Sacrifice or martyrdom?

March 28, 2023

It feels righteous to put others’ needs above our own. But if you value the happiness & comfort of others above that of your own are you really servingthem? Portraying martyrdom as sacrifice is the most selfish act. Put yourself first and give the world the best version of you.

We love to sacrifice. But do we really do it for others? Or is it to play a role that we know and feel safe in?

If a lion attacks your family and you choose to fight it off as your kids escape, that’s sacrifice. But most of you are at the zoo and jumping into the lion’s den while yelling “save yourself”.

Throwing yourself into chaos while no one is at danger is not serving anyone. That’s why the desperation and exasperation and surprise so often falls on deaf ears; you’ve done it to yourself. You’ve created your own struggle for the praise and thanks of others.

If you truly want to serve those around you, if you truly want to sacrifice, spend that same effort on becoming the best version of you. Give them your true self, free from pretense & expectation. And see the difference between feeling like a leader vs falling into victimhood.

Author

Jeb Johnston

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