Yes, giving to others is a gift to ourselves. Yes, seeing the joy of others is one of the most self satisfying thing one can see. Yes, smiles are contagious.
When I think back on the happiest moments in my life, beyond the birth of my children (happy labour was over but also I had a healthy beautiful baby) and grandchildren (I was blessed to be there for both births), the other happiest moments were when I was able to do something wonderful for someone. Whether it was a stranger I bought dinner for when he clearly could not afford it, or introducing two good friends together and then they fell in love, or buying a special gift for a loved one, it gave me such tremendous joy that still stay with me, years later.
Through various sources of media, I have read so many stories of love. The Brampton Ontario man who bought dinner for a couple who reminded him of himself and his wife who had passed away just the week before, Sam Bern who LIVED love and empowerment or Shemar Moore,who, despite his fame and very handsome looks, puts so much focus on his mom. and fighting MS which she lives with.. These people have figured out about giving, about love and about gratitude. I feel so blessed when I can give to someone else. Whether it is connecting two people or helping guide someone to a better place, I cannot imagine feeling happier, at least until I have more grandchildren.
Life holds challenges for everyone. Most people have bad memories. Some are worse than others but when living n those terrible, scarey, lonely moments, they are the worse thing possible. I am sympathetic to pain and what the past can hold over your present. I also know that five minutes ago, five years ago and fifty years ago are all in the past tense. They do not define my future or even my present. They do not define WHO I AM. They are things that have helped mold me into a stronger, more stubborn and more grateful person. I know what is truly important and what matters. I know that putting a smile on a person’s face, a skip in their step or replacing a bad memory with a good one will always be the best thing i can do for me.
Do something nice for someone, then comment here an tell me about it.
For help finding your joy, contact me at andrea@unleashtheknow.com
UnLeash the KNOW 