Have you ever wondered, how we define "being valuable" could shape our attitude towards this entire life?
I will begin with this - the sufferings of old people.
Old people are vulnerable. They get the feeling that they are of no longer use to this society. They become depressed, upset and all screwed-up about the meaning of life after all. This is truly a misconception. Do you agree?
You might agree or disagree. But the truth is we don't want our parents and grandparents to feel that way for sure. And we want to help them. Actually we can help. We, as the children or grandchildren can help them stay away from that feeling.
This could be done by, firstly, we need to make clear to ourselves about the distinct difference between being valuable in terms of personal usefulness and in terms of dignity.
Today society is charaterized by achievement orientation. As a consequence, it tends to appreciate people who are successful, who attain accomplishments and contribute apparent values. In particular, it adores the young.
And so, it ignores the values of those who are otherwise. The ones who actually did contribute and did accomplish, but just no longer. They are now on the other side of the life hill and reviewing all the milestones in life and their meanings.
To be honest, this thinking is still now all around and really dangerous and cruel just as fascism. As you know about the Hitler's program, that is to say, ‘mercy’ killing of all those who have lost their social usefulness, be it because of old age, incurable illness, mental deterioration, or whatever handicap they may suffer.
I believe life is not about keep doing , doing and doing all the time. It's not about pushing ourselves so hard towards giving outcomes. But it's also about a sense of dignity, to review and reflect on the past, the ongoing to truly appreciate and feel every mere moment and act. When we are young, we are likely to be carried away with the "do" and lack the "reflect". So when we get older, it's time to seriously and comfortingly look back on all those "do" and create a sense of dignity. It will help us feel truly thankful for being alive as a human. And you know that gratitude brings happiness.
What old people have done and contributed is a legacy, a fortune to be kept and to last forever. It's always there in their heart, their mind and in others as well. Therefore, we should try to divert the mindset of the elderly into valuing their own legacy. They should know that their legacy is much greater than any young man could ever have and, their continous reflection will not only give them dignity but also give the younger generation a sense of purpose in life, a source of inspiration and lessons that no "do" could compare.
Mother Nature expects us to keep working, doing but she also expects us to truly appreciate every single moment and act. Dignity is a plus to complete this life. Finding dignity in elderly days is being valuable to ourselves and to our beloveds.
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