stealing

It’s often said that the best things in life are free. This is arguably a true statement. However, they’re free because we take them.  We take them each and every day and we do so while taking them for granted. And all too often we take them without any intention of ever returning them; stealing. We’ve all done it, I’ll prove it.

Hugs

How often have you taken hugs, but do not give them back with the same sense of sincerity in return? Even worse, how many times have you pushed someone away when all they needed was a hug? Maybe it’s because of a recent fight with your partner over a recent purchase without consulting one another, or over a particular incident at work that adversely affects your family.

Friends and Family

How often do you take your friends and family for granted? Even worse, how often do you lose a friend because they forgot your birthday, or you become estranged from a family member over something trivial that happened at the last reunion?

Smiles

How many smiles are brought to your face without sharing one back in return? Even worse, how many have you removed and turned into frowns because of something you’ve recently said or did/didn’t do?

Sleep

Ah, sleep. I could do with some catching up myself. Did you sleep in today? Great. I’m glad you’re all caught up. Now, that in mind, how often do you take sleep for granted? Even worse, how many hours of sleep have you stolen from your loved ones because they were worried sick? Perhaps it was due to something you promised you’d do or stated you would never do again. Perhaps you lost track of keeping better control over your anger, or you drove home drunk again after making a promise that you never would, only to have an officer ring the doorbell to your parents bringing your mother to tears while you’re sitting selfishly handcuffed in the back of the cruiser.

Laughter 

How many laughs have you had without offering a reason for others to do the same? Even worse, how many have you prevented, or had them replaced with cries of fear or sadness? Maybe it was because you weren’t there for that friend when they needed you most, or because you’ve broken another promise to your partner after swearing it was the last time you would bring up a past argument.

Happy Memories

How many happy memories have you been a part of, without helping to create any by your own accord? Even worse, how many have you destroyed, and how many dark memories have you added in their place? Perhaps it was because a loved one found out you’re “using” again, or you lost yet another job due to your poor attitude.

Love

How much love is given to you each and every day without you giving even the smallest amount in return? Even worse, how often do you ignore it, or respond with hatred or envy instead? Perhaps it’s because your ex just broke your heart, and you decide to fill that huge hole in your heart with hatred, or your friend who sent you a photo showing off their engagement ring and you have only envy to offer because they now have something that you don’t.

Is that enough proof? So you see, we all steal. We have all stolen at least one of these items at best. Even worse, we have all tried to barter with their polar opposites. You want to live a full and meaningful life? Stop stealing, and start giving.

Give out more hugs. Spend more time with you friends and family. Give more reasons for people to wear a smile.  Stop making your loved ones lose sleep on your behalf. Be a positive light so you can add more laughter to the room, creating more memories in the process. Do all of these things with love. You’ll be one of the wealthiest individuals in the world if you do. And it won’t even cost you anything to do it. The best things in life may be free, but that’s only because there’s enough to go around.