"I am not entitled to anything" was the response from a man who planned to submit a job application. I had asked him how he intended to protect his body, mind and spirit if the position was offered to another person. It was the first time I had heard those words put together in one sentence. And now I recall them every day.

There are many attitudes and behaviours in our communities that make me think we live in the Entitled Age. But what if it's not all about me after all-wouldn't that be a seismic shift! This prompted me to think about what I am really entitled to on this earth. Actually it's very little. There are lots of things I would like and wish I was entitled to. Then there are quite a few favours I believe I am entitled to. Yes well, good luck with that, old boy.

In saying, "I am not entitled to anything" this man gave concise, eloquent expression to his values for living this life and the next. This is a spotlight statement. It shines a searing light on what really matters in any reader's or hearer's life. And people with chronic conditions can eventually come to terms with this truth. Don't be too surprised if it takes longer than half a day to embrace this life-lesson. For most of us it takes the whole of life. And the way things are right now, it's more important than ever.