So, the verdict is in. The secret to alleviating stress and the secret to banishing worry about the future; the secret to happiness and the secret to success; and the secret to mastering many other areas of life, are all dependant on one ability: The ability to be selfless.
Selflessness. Get this down and you’ve unlocked the elusive secret for which so many are searching.
Paradoxically we are happier when we are less in control. When we focus less on what we need and more on what we are needed for, we actually get more of what we need and less stress in the process. When we focus less on controlling our destiny and more on trusting G-d’s plan for us, worry slips away.
Happiness is almost automatic when we don’t think about what we need, rather about what we have. Success is a by-product of uncovering our purpose and mission and not concentrating on attaining success.
When we are determined to advance ourselves and remind ourselves and others about what we need, our life can be limited.
And so it continues, an unfortunate half-life plodding (and yes, sometimes prancing) through experiences and eventually ending in death.
If only we can be less selfish and more selfless, then life is more free, much richer, and infinitely more complete.
And then, life doesn’t end with death. Because our life was not defined solely by our physical abilities and accomplishments, it was much greater than that.
This was how our Matriarch Sarah lived her life. This is why this week’s Torah portion, which opens with the account of her passing, is named “The Life of Sarah.”
Her life was not limited to time and space, her life continues to this very day. You owe it to yourself to live a fuller and more complete life - by thinking less about yourself and more about what you’re needed for.
It’s a life-long journey - good luck!! :-)