Be a Do-Gooder

Some more thoughts on doing good

In addition to learning to not do unto others “that which is hateful to you”, don’t let what was done unto you lead you to anger.  If it leads you to anger, you will at best be stuck where you are.

“Anger begins with madness and ends with regret.” – Ben Hamelech V’Hanazir

Instead be thankful for “that which is hateful to you”, being done unto you.  Thankful for the lesson it can teach you.  If everything happens for a reason, and it does, then what was done to you, is a lesson of what not to do to others.  If you are open to the lesson and use it, you will begin doing good or saying a good more often.

Think of a situation where you treated someone in a way that was good, kind, or helpful that was a result of your remembering the opposite being done to you.  Would you have done the good without the lesson.

“Experience is the best teacher, and the worst experiences teach the best lessons.” – Unknown

“The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” – Tom Bodett

Then there are the unintendeds or unexpecteds of whatever we say or do.

When we do or say good, the unintendeds or unexpecteds will be more good for the initial recipient, you, and/or others.

When we do or say not so good, there are the consequences, which are not good.  The consequences, which you may think are unintended, shouldn’t be unexpected.  These unintended negative consequences will affect the initial recipient, you, and/or others, but obviously not in a good way.

Remembering this should help you in doing and saying good all the time.  Wouldn’t that be good.

With practice and more practice you will eventually do good simply because it’s good.

Then you will be following Maimonides advice

“do what is right because it is right”

Heart and Soul