Serviam.

Generally, everything moderately successful that's been invented has been patented with the goal of making life easier. That's what we humans naturally gear towards. Nobody in their right mind makes toast with a Bunsen burner if there were a toaster right beside them.

Meanwhile it's so much easier to go around Piccadilly shopping and touring yourself. But at the same time it's so easy to get caught in selfishness in such a situation because you're not constantly thinking of the other's wants or needs. Whether they're hungry, they even like this shop or not, what they think of you when you take forever in the change rooms with a huge pile and end up buying nothing, etc.

I started the day early with few hours sleep but went to morning Mass and prepared myself with a bit of coffee. I'd planned to make this a good day this time. No snapping or swearing. Patience was the theme of the day. Even though we have completely different tastes in fashion, remember Rochelle that you're not in Europe to shop anyway. Just accompany quietly and compliment. Better yet, laugh, ask questions, be enthusiastic! Don't get caught sitting around with earphones again (though you may do so when she's safely out of sight). This is so good for me.

Say sorry more. Change the subject when you see where it's heading. Drop the argument. Avoid conflict! Place less importance on your opinion unless it's to do with ethical/moral/doctrinal matters, and even then proceed with caution. Leave gossip and crude conversations promptly.

I came across this sign outside a restaurant today. But what if you do just a little bit less of what makes you happy, and more of what makes others happy? You'll ironically find yourself happier. I remember this idea being outright rejected in a psych tutorial once when we were discussing treatments in how to grow in modesty/humility. Too depressing, they said. The Christian way of life sees happiness where others sometimes see unnecessary pain. These little deeds, these sacrifices, could appear outwardly masochistic ("to the untrained eye", hah). But for me masochistic means that pleasure is derived from the experiencing of suffering, and this should never be the case. The mere intention of making it supernatural means that these deeds couldn't be further from the definition of masochism, because a supernatural intention completely changes the meaning of the suffering, and makes it something truly worthwhile and even useful.