I am all of you

Feb 21, 2009 9:18pm

Sacrifice

i think my initial instinct is not to sacrifice, but to be selfish and do what i want, when i want. my dad brought this to my attention a few months ago. for example, in considering to move back to chicago for work, i had considered moving all my stuff back out, setting up a nice little pad for my time here and then moving it all back. he made a great point when he said to me, “who always makes the sacrifice for you when you move?” my parents are the one footing the bill for the moving expenses, the additional odds and ends that my new apartment MUST have to make it complete, the personal vacation days from work and the selfless labor. and what have i sacrificed in return? i will tell you what i haven’t sacrificed:

1. i lived in a trendy neighborhood = very expensive rent
2. terrible parking situations = expensive parking tickets
3. paycheck were my fun money = parents money went for bills

these are just a few. i’m a taker. i’m selfish. the sad thing is, i came to expect this of other people and had no gratitude and paid no respect for what others were doing for me.

i am thankful now, because i am starting to understand sacrifice. i am appreciative that my parents worked multiple jobs and still do work multiple jobs to help me when i need it. i am appreciative that i can recognize that now and am able to show my appreciation through action. i move 1/2 way across the city carrying two 50lb. bags on the public transportation. i build a budget to ensure my financial security and provide a cushion for myself. i go into work early and stay late to be sure things are done to the best of my ability. i put down the unnecessary purchase because i’m paying off debt from impulsive spending in years past.

i got what i wanted, when i wanted it. but i am so thankful today because i don’t have to live like that anymore. i can delay gratification and make sacrifices now for a better tomorrow. i can show others my appreciation through my actions. i have a balance in my life now. a give AND take…. not just a take.