January 7, 2006
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What makes it so easy for people to take others for granted? This is not a complaint, merely an observation. It seems to happen to the best of us, whether we are the ones taken for granted or doing the taking. I know I've done my share of taking. Sometimes during arguments with my parents, in the heat of the moment I forget just how much they have sacrificed for me. I know I've taken for granted the time I had back then with my big brother, Jason being able to spend every waking moment with him watching anime and stuffing ourselves silly. If I had known what I know now, perhaps I wouldn't have played so many pranks on him or used him as a convenient punching bag. Looking back, it does sadden me to say that I have taken a lot of people for granted. It seemed so easy to think that things are always going to remain as they are. And the worst mistake I made was to think that people will always be around as much as they are at the moment.
I've also been on the other end, being taken for granted. One might think that this would be the short end of the stick, but I beg to differ. Yes, it sucks to be taken for granted. But it's even more sad to be the one who can't see how special someone is. Even if you never realize that you are taking someone for granted, the loss is definitely yours alone. For that person will always be special and without realizing that, you are at risk of losing what's truly beautiful-- another being's faith and trust in you.
Why really is it that "taking for granted" so commonly occurs? Is it because humans are selfish in nature? Or are the lessons learned so valuable from experiencing both ends of the spectrum? The simple truth comes from hopefully taking this wisdom into our future relationships and perhaps changing our attitude towards our current ones. So my friends, I challenge you as well as myself to take a close look at the people around you (not literally or your coworkers might think you're a perv) ... and honestly take the time to appreciate the resounding fact that they are in your life. You might be surprised at how blessed you'll feel when you actually see someone for who they are and how empty your life would be without their smile.
Comments (5)
I feel that people take others for granted not on purpose. They don’t stop to think about others or take a second out of their lives to open their eyes. I hope that you never feel that you have been taken for granted, for others should be very grateful to have you in their lives. What would my life be like without you in my life? Hummm J
what's up dude? Long time no see... and Hail to the Redskins!! what a professional looking xanga, nerd.
amen, sista. i totally feel ya.
i think i've become more aware of how precious the people in my life are, each and every day for the past year or so... more than i ever have in my entire life.
i've found that repeated acts of generosity can make even the nicest person complacent to how special 'generosity' is. You get used to it and eventually expect repeated acts of generosity, and only notice when it's not given to you, or if there's a break in the giving. I just remind myself of what's been given to me and give the utmost respect and gratitude back to those that are in my life! ok, this is getting sappy...