Are You Being Served

When my mum passed away in Ayr, I had time of work to arrange affairs.  It was done quicker that thought so when I came back to Brisbane, I still had several days leave.  I ended up forgoing the days off and heading back to work.
There was a simple reason for that.  I just did not think the time alone would do me any good.  I wanted people around.  I wanted to serve the way I knew.  I felt that would (and it did) take my mind off my grief.  Grieving was legitimate but there comes a time when it is counter productive.
I have seen people withdraw as a result of unforeseen difficult circumstances, or the pursuing of lifestyles that were not good – lifestyles that caught up with a person (like what seems to happen to a number of celebrities.  That is, success gives access to sex and drugs.  The excessive life-style costs.)
This ties into what I have been thinking about the last few days.  The value of serving.  One obvious benefit is that it takes the mind of excessively considering only oneself.  There is nothing like serving another and ensuring their needs are met to snap a person out of self- pity.
I will always recommend the caring for another as therapy.  My experience is that in serving another my difficulties take on realistic proportions.  I will never advocate not going through the necessary stages, but in my mind there can come a time that spending an un-necessary amount of time thinking about oneself is unhealthy.
As most know we run a market several times a month.  Our prices are ridiculously low.  But there is a method to our madness.  Not only do any proceeds go to our food pantry - what we do brings joy to many.  What is generally out of reach is within reach.  Instead of thinking “I can’t” many think “I can.”  That mindset inspires optimism rather than negativity.
It may be a cliché but that is so win/win.  Everyone benefits.  One of the most impactful benefits for me is the taking my mind off myself and serving others.  I know it is healthy.