In designing the following model for explaining one of the major conflicts between the energy and time we devote to ourself and others. The model includes two expanding and Increasing circles based on the daily choices we make. The inner circle which represents the self and self-centered desires and the outer circle (margin) which represents others.

From our beginning we cry out to meet our own needs and continue throughout our lives to seek and find the things that satisfy our needs and wants and feed our appetites. Immediate and self gratification occupy our thoughts. By our nature we are all selfish.
Some have a larger inner circle that is larger than others while others increase their outer circle as they extend themselves through listening, caring, and service toward others thus “enlarging the margin”.
It depends on our awareness and needs of others, a reflection of our maturity to become less self centered and more focused on others needs. A large part of our personal identity comes from focus on others and through relationships.
By decreasing the inner circle of Self-Centered indulgence and focusing on others we gain new insights about ourselves and growth occurs. Ethics equals others!

There is also the growing perception that we can overindulge in ourselves that we ultimately lose in life. “Service is the rent we pay for our life on earth!” Our goal as an individual, a group, or an organization or family is to enlarge the margin!

I’ve put together a “Video Connection” that is presented in my 3 Unit Graduate Professional Development course “Value Driven” The Core Ethical Values that define and Ignite us!!! When you show the video to your your students  it provides a really responsive discussion and greatly helps in getting kids focused on others. 
Gene Bedley , Learning Behavior Strategist

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