
I am guilty of being a self-centered American narcissist. I am probably not the worst of the narcissists out there, but I have been raised in a society where self is more important than community. And I changed a little bit of myself the other day when I decided to sponsor a child abroad. I realized I could have one less meal out on the town and spend $30 a month to make another person's quality of life better. That $30 will transform this child's life. For me, $30 is a bottle of whiskey, or taking my boyfriend to Applebees. For that child, their family, and their community, it is medicine, clean water, schools, food, survival. Yes, I CAN sacrifice $30 for a life. But it affects so many other lives too. Can YOU sacrifice $30 American Dollars too? Maybe one less dress in your closet, one evening out with friends. Can you make that sacrifice? I think sacrifice is an overstatement!
I am forming a mission in my head, a life purpose. I want to live with purpose beyond working and consuming. I am just one woman, one American woman. There is nothing spectacular about me per se, I work a middle-class job, I am a single mom, and I go to school part-time for Mass Communications. But I am ready to live with purpose. I am ready to MOVE with purpose. It may stop at just sponsoring one child, or maybe it will grow. I do not know yet but I am planting the seed for now. And that is all I can do. And that is all you can do.
In order to find TRUE HAPPINESS, you must instill happiness in others. Cars, toys, boats, clothing, shoes, fancy dinners, and vacations are not going to cut it. Why do you think so many rich people are miserable??? Because nurturing one's self-centered narcissistic lifestyle is NOT TRUE HAPPINESS!!!!
This is the child I sponsored, and her name is Meaza. She lives in Ethiopia. Maybe Meaza will have a better chance at life now, a better chance to survive. Maybe she will have better awareness, maybe she will even be a leader. Or maybe she will just have a better quality of life, even if only a little.
A man speaking about the happenings in Ethiopia.
Here is the link to sponsor a child: https://sponsor.savethechildren.org/