Valuing life...

My title says quite a lot in just two easy words. I've been having thoughts about prioritizing and placing value on many of the different aspects of my life. There are many things like family that are truly priceless but even priceless things need prioritizing or they can go from the abuse end of the spectrum to the neglected end. Many times when I evaluate my life I get a picture of how truly selfish I can be. It's not pretty. I'm all for giving and serving the ones I love but somewhere I require giving and serving myself.  We often label it as being selfish but I tend to think even that takes more evaluation. I classify something as selfish when it directly benefits me with no future benefit to those I am committed to. Let's take fishing for example. I am the only one in my house who enjoys fish. I love to fly fish because it gives me a chance to turn off my brain regarding everything I am dealing with at the time. I can focus on my location, and all the details required to present a proper bait, set the hook, land and admire each fish. It is a time of refreshing for me. I can reflect on the activity and by the time I return to my chaotic life I have a different perspective on most everything I have to deal with. My point is what may appear to be a selfish act actually benefits those around me because my attitude is better, my outlook a little fresher, my patience much longer and several other things. Ultimately most of the things and people in my life indirectly benefit from this simple activity. The opposite, and this really applies only in my life, if it is reflective of yours it isn't by intent on my part would be simply picking a movie I like that no one else can tolerate and snubbing my nose at them not giving them any choice. Not much benefit in this, while I try to watch the movie thee nagging really gets intense. Unlike fishing a movie invades their immediate space and infringes on what's best for family peace. Therefore my stress level increases due to the nagging and everything gets worse, short temper, no patience, harsh words, etc. Just so you know I experience both emotions when they turn on "housewives of wherever...". I start nagging, talking lad, expressing the total useless value presented by those shows.
I know this is a really simple passage about valuing life but I think you get the picture, now go apply it to every situation that has the opportunity to appear selfish.
It's really about finding and staying happy through all the stages of life which includes getting along with others and trying to help them be happy along the way.
Enjoy!
It would sure be nice if somebody would comment once in a while, I'm not even sure the comments button works! Have fun!