AKA Abraham Bacoln

I’ve been thinking lately. Dangerous habit, I know.

Altruism: the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others

I am aware that you know the definition of altruism but I think the dictionary defines it far better than I ever could. It’s a good word.

Recently I had the chance to help some friends move their parents (or in-laws, depending on to which half of the relationship one is referring) into a new house. I was promised a dinner if I helped with the move, but that wasn’t why I did it.

In the tiny bit I’ve explored religions it seems that the vast majority of them revolve around one tenet: the golden rule. The more I act within the bounds of “do unto others that which you would have done unto you” the happier I find myself. This isn’t me preaching to you, merely acknowledging my realization. It’s been a long time growing and it’s something with which I still struggle but for the most part I’m able to maintain this view.

I remember many years ago reading part of one of Alison’s books regarding random acts of kindness. Some of it seemed trite and saccharine but many of the suggestions rang true. I believe that book was my first introduction to the golden rule being applied in more than a passing fashion. It was an awakening for me to realize that someone out there was intentionally doing nice things for strangers and not just applying the golden rule to life’s tougher decisions.

Helping those folks move gave me more satisfaction and uplift than I had gotten in a week. Every time I passed by, sweating and straining under the weight of a dresser, they would actively thank me for my help. Every time I was thanked I felt like a million bucks. It was no big deal on my part, I can sit here and say that I had nothing better to do and it gave me some exercise. But really? I did it because helping people makes me feel so good inside.

Upon proofreading what I’ve written I can’t help but feel that this sounds rather self-serving or even egotistical. That’s not the point but instead just to write about and remember how good it feels to help others. By writing it I have to concentrate on it, and concentration helps cement it in my mind. The dinner was good, but the emotional payoff was far better.

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In other news, to give you something to talk about in the comments, I offer the following observation: my hair is driving me crazy. I said I was going to try and grow it (and my beard) out so I could be a real Abraham Lincoln this Halloween. However, I’m in that terrible in-between stage where I can’t seem to make a look of which I approve.

Do you, gentle readers, really think it’s that important to have the Lincoln hair? Or is the beard sufficient? Maybe I don’t even want to grow a beard! I can’t decide.

What I can tell you, though, is that my hair is a royal pain and I’m thinking about cutting it short again. It’s longer than it’s been in ten years (at least) and I just can’t seem to deal with it.

But! If I got through this stage I could actually grow it out some and … I don’t know. Do something interesting with it, I suppose.

So what do you think? Those of you who have seen me lately – do you think I have a chance? Or shall I further descend into dorkdom with my disastrous coiffure? WHAT SHALL I DO?!

You totally do not need the hair. The beard is sufficient. After all, Lincoln’s hair was covered that that awesome stovepipe hat.

Comment by Steven August 22, 2006 @ 4:18 pm

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hair – not important

beard – essential

not only for hard drinkin’ Lincoln, but for life in general.

Comment by Silvey August 22, 2006 @ 4:41 pm

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So what you’re saying is that you want to help me move into my house?

Comment by Biscuit August 22, 2006 @ 5:11 pm

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It is true that having the beard is more important than the hair. But I gotta say, I think the hair is looking alright. I’d like to see it keep on down the track. The other thing is, I’m not sure how an abe beard is gonna look on a (nearly) bald head. I’m voting to keep the hair going. Not for the Lincoln, but for your general wellbeing.

Comment by Jason J August 22, 2006 @ 9:09 pm

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Kevin: Well, for the record, if you think you felt like a million buck with all the gratitude (and it is much, believe me), imagine how it must feel to have a friend you haven’t seen in years show up at your doorstep to perform manual labor with nothing more than a blog post request? That’s the sort of thing that does indeed deserve much thanks (and food, too). Once again, thanks. I share your feeling that this is the sort of thing that comes back to us.

Now, on for the important things: you totally have to have the beard. As for the hair? I had to look up a photo of Lincoln just to know what you were talking about, so apparently it’s not what I remember him for.

Comment by Jason C August 23, 2006 @ 9:09 am

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oh come on. just be lazy and let it grow! you can always always cut it again afterward if you don’t like it.

Comment by mary August 23, 2006 @ 2:33 pm

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Let it grow. You’ll survive.

Comment by Rev.Hippie August 23, 2006 @ 3:48 pm

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You should just shave your whole body. Better for enjoying nice summer breezes.

I’m lying of course. You know this don’t you?

Comment by Stacie August 23, 2006 @ 5:27 pm

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Okay, I just got back from sh- WHAT? YOU WERE LYING?!

Comment by Kevin O'Mara August 23, 2006 @ 6:09 pm

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Since it’s been so long since you’ve seen it long, you should let it grow. Worst case is you don’t like it and cut it all off again. That’s my 2pence worth.

Comment by Jonathan August 24, 2006 @ 3:23 pm

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