Let me first say that I realize there are a ton of articles, opinions and psychological explanations out there about this topic. Feel free to peruse those at your leisure. What I am going to share in this post is simply how it was explained to me many years ago and how it has impacted my life.
Think about the "happiest" people you know… what do you think makes them happy?
Think about your own happiness… if you are happy, GREAT! If you are not, what is missing in your life compared to those "happy" people you thought about a moment ago?
In the pursuit of happiness, am I focused on ME or am I focused on OTHERS?
The happiest people I know are those who are OTHERS focused. Looking for ways to serve, add value and give back to those who may be in need.
What this is saying, is that should you find yourself in a funk, a little depressed or feeling stuck in a rut… go find someone to do something for. Serve them in some capacity, with no expectations for repayment or recognition. Simply serve them.
What happens? 2 people become happy! They do, because you fulfilled a need in their life at that moment and YOU do because you helped someone.
CAUTION: I am not promoting people pleasing and codependency! Just like with anything, too much can create unhealthy habits and turn something GOOD into something BAD.
This also does not mean that you should ignore or neglect yourself in this. In fact, it's the exact opposite! How much more motivated are you going to be to show some self love, when you feel happy about who you are, where you are and what you are up to?
Who wrote this? Paul the Apostle around AD 49. The above excerpt comes from The Message translation.
It always affirms me when I realize just how much of "how to do life" has been written and available to all of us for millenia.
Awesome words – thanks for sharing. Something I'm trying to do lately. It can be easy to get down on yourself and your situation. I'm loving the opportunity to reach out to help and encourage others. Doing my best to be salt and light!
Good lesson that we all can learn from! Open your hearts to everyone and see how you are blessed! Each day we are given many opportunities to help someone! A smile can bring joy to both the "smiler" and "smile," a compliment, a "no reason at all" gift, baking one's favorite cookies—there are SO many ways to take the ME and turn it into YOU! Live your life for others and follow God in all you do! YOU will be rewarded!