Sunday Jan 14, 2007

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I always hate watching shows like "Extreme Makeover", because by the end of them I feel like shit.

I feel like shit because I realize how not humble I can be and how much I really take for granted. blackeyed

To see people react with such gratitude to something as common as a bed makes me want to change everything I do. I get upset at lame things like bad parking, bad service, or not being able to get my way with my parents while, some families deal with not being able to provide for their kids. Seeing kids in need is heart wrenching to me because I think of my nephew and how his face lights up when he gets a new toy; so to see a little kid get excited because they have something awesome like a new house is great.

I remember when Oprah went to Africa and gave all those orphans Xmas. She gave the boys soccer balls and the girls got dolls and all those kids were so elated. No matter what language or culture barriers there are, kids feel the same way all over. They were so happy to have something as simple as a ball that it made me feel so awful because of the way I think sometimes.

I guess it puts it all into perspective when seeing stuff like this, which is good as it helps me focus on what's important to me and what's expendable.
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chrissteele:
I don't take much for granted these days at all. Things are better for me than they used to be. But I realize they could turn on me like a dime and very well may. I have been homeless - living in the attic of an abandoned house - all alone - starving - cold. So I know what it's like.
ta2dmom:
Those shows really do a number on me too. I grew up very much like the people they show on those shows and then now, I'm very blessed so I've kind of seen both sides of it and I gotta tell you, I like it a lot better now than how it used to be. But, see, just thinking that makes me feel like crap. I guess it's one of those things that if it bugs you, try to do something to change it. And, as simple as it sounds, just donating the clothes, toys etc. that the kids are done with or they've grown out of or just plain don't use anymore, that makes a difference. I donate all the kids clothes to the battered women shelter out here and it really does make a difference. And yeah, some it might be to help me feel a little better but that's not the only reason I do it. The things they can't take at the shelter we take to The Salvation Army where they sell it to raise money to help people. Win/Win.
Plus, the fact that you know this and you feel this way, means that you "get it" where a lot of people just really don't and they don't care to even try.
xoxo
kiss

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