Glad I wrote about focusing last week. There was a short article in the news about Generation Z Koreans abandoning the more pleasure-seeking Millennials that proceeded them and are now focusing on self-improvement. It’s being called God-saeng and roughly translates as God-life.
Apparently, they are wise enough to realize that “saving the world” or immersing themselves in a conventical or monastic life is not the way to go. They instead try to focus on the little things they can do for themselves and those immediately around them – family and friends – and/or impose more self-discipline in their daily lives.
And these can be things that in the past they didn’t do: make their bed in the morning [I confess, my bedmaking is self-serving – right before I go to bed at night and bring the dog up – I just don’t like the idea of my beagle’s behind on my pillow], drinking enough water throughout the day, or chatting pleasantly with a neighbor.
These are all self-actualizing. As much as they or we wish to stop the war in Ukraine or global warming for the whole world – if these and other battles like them, or the only ones we fought we’d be continually frustrated and most likely give up. Which would be a shame.
Instead, a healthy balance of positive actions where results can be seen is a welcome strategy. I think it’s one that anyone can implement – to whatever extent makes sense.
For example, I can resume one of my favorites now that spring is here (at least here in the Midwest we hope so). I can once again carry an extra shopping bag when I walk my dog and pick up pieces of litter that are now popping up with the crocuses. I don’t have to fill the bag every time. Maybe set a reasonable goal – four to six pieces on one or two walks. Heck, it’s a thousand percent better than none at all!
And as to be expected, there are even apps being rolled out to help track and make self-improvement a game. I’m 80, so at best I’ll just keep a tally sheet. But being 80, I’ll probably forget to write anything down anyhow. And I don’t think I’ll make tracking things part of my “little things to make life better.” But it’s worth the thought. Let’s remember that smiling and being nice to others qualifies as a little thing that is also very big.
Kudos to all for trying!! Don’t lose track of the big picture – we should never give up trying to save the world but in the meanwhile one or two little things wouldn’t hurt and may do a world of good. You never know.
______________________
Ken was a Professor of Mathematics, a ceramicist, a welder, and an IBMer until downsized in 2000. He taught yoga until COVID-19 decided otherwise. He continues writing, living with his wife and beagle in Shorewood, Wisconsin. He enjoys chamber music and mysteries. He’s a homebrewer and runs whitewater rivers. Ken is a writer and his literary works can be found at https://www.kmkbooks.com/
He welcomes feedback on his articles and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com.
Buy Me A Coffee
The Havok Journal seeks to serve as a voice of the Veteran and First Responder communities through a focus on current affairs and articles of interest to the public in general, and the veteran community in particular. We strive to offer timely, current, and informative content, with the occasional piece focused on entertainment. We are continually expanding and striving to improve the readers’ experience.
© 2024 The Havok Journal
The Havok Journal welcomes re-posting of our original content as long as it is done in compliance with our Terms of Use.