Focus Groups
posted in General |One of my (oh so long ago, thanks Auntie A) college professors lead a discussion on “spheres of responsibility.” That is, he was consciously, gradually, increasing what he took credit for, or worked to prevent tragedy within. First, himself and what he could reach, then within his house, then within his office and classes, then … well, you get the idea. This mirrors another discussion I’ve had about securities; as someone becomes more and more secure, they’re concerned about a wider assortment of things. For instance, a person might worry about rent and food. If rent and food is covered, then perhaps clothes. If clothes are covered, perhaps eating out once in a while.
The general trend is … once you have basic stuff covered, you can worry about other threats. But don’t worry about other threats until your basic stuff is covered. I sort of explained that to a friend recently who had to move; I’m worried about money and a job, and all that rot, it’s hard for me to think about helping someone move.
That’s been challenged recently. Someone very close to me has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Yeah, the C word. It adds to my stress level. It’s outside my sphere of worry; I’m not comfortable yet to worry outside my life and the lives of my wife and children. But on the other hand, it’s definately a worry. I can’t do anything to help the issue, other than send my good vibes to her. I know it’s out of my hands, but it’s on the horizon of my sphere of stress.
