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| Rewards (Sept 28, 2001) Tonight I stumbled upon something I could never put into words. I�m going to give it a few tosses in the air for everyone. The quality of a person is really tough to judge and I�m not inferring that I�m an expert on the subject. Just a few thoughts. When a person is being �kind,� what are they really thinking subconsciously? Sit down and think about this� The First Level: There are those who expect some type of reward when they do something for someone. It doesn�t matter if the reward is monetary or verbal. What matters to them is that they get something from their actions. So they go out of their way to �care� when they expect a �Thank you� in return. This is also in comparison to your job. Most people don�t work because it benefits mankind. The Second Level: Here is where I sense most honest and good people lye. Their intentions are honest, beautiful and meaningful. They go out of their way to make others happy and give their lives to help everyone else out while bringing joy to everyone they encounter. But there�s a hidden catch� To themselves they feel rewarded. Although they think they aren�t getting anything in return, they are. It brings them a sense of self-satisfaction to know that they, in some way, helped the world be a better place. That�s a reward. Period. A sense of gratification is a goal, something to be reached. Why is that? The Third Level: I realized that this level existed tonight. A weird and inspiring conversation with my father brought about my recognition. This level is about those who do the same actions as the first two levels. Helping out in any way they can for the good of all. What separates them from the others is the reason why they act. Wanna know what the reason is? Let me share it with you. Why? Because� Just because� There is never an ending to the sentence because there are no expectations. It's a fine line, the feeling of a split second that creates the fine border between the Second and Third level. It�s the second that makes you pick up a hitchhiker when you know that the person could be dangerous, but you felt like they needed help. It�s from the soul. There isn�t a feeling. It just happens, and when you�re done, it�s over with. It doesn�t make you a better person in your mind if you are shown appreciation or love. You don�t notice what a reward is, in any way, shape, or form. Those are the people that truly astound me. They never understand why someone says, �Thank you.� They just say, �It�s no big deal,� and mean it. They didn�t feel like they went out of their way to help out like on the second level. You or I can�t learn it in school� I don�t think it is a learnable trait. The Fourth Level: It's Kinda hard to explain in words. It�s mostly comparable to the exchange of smiles between two people or with your pet. Neither one of you know that you are helping the other out with a simple smile. What�s different is that both of you are blind to the fact that the other person�s smiled helped you. No one notices any benefits. It�s pure kindness. |
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