Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the bigger picture. I’ve been doing this because college has done something to me that I never thought possible. College has turned me into a victim. A self-absorbed, conceited person. I’m sure some of you can relate. Since we came to college, our focus has been on our agenda as individuals. Our eyes are on the prize: the day we will walk across that stage and accept the piece of paper we have labored so hard to receive.

It wasn’t until this year, my junior year, that I realized I had been looking so intently toward my future, that I had been blinded from observing what was going on around me.

This rude awakening has shown me that there is so much more to this life than just me. I am nothing more than a grain of sand on this beach we call life. Starting now, I want to be more selfless.

If you find yourself feeling the same way, here are just a few ways you can join me.

First of all, we must constantly remind ourselves: “It is not all about me.” Before you go off starting a fight with your roommate about how many times you have loaded the dishwasher or taken out the trash in the past week, maybe consider what he/she is going through right now. They might have a lot more on their plate than you realize.

Second, remember that selfless acts do not always need to be recognized. Sometimes we decide to do something nice for someone and expect a trophy and a plaque with our name on it, but that is so wrong.

Often times, the greatest reward for an act of kindness is the personal gratification we receive from the happiness of others.

Third, remind yourself that your time is of no more value than the next person’s. So, next time you are in a long line at the grocery store and the little old lady in front of you is taking what seems like centuries to count out a few dimes, be patient.

Her time is just as precious as yours and the two people behind you.

Finally, never hold a grudge. Holding a grudge will always, always result in damaging yourself more as a person.

It does not change what happened and will most likely hurt you more than it hurts the other person.

We must learn to forgive and forget. My advice to you is make things right and then let it go.

Of course, being selfless is much easier said than done. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. In the end, it’s all about perspective.

Are you looking at things the way you see them or are you looking at the bigger picture?

Take the time to focus on others and I promise, it will be more rewarding than a self-centered state of mind.