I feel guilty for leading a privileged/luxury laden life. Should I be happy and indulge or focus elsewhere?

Question

I had a pretty hard life, moved around many times, gotten sick and still deal with things such as asthma, but I finally ended up succeeding enough and living with a person who's also well off that I can finally just lay back, relax a bit, and enjoy life. But...the amount of excess is startling.

I can literally do nothing if I wanted to, go to spas, bathe in luxurious products, skin care, whatever, hair care, get plastic surgery if I wanted to, buy the best clothes, nice car, go to music concerts,

literally lead the life,

and I've done a few of those things,

but instead of being happy and content, I found myself feeling really guilty and disguisted.

This world is in a horrible state and there is just so much going on. When I step outside of my save and higher class town, which gives you the illusion that its all good,

I see many poorer towns where people are miserable, scr8w with each other all day long, drugs are rampant, and it's just so bad, and then I think to myself, HOW THE HECK can I even drive BY these bad towns, in my pampered butt, and just feel good about it?

I can't. However, then again, that's what most people do. They don't care. It's all about themselves and success.

I just can't be like that.

I'm not sure.

I don't exactly want to chastisise myself from living a good life, especially if I've earned it,

and it's not like I'm a billionaire like Bill Gates,

but since most people live paycheck to paycheck and have it somewhat hard to a degree, and I don't,

that makes me feel a bit guilty, like people will hate on me or respect me less because I don't have to face life like they do.

I don't know.

How do I feel good about this?

:sigh:

It's like, I love this stuff but at the same time hatemyself for loving it.

Answer 1

Luke,

I think that you are on the right path by putting away the denial that many people have.  You are in a position to help someone else whenever you decide you want to.  There are so many causes in the world that you can only do a little.  Even Bill and Melinda Gates are still billionaires after starting their foundation.

Make a list of what world problems really bother you the most and then decide what YOU can do to help fix one of the items just a little.  If it doesn't feel right then go to another item.

Paul

  

Answer 2

I like to enjoy my life but also to give back. You shouldn't feel guilty for having more but I think that giving can make you even happier sometimes. I do a lot of charitable little things and the feeling you get is waaay better than buying something for yourself.

Enjoy, live, be happy! It's great that you're experiencing empathy and you need to use it to your advantage. Volunteer some time or money to help someone else smile.

Answer 3

Why can't you do some of both? Enjoy what you have but stay aware of reality and turn your focus to helping others sometimes.

Answer 4

You're neither responsible for the state of the world, nor are you capable of changing it (It is the height of arrogance to presume you're that important).

The world was a mess long before you were born, and will continue to be so long after you are gone. Do whatever makes you happy; If that is helping others, then help others. If that is enjoying the luxuries you mentioned, then go with that. The only person you are responsible for, and whose actions you can account for are your own.  

Answer 5

Find a balance. Its okay to enjoy what you have. It doesn't mean you have to ignore whats going on around you. You can find ways to support the issues that bother you, weather it be financially, emotionally, or physical. I know of many charities that need physical help, not just monetary help, if that's what you need. Go build homes for the less fortunate. The point is if you are blessed to have more than you need, then be grateful, enjoy it, but dont forget about your values.

Answer 6

well if it would make youi feel better about yourself and the worls we live in feel free to send me a chaque. its very poor in my house. and a big fat cheque would eas the pressure, and no doubt make you feel better.

let me know what you decide. xx

Answer 7

There is absolutely nothing to be gained by feeling guilty for what you have or what you have achieved.  Try replacing that guilt with gratitude.  Be thankful that you have been able to succeed.  Your success has not been at the expense of others.  So when you see others who are less fortunate, let that be a signal to feel grateful.

You can do much good in the world in very simple ways.  You don't have to dedicate your life to some great cause or make huge sacrifices in order to make the world a better place.  Start out with assuming an attitude of kindness.  Being kind to people is one of the easiest ways to do "good works."  Putting positive energy into the world makes the world a better place.  And the bonus is, that in doing so, you often reap benefits.  The positive energy comes back to you.

If you decide at some point that you want to do something in a larger way that is going to help others, more power to you.  But do that because it is something you genuinely want to do - not because you feel guilty.

All the best to you!

Answer 8

Do charity work, maybe hand out food or teach these people how to improve themselves.