HOME>> HABIT #5 Practice happiness...by giving and helping others
We have all been in positions of being the giver or the taker. Both positions can be a mutually beneficial way of making the world a better place. For the takers—they might get their needs or wants met. For the givers, they might reap the benefits of gratification and happiness. However, our attitudes in giving determine how much joy and gratification we experience. We might give grudgingly or because we feel pressured to give. We might be eager and cheerful to give. We might give freely and from our hearts. We might give with no strings attached. Or, we might have certain expectations and conditions in our giving. How much or how little we give or help others isn’t what determines our happiness in doing so. It’s our heart in giving that makes the difference.
It is more blessed to give than to receive. ~Acts 20:35
In this activity, we can practice happiness by choosing to give or by helping someone. We all have something we can give to others. It might be our time, money, services, attention, support, ideas, encouragement, or smile. Our giving can help someone and make them happy. Today, choose someone to whom you want to give of yourself in some way. Next, think of what you can give that person(s) with a genuinely giving attitude and no strings attached—simply because you want to do something to brighten their day.
Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.
~Og Mandino
He who praises another enriches himself far more than he does the one praised. To praise is an investment in happiness. The poorest human being has something to give that the richest could not buy. ~George Matthew Adams
A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles. ~Washington Irving
In this activity, we can practice happiness by smiling. Smiles brighten our faces and communicate kindness to others. When we smile at others, they usually smile at us in return. We don’t always need a reason to smile. We can smile because it makes us feel better. For one day, observe how often you smile and what prompted you to smile. On day 2, choose to smile more often. Smile about something you hear on the radio. Smile at you cat. Smile at a stranger. Smile at someone you know. Smile when you’re on the phone. Smile when you look in the mirror.
How much effort did it take to smile?
Was it hard? easy? natural?
What were the responses you got?
Did your smile turn to laughter?
How did it make you feel to smile?
How would you describe your experience?
Make yourself a blessing to someone. Your kind smile or pat on the back just might pull someone back from the edge.
~Carmelia Elliot
The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer someone else up. ~Mark Twain
Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, help to make earth happy. ~Julia Carney
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. ~Author Unknown
Salvation Army
Red Cross
Homeless shelters
Political organizations
Health charities
Political organization
Food drives
Save wildlife
Big Brother/Big Sister
Foster the Arts
Missionary work
Peace corps
Visit nurnsing homes
Help at hospital
Help at school
Local churches
Local charities
Make a Difference & Volunteer Your Time to Organizations that Really Need Your Help
