Yes, it was not a piece of good advice.
“Do not cross oceans for people who do not even jump a puddle for you.” When I first read this line sometime ago, a series of images flashed in my memory. I thought how true it was and I determined to think twice before I cross the ocean for anyone again.
It is then that I had a chance to consciously taste the sweetness of giving without expecting anything in return. Expectations are stones and rocks we collect in our backpacks throughout this life journey. Every time you take out something from your bag and give it to someone, you pick up some rocks ten times heavier than what you gave away and pack them inside that space. So the more you give the heavier your bags become. It hinders your pace. Then you start to lag. The slower you become the more you start to feel the weight of what you carry and you become frustrated and disappointed.
Instead, give away what you have. Do not expect a return. Do not collect rocks and stones. Then, as you go forward you will feel your burden becomes lighter. When the baggage becomes lighter you pick up the pace.
That is why we have to be ready to cross oceans for people even if we know that person will not even jump a puddle for us. Because when you have the ability to cross the ocean why would you expect anyone to jump a puddle for you? You can jump that puddle yourself because you have crossed oceans.
It is then that I realized that line of words was not actually a good piece of advice.