Over the years, I have met some incredible individuals who know that life is fragile and they live each day enjoying what they can enjoy; savoring that which they can savor; and overcoming those times when the lights went out on their life. Those individuals have taught me that “IT’s NOT ALL ABOUT ME!”

In a recent conversation with a middle school educator, I was voicing concerns about one of my children’s challenges and his response was, “These kids are so focused on themselves that they don’t pay attention to what anyone else is doing.” I find that’s the way many of us are. We are focused on our own situations, desires, and circumstances and when we are self-absorbed, we have no time to realize that others are experiencing life-altering situations that are difficult and traumatic and their lives are no longer what they hoped for, planned for or expected. In a sense, their life circumstances have left them in the dark.

A call to action is that each of us will take time to step outside of our self-absorption to look around and realize the blessings we do have and not focus on the things we don’t. And to say a prayer for those who are hurting and suffering that they may find peace, rest and strength to endure the trials they are undergoing. At some point, our bright future may just become a dark existence of survival mode.

Enjoy those sun-filled moments of life, but never leave your friend or neighbor in the dark.

For instance, think of the energy it takes to be around someone who is always down in the dumps or having a pity party for themselves; yet their trials are not life-threatening and their circumstances for the most part are changeable if they would be willing to change. Compare this person to a person who has surmounted numerous obstacles and still comes out smiling, optimistic and ready to face the next bend in the road. Maintaining a positive perspective is imperative to positively changing what you can in order to live more fully and joyful. A healthier outlook may not always be easy because we will encounter pain and suffering in this life, but it helps alleviate bitterness, which accomplishes nothing. Stepping out of the world of self-absorption and into a state of mind that is encouraging to others while thanking God for the gift of each day is a much better way to live. When you feel like you’re at the end of your rope; think of someone in a far worse position and infuse yourself with a dose of healthy perspective by relishing the blessing of each new day.