I think our world is rich enough to provide everyone with a fulfilling life. I don’t think people living a fulfilling life want as much stuff: consumerism is the symptom in my view.

My guess is that we set off in the desired direction and find how far we can get. There are any number of opportunities – alternative health, organic food, urban (re-) design, working part-time instead of full-time, poverty reduction . . . on and on.

Would love to hear individuals’ comments regarding their philosophy of personal entitlement, especially as it relates to definition #3. How do you deal with someone who feels like they are “entitled” to something that they aren’t? How do you keep yourself from heading down this ugly, selfish path? Do you believe that there are entitlements that all should have? If so, what? For example, if your child is sick, are you entitled to healing medicine no matter what the cost? Are we all entitled to a good night’s sleep, a safe country, alone time, life? Are we entitled to get what we want when we want it? How do you personally balance needs and wants that you feel are personal entitlements with desires that are for selfish gain? Do our entitlements give us permission to gain what we want at the cost of others? And how do we as Americans justify these entitlements with the rest of a humanity who may not live with such freedoms? A heady subject. Would welcome your thoughts on it. Stacey?

I also completely understand Liz’s frustration with a selfish society. I think this ‘Me’ time business can quickly get out of hand. Balance is definitely key in everything we do.

Thanks for opening the doors to a thought provoking back-and-forth with your readers. Eric

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This also affects me financially as well. Last night, as an example, we had a bridal shower for one of our co-workers. We figured out how much we’d need in order to buy her a present and take her to dinner at a fairly pricey restaurant, but one we knew she’d love. At the end of the night, we came up a little short. Everyone sort of looked around and then turned to me. I sort of felt obligated to pay the rest. It wasn’t much, like $10, but I had put in my share already so I was kind of annoyed that they looked at me. One other lady did offer to throw in some cash with mine, but I declined out of obligation, despite there being no real obligation. But, we teach people how to treat us, so there you go. They expect that behavior from me and now I’ve got to break that mentality.

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Keith – Thank you for sharing your perspective. A world filled with inner abundance and giving sounds beautiful.

Jocelyn – Exactly. Enriching ourselves and others is wonderful. Diminishing our energy is not healthy.

Evelyn – I also find setting time each day for myself helps me with the chaos of motherhood. I find I’m more present (more in a state of being) with my children if I know there is also time and space in the day for me.

Jeremie – I love how you are declaring how much you value yourself. I’m seeing a common thread here that if you don’t take the time to care for yourself, then you can’t fully help and take care of others.

Corey – I hear from a lot of men that it is a lot easier for them to have me time. I also think being able to say “no” is a great example of carving out me time.

Tobi – I’d love to know if you felt more calm, relaxed, and focused after your “me” day.

Ryan – I also think paying it forward (serving) is a critical element to holistic balance.

Evan – Thank you for bringing up health. If we aren’t healthy (body, mind, and spirit) it is very difficult to give to others. I love what you said about humans being social individuals – “Care for others (love, compassion) involves the core of who we are”.

Patricia – Cheers to living life more fully and to living our best lives.

When I refer to “me” time, I am referring to acts of self care and moments to reconnect with your authentic sense of self. My definition of “me” time includes finding moments for silence & stillness each day, finding time to be focused on your dreams/passions, taking action on your dreams, connecting/socializing with others, connecting with your evolving and growing authentic sense of self, using your natural inner gifts to pay it forward, focusing on your fitness goals, and finding moments to rest & escape the daily grind.

Chris – “If I take care of myself well enough to be in a calm place, others can actually feel that for themselves” – well said! I love this second-hand benefit of self care.

Patricia – I think self nurturing is a practice. I love the idea of finding a friend to trade something for a massage. I also find that me time takes vigilance and perseverance.