We’re all self-involved.
That doesn’t mean everyone is a selfish asshole (even though some are).
And it doesn’t mean we’re incapable of being generous, loving people.
But no well-adjusted, healthy human spends every moment thinking of others.
If you meet someone who believes otherwise…run quickly in the opposite direction.
That’s probably the craziest person you’ll meet that day.
It is our right…no, our responsibility…to pursue happiness in our lives.
We’ll never inspire anyone if we don’t do things that make us feel alive (without harming others).
If someone doesn’t deeply understand why they need to be at the center of their own life…they’ve got serious problems.
If we don’t handle our own shit with ourselves, how can we be a real help to anyone else?
Neglect yourself and become an emotional burden.
A ticking time bomb.
So, yeah, to varying degrees we’re all self-involved.
We need to be.
Ever notice how some of your annoying friends don’t budge on any perspectives even with new information?
Self-involved to an asshole degree.
Have a buddy so happy, loving, and confident that you instantly feel better just by being around them?
Self-involved in a healthy way.
As you know, I’ve posted multiple contests here over the last couple of years.
The “easy” entries are when people just need to send a blank email.
I regularly receive thousands of responses for contests like those.
But when I ask people to actually “do” anything, the number drops drastically.
And, hey, there’s nothing wrong with that.
People don’t typically come here to give me anything…they’re here to get.
I totally understand that.
Zero issues with it.
But I want to talk to the very small minority who seem just a little different.
The people who reach out and genuinely try to find a way to give something back.
Those who have actually taken a minute in the last 6 years to try help me in some small way.
With no actual knowledge of your real life, you do seem to be…different.
At least as blog readers go.
And I’ve noticed you.
I don’t spend every day here talking about how I don’t do this for money, likes, hits or any of the stuff I don’t care about.
But I’ll talk about it now.
There does have to be a reason I’m still doing this, right?
I can’t hate shady blogs like bowtie that much, can I?
Well, kind of.
But the reason I do this is because of you guys who are a little different.
If you didn’t exist, I’d be gone tomorrow.
I don’t actually care what any other readers or scumbag bloggers think about me.
I only care about what you say.
Yesterday’s contest required the most “work” yet from people…
…and, as expected, I received the fewest entries.
But the question was important to me and some people cared about that.
Those readers matter to me.
They show up in different ways every day.
Every time I see a reader who seems different or exceptional in some way…I keep track of those names.
There will be a time in the not-so-distant future when I’ll send out a few special invitations.
I’ve been on the lookout for people who seem a little different.
I’ve noticed you.
You’re literally the only reason I still do this.
I’ll return the favor soon to those who have cared about giving to me, even in small ways.
I’m thankful for you.