In the 7th verse of the Tao, the message is about living one’s life beyond the ego. I was first introduced to Freud’s concept of the ego in a College Intro to Psychology class. But it wasn’t until recently that I came to deeply understand its role in my personal life. Ever since I was little, I’ve had the idea that I wanted to help people. As I grew up, that idea was still in the back of my mind, but it was slightly overshadowed by the pursuit of my own personal success. The pursuit of “More” can be gratifying up to a certain extent. I’m realizing that there is so much more to life than attaining material wealth. Life’s real fulfillment lies in discovering who you really are and aligning that with your purpose to serve others. I had read the prayer of St Francis of Assisi growing up, but his message means so much more to me now. It encapsulates perfectly the message Lao-tzu delivers in this 7th verse, that through selfless action, fulfillment is attained.

There is someone out there who needs just what you have. It could be a smile, a hug, a poem, a song. Whatever it is, its important to understand that we're all here to help one another. By serving others to the extent that you can, watch how all of your needs become fulfilled. Each day, after thanking God for being alive to see another day, ask yourself how you can be of service for that day. Start small, one day at a time.