The western world is known for its individualism, and though encouraged and culturally celebrated, it's often also compared to the eastern culture's collective, which is often considered 'better' and more helpful than the selfish individual of the west. I disagree with such simple distinctions. A collective mentality brings heartache and mental health issues aligned with individualism. It's not the collective or the individual that's the problem, it's the values at play that can cause hurt. Individualism doesn't translate into egocentrism or selfishness. You can put yourself first, and you can focus largely on yourself, but part of this self, this focus, could be to give to charity, volunteer, be kind, spread compassion and to try to improve one's community. Thinking of others first, and putting the collective ahead of yourself can cause depression, anxiety, and fear of failing one's tribe and lead to suicide to avoid disgrace or losing face; it can lead to erasing any sense of self, shutting down individual creativity and thinking outside of the box to invent new and better ways of living, for ourselves as well as the greater good. There are cultural norms but there is also individual responsibility for how you choose to show up in this world and live your best life. What are your values and do they serve more than yourself without diminishing the importance of you? What's the story you’re telling yourself, and is it helpful or hindering?
Remember though, with whatever you read online, take what you like and leave the rest because it's your life and, therefore, your choice of how to live it. After all, this is the Manual of YOU! Until next time, take care, stay safe - and sane - make kind choices and stay flawsome! Don’t forget, you’re fucking brilliant! (This was written by a human – a dyslexic one at that! Yay!) #CultureOfImperfection #GenerousContribution #RadicalKindness #EthicalLiving #ConnectingCommunities #ReframingNarratives #TheManualOfYou #YourLifeYourChoice
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