We all somewhat desire something of value and worthwhile out of our lives, to have experienced a life worthy of being lived, a life that comes with fulfillment. But such a life requires more than what many may assume.
For anything worthwhile and meaningful, there has to be something being sacrificed for it. Nothing of value ever comes to fruition without some form of sacrifice.
In many African cultures, for example, there are customs and rituals that decree that for one to have that which they desire, they must sacrifice something. Which mainly involves sacrificing an animal. The literal slaughtering of a cow, goat, sheep, chicken, and others.
Those sacrifices are said to be what will bring the 'blessing' you may be in need of. They would be a vehicle to open a clear path for you to connect to your ancestors or whatever you believe in to guide you into acquiring whatever you desire - something that is of significance to you.
The same applies in every other facet of life. Anything of significance requires a form of sacrifice.
But for the betterment, development, and growth of one's personal and professional life, self-sacrifice is the main prerequisite.
It is the start of all things before they become things.
If you want to be the best at something, like at playing a musical instrument. You have to sacrifice time spent with friends and doing other activities to practice perfecting that instrument.
Or if you want to be the best parent to your kids, you may have to sacrifice that overtime at work that comes with extra financial remuneration to spend more time with your children. Meaning you sacrifice money for the value you desire. To be the best to your family.
The bottom line is, all that which you would be sacrificing for would be of significant meaning and value to you.
I always encounter people saying things with their words but their actions say something different.
They desire things of high value without the will to sacrifice for those things. Either ignoring or not understanding the fact that self-sacrifice is the prerequisite to acquiring whatever they wish.
Be it personal growth, financial gain, material possessions, or healthy relationships. The will to self-sacrifice is the first step before the cliche, "hard work".
There is a cost to everything. You always must give up something to have what you want. That is if you REALLY want it.
It is foolish to expect to acquire something of value, meaningful, and important to you without paying the cost for it.
The cost will come in the form of sacrificing the things you enjoy, sacrificing some money you have, sacrificing potential financial gains, sacrificing time spent with family, and many others. In all of these sacrifices, voluntary self-sacrifice is at the core of them all. Because you would essentially be denying yourself the things you love and enjoy for the greater good of your life's journey.
Sacrifice instant gratification for the long-term fruitful benefits.
Always remember, for everything you choose to do or get, you are simultaneously choosing not to do, or get something else.
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