The notion of “sacrifice” is oft unheard of in today’s society. Giving up, or intentionally delaying something pleasurable for a greater good or purpose, doesn’t quite make the front page headlines, or impress most friends. But the act of engaging in delayed gratification or giving something up does build our self-esteem and speak loudly to our soul.
Former Newark mayor and 2013 elected Senator, Cory A. Booker, illustrated this when he chose, after everything else failed, to fast from food in an effort to break illegal drug trafficking in his district’s neighborhood surrounding poor high-rise projects. Twelve large men, correctional officers from a nearby facility, showed up to protect him from the anger, stones, sticks, food, and feces thrown at his tent the first night. The result…after two weeks of fasting, hundreds of people from all walks of life came together to take their city back…citizens with imams, rabbis, priests, and ministers prayed for peace and activated a plan to improve their neighborhood.
Cory’s act of delayed gratification resulted in great good. When we positively influence others, our self-esteem rises.
Does fasting or sacrificing build self-esteem? Try it and let us know what you think.
