I read the great thread on bucket list and thought, I am so lucky to be doing the things I have, before I am older, retired, kids are grown or mortgage is paid off. Vacations are a priority. I cry like a baby about buying the $1 item in the 99 cent store but in the same breath will book a vacation at $$$ per day or be away from home, several times per year.

I can't help but feeling a bit guilty that I am close to so many people who could use my help, not out of greed (many of those too) but need. Not so much in Jamaica but here in the US. This feeling in some ways dampens the experience.

i used to feel guilty, thank god i'm over it!!!

here in canada, we all have equal opportunities, i work two jobs while some of the ppl who need my help work just enough to survive. sooo, we reap what we sew(sp?). . . . no, i don't feel guilty.

the moral of the story is, we should enjoy what we work for. period. can't save the whole world. i do what i can for those that REALLY need it and can't do for themselves.

I don't feel guilty. I feel responsibility.

But I took Bodhisattava vows as part of my discipleship to Shaolin so I assume that and chose to live life that way.

Also, I adhere to the teachings of Yashua, in particular "If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me."

We did not create this system of exploitation by which we enjoy our fabulous lives - in comparison to many - and we do not control the circumstances of our birth which allow us to lead such lives of privilege whereas so many other sentient beings suffer- and many of "us" do too! - but we can all do a small or greater part to fight against it and change it where we can.