Then What

"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light." - Albert Schweitzer

There are varying levels of 'anguish' or 'turmoil' in each of our lives. I refer to a myriad of issues that could be going on in our daily struggle to exist. It could be someone struggling with alcoholism, trying as he might to break from its hold of his life. There are other forms of addiction that affect people from alcohol and drugs to criminal behaviors which all tear a person's life apart.

Many times this way of life is a 'me' oriented journey. And for those that choose to put their lives in order will find the going tough. It is not an easy journey.

But when the decision is made to change...then what?

Your addiction is treated, handled, put under control and those basic needs in life become evident again. In example, finding a job enters back in as a need for your life. You re-educate yourself so that you can enter the work place. Finding a job that will enable you to afford a place to live, food to eat and some glimpse of a future...then what?

As time passes, you become a model work place employee. You meet someone nice and start to develop a relationship. You might even establish your religious faith again. The motion of life seems to be in order, all is going well...then what?

Even from the most messed up lives, we can achieve a level of stability in which we become comfortable. It is in this comfort that we risk developing our 'me-oriented' thoughts. But you need to keep asking yourself...then what?

The 'then what' is turning your life from 'me' to 'others'.

The 'others' are those we extend a helping hand to. The 'others' are those that need your help is bringing order to their own lives. If it were not for 'others', your own life could not have been brought back from where it was. We turn our attention to serving and helping others where we can.

As my friend Dean Sweetman has said, "Do not help people by making them into a project. Help people by loving them with a sincere concern for their well being."

Then what?

When you release yourself from a 'me-centered' life, good things will flow back into your life in unexpected ways. There will always be the "...then what" in our lives which is simply a call from your heart to do more. Find your life and then turn your goodness outward.

Stay inspired my friends!